2026-2027_Community_Grants_RFP_9.23.26.pdf

SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN,

YOUTH & THEIR FAMILIES

2026-2027 COMMUNITY GRANTS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP ISSUED INTENT TO APPLY DUE PROPOSALS DUE AWARDS ANNOUNCED

SEP 23, 2026 OCT 16, 2026 AT 5PM DEC 2, 2026 AT 5PM JAN 25, 2027

SOURCING EVENT ID: # 0000012105

View this RFP on the City’s Supplier Portal at: https://sfcitypartner.sfgov.org/pages/index.aspx https://sfcitypartner.sfgov.org/pages/index.aspx

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Their Families (DCYF) acknowledges that it carries out its work on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone, the original inhabitants and stewards of the San Francisco Peninsula. As the government agency that stewards the Children and Youth Fund, we accept the responsibility that comes with resources derived from property taxes upon unceded and colonized land. We recognize the history and legacy of the Ramaytush Ohlone as integral to how we strive to make San Francisco a great place for life to thrive and children to grow up.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION

FUNDING TERMS

RFP TIMELINE AND IMPORTANT ELEMENTS

APPLYING TO THIS RFP

USING DCYF’S ONLINE RFP SYSTEM

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL FUNDED PROGRAMS

EVALUATION, RANKING & AWARDS

COMPREHENSIVE YEAR-ROUND & SUMMER LEARNING

RESOURCE NAVIGATION & SERVICE CONNECTION

APPENDIX A: VERIFICATION OF EXPERIENCE LETTER TEMPLATE

APPENDIX B: EXAMPLE GRANT AGREEMENT G-100 (3-26)

GENERAL INFORMATION

ABOUT DCYF

Since 1991, the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families (DCYF) has administered San Francisco’s powerful investments in children, youth, transitional age youth and young adults (TAY/A) and their families through the Children & Youth Fund. Our work brings together City agencies, schools and community‐based organizations (CBOs) to help the City’s youth and families lead lives full of opportunity and happiness. DCYF and our partners have a proud history of funding high quality, culturally relevant and empowering services with a deep commitment to advancing equity and healing trauma.

OUR VISION

DCYF envisions a strong San Francisco where all young people are supported by nurturing families and communities, physically and emotionally healthy, ready to learn and succeed in school and ready for college, work, and productive adulthood.

OUR FOUNDATION

Our work is supported by four Strategic Pillars that reflect our core beliefs about how we must operate to achieve the outcomes we seek for children, youth, TAY/A and their families.

• Strategic Funding: we seek to address inequities in access and opportunity, to promote practice- and research-informed programs and to seed innovation

• Quality Services: we support high quality programs and strong community-based organizations to promote positive outcomes.

• Engagement With San Francisco’s Communities: we use young people and their families’ voices to set funding priorities, and we are present in neighborhoods across San Francisco.

• Collaborative Partnerships: we work with city stakeholders to set funding priorities, practices, and policies.

OUR PLANNING CYCLE

DCYF operates according to a five-year funding cycle that includes three major planning phases that are grounded in equity. The cycle begins with the Community Needs Assessment (CNA). The CNA is a citywide community input process that deeply engages community members to understand their current strengths and challenges while ensuring that their voices are represented throughout the planning process.

The Services Allocation Plan (SAP) is the second phase of the planning cycle. The SAP articulates DCYF’s strategic plan for addressing the needs and disparities highlighted in the CNA, describes the service areas and partnerships we intend to support and allocates resources to them. DCYF’s approach for developing the SAP includes a strong focus on collaborative partnerships with City agencies and the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) to increase the impact of the services we support.

The third and final phase of the planning cycle, DCYF’s Request for Proposals (RFP) and subsequent awards of five-year direct service grants, is the competitive funding process used to select the CBOs who will implement the services outlined in the SAP. Our RFP is designed to set the structure for services that will respond to the findings in the CNA by establishing funding requirements and identifying target populations. The RFP process is also designed to ensure that CBOs capable of providing high-quality, culturally responsive services are prioritized. The RFP process culminates with the selection of a portfolio of grantees to implement services in the new funding cycle.

https://www.sf.gov/reports/january-2022/dcyf-community-needs-assessment https://www.sf.gov/reports/april-2023/dcyf-services-allocation-plan https://www.sf.gov/resource/2024/dcyf-request-proposals

FUNDING TERMS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The 2026-2027 Community Grants RFP includes up to $1.74M in total available funding per year for up to seven grants for the period from April 1, 2027 through June 30, 2029. This funding must be used for the specific program purposes outlined in this RFP. Funding awards are subject to the availability of funds and grant terms. The tables below provide an overview of the grants available through this RFP.

RESULT: CHILDREN & YOUTH ARE READY TO LEARN & SUCCEED IN SCHOOL

Service Area: Out of School Time

STRATEGY GRANT - REQUIRED

PROGRAM LOCATION

REQUIRED

PROGRAM PERIOD

ANNUAL

ALLOCATION

NUMBER

OF GRANTS

Comprehensive Year-Round & Summer Learning

District 5 - Ella Hill Hutch Community Center

Summer Only Up to $225K 1

Comprehensive Year-Round & Summer Learning

District 5 Year Round Up to $700K Up to 3

RESULT: CHILDREN & YOUTH ARE SUPPORTED BY NURTURING FAMILIES & COMMUNITIES

Service Area: Outreach & Access

STRATEGY GRANT – REQUIRED PROGRAM FOCUS ANNUAL

ALLOCATION

NUMBER

OF GRANTS

Resource Navigation & Service Connection

District 9 – Family Navigation & Connection Up to $665K 1

Resource Navigation & Service Connection

Districts 5 & 6 – Youth & TAY/A Support & Connection Up to $75K 1

Resource Navigation & Service Connection

District 10 – Culturally Relevant Youth & TAY/A Support & Connection Up to $75K 1

GRANT TERMS

This RFP provides funding for a 2.25-year grant term lasting from April 1, 2027 – June 30th, 2029.

Any variation in grant terms will depend on the availability of funds; grantee performance relative to the requirements and expectations set forth by the funding strategy; compliance with DCYF’s contractual, reporting, and evaluation requirements and other expectations detailed in the grant agreement and award letter; and compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. In addition, DCYF shall, at its sole discretion, have the option to renew the grant agreement to extend the grant term up to 2 additional years. The final terms and conditions of the grant shall be subject to negotiation upon grantmaking.

USES OF DCYF FUNDS

Per San Francisco City Charter Section 16.108, the following are eligible uses of the Children and Youth Fund:

Services for children up to 18 years old and Disconnected Transitional Age Youth and Young Adults up to and including 24 years old, including:

1. Affordable childcare and early education

2. Recreation, cultural and after-school programs, including without limitation, arts programs

3. Health services, including prevention, education, and behavioral and mental health services

4. Training, employment and job placement https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_charter/0-0-0-1428

5. Youth empowerment and leadership development

6. Youth violence prevention and programs

7. Youth tutoring and educational enrichment programs

8. Family and parent support services

9. Support for collaboration among grantees to enhance service delivery and provider capacity-building, and for community development efforts and

10. Services responsive to issues of gender sexual orientation, and gender identification, including, but not limited to, services to address the needs of girls and LGBTQQ communities

The following are excluded services of the Children and Youth Fund:

1. Services provided by the Police Department or other law enforcement agencies, courts, the

District Attorney, Public Defender, City Attorney; or the Fire Department, detention or probation services mandated by state or federal law, or public transportation

2. Any service that benefits children and Disconnected Transitional Age Young Adults incidentally or as members of a larger population including adults

3. Any service for which a fixed or minimum level of expenditure is mandated by state or federal law, to the extent of the fixed or minimum level of expenditure

4. Acquisition of any capital item not for primary and direct use by children and Disconnected Transitional Age Young Adults

5. Acquisition (other than by lease for a term of ten years or less) of any real property or land, or capital expenditures, or predevelopment or construction costs for housing

6. Maintenance, utilities, or any similar operating costs of any facility not used primarily and directly by children and Disconnected Transitional Age Young Adults, or of any recreation or park facility (including a zoo), library, hospital, or housing or

7. Medical health services, other than prevention, education, and behavioral and mental health support services

DCYF funds shall only be used to support program costs that are direct or indirect expenses related to the requirements provided for each funding strategy. These funds shall only be used to support San Francisco youth and family residents. Proposers are encouraged to submit realistic budgets that adequately account for true program costs and the aspects of services that are key to quality.

Examples of eligible uses of funds include, but are not limited to:

1. Personnel costs, including fringe benefits

2. Rent and lease costs

3. Materials and supplies

4. Food costs for youth program participants

5. Transportation for youth

6. Administrative costs up to 20% of the total contract amount (including administrative costs of subcontractors and fiscal sponsorship fees if applicable)

DCYF grant funds shall not be used for:

1. Services to non-San Francisco residents, unless those services are provided under DCYF’s

Justice Services Service Area for out of county youth who have been arrested or detained by San Francisco law enforcement.

2. Any service that merely benefits children and youth incidentally.

3. Acquisition of any capital item not for primary and direct use by children and youth.

4. Acquisition of real property (excluding leases for a term of 10 years or less).

5. Maintenance, utilities, or similar operating costs of a facility not used primarily and directly by the funded program.

6. Out-of-country travel.

7. Depreciation on buildings or equipment.

8. Religious worship, instruction, or proselytization.

Also, DCYF will not spend its limited resources funding services that should be provided by other entities such as other City Departments or the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). For more detailed information on uses of funds, please refer to our Doing Business with DCYF guide available at https://www.sf.gov/resource/2024/dcyf-grantee-resources.

RIGHT NOT TO FUND

DCYF may reject Proposals that do not meet requirements of this RFP, except that it may waive nonmaterial defects or omissions in any Proposal as determined by DCYF. DCYF reserves the right not to issue awards. DCYF reserves the right to not fund past the initial grant agreement and to extend the agreement for additional years.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

A. Errors and Omissions in RFP

Proposers are responsible for reviewing all portions of this RFP. Proposers must promptly notify DCYF at RFP@dcyf.org if the proposer discovers any ambiguity, discrepancy, omission or other error in the RFP. Any such notification should be directed to DCYF promptly after discovery but no later than five working days prior to the proposal due date. Modifications and clarifications will be made by addenda as provided below.

B. Addenda to RFP DCYF may amend the RFP prior to the proposal due date by issuing written addenda. Any such addenda will be posted on DCYF’s web site at www.dcyf.org, and will provide additional time to all potential Proposers to respond to the RFP as amended. The Department will make reasonable efforts to notify proposers in a timely manner of modifications to the RFP.

Notwithstanding this provision, the proposer shall be responsible for ensuring that its proposal reflects any and all addenda issued by DCYF prior to the proposal due date regardless of when the proposal is submitted. Therefore, the City recommends that the proposer visit our web site before submitting its proposal to determine if it has received all addenda.

C. Revision of Proposal A proposer may revise a proposal on its own initiative at any time before the submission deadline. Because the online application system used for this RFP does not allow proposers to make revisions once a proposal is submitted, proposers are instructed to contact DCYF at RFP@dcyf.org to make arrangements to perform any revisions to proposals that have already been submitted.

In no case will a statement of intent to submit a revised proposal or commencement of a revision process extend the proposal due date for any proposer.

At any time during the proposal evaluation process DCYF may require a proposer to provide oral or written clarification of its proposal. DCYF reserves the right to make an award without further clarifications of proposals received.

D. Late Proposals Any proposal received after the exact time specified for receipt will not be considered.

E. Reservations of Rights by the City The issuance of this RFP does not constitute an agreement by DCYF that any grant will be entered into. DCYF expressly reserves the right at any time to:

1. Waive or correct any defect or informality in any response, proposal, or proposal procedure.

2. Reject or cancel the Request for Proposal in whole or in part at any time before a grant agreement is entered into.

https://www.sf.gov/resource/2024/dcyf-grantee-resources mailto:communitygrantsrfp@dcyf.org http://www.dcyf.org/ mailto:communitygrantsrfp@dcyf.org

3. Reissue a Request for Proposals.

4. Prior to submission deadline for proposals, amend all or any portion of the selection procedures, including deadlines for accepting responses, the specifications or requirements for any materials, equipment or services to be provided under this RFP, or the requirements for contents or format of the proposals.

5. Procure any materials, equipment, or services specified in this RFP by any other means.

6. Award multiple grants per strategy.

7. Determine that no project will be pursued or contract be issued.

F. Objections to Solicitation Terms Should a Proposer object on any ground to any provision or legal requirement set forth in this Solicitation, the Proposer must, no later than the deadline for questions, provide written notice to the City setting forth with specificity the grounds for the objection. The failure of a Proposer to object in the manner set forth in this paragraph shall constitute a complete and irrevocable waiver of any such objection.

G. Protest of Intent to Apply Within three (3) business days of the City's issuance of verification emails responding to a Proposer’s Notice of Intent to Apply, a Proposer may submit a written Notice of Protest of Intent to Apply. The Notice of Protest must include a written statement specifying in detail each and every one of the grounds asserted for the protest. The Notice of Protest must include the following:

• Agency Name

• Name of the proposal being protested

• Signature of an individual authorized to represent the Proposer

• The law, rule, local ordinance, procedure or Solicitation provision on which the protest is based. In addition, the Notice of Protest must specify facts and evidence sufficient for the City to determine the validity of the protest.

The Intent to Apply protest period will last from Mon October 26–Thu October 29, 2026 at 5PM. No protests will be accepted after this deadline. Protests must be submitted electronically by emailing RFP@dcyf.org prior to the end of the protest period. A panel selected by DCYF will review all eligible protests, and the panel’s decisions will be final.

H. Protest of Contract Award Within three (3) business days of the City's issuance of a Notice of Intent to Award, a Proposer may submit a written Notice of Protest of Contract Award. The Notice of Protest must include a written statement specifying in detail each and every one of the grounds asserted for the protest. The Notice of Protest must include the following:

• Agency Name

• Name of the proposal being protested

• Signature of an individual authorized to represent the Proposer

• The law, rule, local ordinance, procedure or Solicitation provision on which the protest is based. In addition, the Notice of Protest must specify facts and evidence sufficient for the City to determine the validity of the protest.

The Award protest period will last from Mon January 25–Thu January 28, 2027 at 5PM. No protests will be accepted after this deadline. Protests must be submitted electronically by emailing RFP@dcyf.org prior to the end of the protest period. A panel selected by DCYF will review all eligible protests, and the panel’s decisions will be final.

RFP TIMELINE AND IMPORTANT ELEMENTS

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Proposers to this RFP must submit all required elements including Intent to Apply documentation, proposals and budgets through DCYF’s online application system. Please refer to page 7 for information about applying to this RFP. The deadline to apply is Wed December 2, 2026 at 5PM. Proposals will not be accepted after this deadline.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & QUESTIONS

DCYF is committed to providing as much clarity as possible during this RFP process. All questions about the RFP must be submitted in writing to the email address below. DCYF will not be holding a pre-proposal conference for this RFP.

SUBMIT ALL RFP QUESTIONS TO: DEADLINE FOR RFP QUESTION SUBMISSION:

rfp@dcyf.org Fri October 2, 2026 at 5PM

To ensure that all proposers have access to both the submitted questions and DCYF’s corresponding answers, DCYF will publish all received questions and answers by Fri October 9, 2026 by 5PM.

ESTIMATED TIMELINE

(Dates may be subject to change)

RFP Issued Wed September 23, 2026

Question Submission Period Wed September 23–Fri October 2, 2026

Question Submission Period Deadline Fri October 2, 2026 at 5PM

Answers to Questions Posted Fri October 9, 2026 by 5PM

Intent to Apply Due Fri October 16, 2026 at 5PM

Verification Emails Sent Mon October 26, 2026

Intent to Apply Protest Period Mon October 26–Thu October 29, 2026

Intent to Apply Protest Submission Deadline Thu October 29, 2026 at 5PM

Intent to Apply Protest Decisions Announced Mon November 9, 2026

Additional Verification Emails Sent (If needed) Mon November 9, 2026

RFP System Accepts Proposals Mon November 9–Wed December 2, 2026

Proposals Due Wed December 2, 2026 at 5PM

Awards Announced Mon January 25, 2027

Award Protest Period Mon January 25–Thu January 28, 2027

Award Protest Submission Deadline Thu January 28, 2027 at 5PM mailto:rfp@dcyf.org

APPLYING TO THIS RFP

The 2026-2027 Community Grants RFP uses a two-step process that requires proposers to separately submit information confirming their Intent to Apply before receiving access to submit a Proposal. All information will be submitted using DCYF’s online RFP system. The diagram below describes the process:

See page 6 for key deadlines associated with each step in the application process.

ONLINE RFP SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Proposers will submit their Intent to Apply application and, if they meet all MQs, their proposal through DCYF’s online RFP system. This system will direct proposers through the Intent to Apply and proposal process and will use character limits and required fields to ensure compliance with the guidelines specified in this RFP. Proposers will use the link below to access the Intent to Apply application. Proposers who meet MQs will receive an email that provides access to the proposal forms.

Access DCYF’s online RFP system: https://contracts.dcyf.org/rfp.

INTENT TO APPLY

The Intent to Apply process is intended to ensure that DCYF can verify compliance with MQs before proposers are allowed to submit their proposals. Proposers who are not in compliance with MQs will not be eligible to apply to this RFP. See page 11 for the full MQ requirements and verification process.

The Intent to Apply process will require proposers to submit the following information through DCYF’s online RFP system:

• Agency Profile: proposers will enter agency information, organizational contacts, financial information, key staff, board information, required agency uploads and other organizational information.

• Results, Service Area & Strategy Selection: proposers will select the result area, service area, funding strategy and specific grant for which they are applying.

• Program Information: proposers will provide basic information about each program they intend to propose, including the program name, result area, service area, funding strategy, grant and other required program details.

• Agreements & Certifications: proposers will complete the required certifications, acknowledgements and compliance agreements.

• Supporting Document Uploads: proposers will upload documentation required to verify compliance with MQs and any other required organizational documents.

https://contracts.dcyf.org/rfp

PROPOSALS, BUDGETS & SERVICES & PROJECTIONS

Proposers who have been verified as meeting the MQs through the Intent to Apply process will receive access to submit their proposal, budget and services and projections forms in DCYF’s online RFP system. Proposers who have been verified as not meeting MQs will not be given access. Proposers will be required to complete the following items:

• Responses to RFP Questions: proposers will provide written responses to the questions listed, remaining within required character limits. Questions will vary by strategy, and proposers may be required to answer specific questions depending on the grant they select. See the Strategy sections of this RFP for the questions for each grant.

• Services & Projections: proposers will provide information about their service sites and program activities.

• Budget: proposers will submit a one-year budget that describes typical expenses for their program based on their funding request. If awarded, agencies will provide a more specific budget each fiscal year that aligns with their grant term.

Following the Proposal deadline, DCYF will score all submissions based on the rubrics provided.

See page 17 for additional information about evaluation, ranking and awards.

USING DCYF’S ONLINE RFP SYSTEM

Intent to Apply applications and proposals must be submitted through DCYF’s online RFP system.

The instructions below explain how to create or access an account and complete the submission process.

Step 1: Create a User Account for Your Agency

Access the RFP system at https://contracts.dcyf.org/rfp.

Each agency should use a single RFP user account. Do not create separate accounts for individual staff working on proposals.

Prior DCYF Proposers: Agencies that applied through DCYF’s RFP system between 2018 and 2026 may use their existing account. To retrieve your username or reset your password, select Forgot your username or password? and enter the email address associated with your prior account.

Use the account with the system name SF DCYF RFP.

New DCYF Proposers: Select Create one below the password field. Complete the RFP Account Sign Up form and select Create Account. A verification email will be sent to the address entered on the form. Check your Spam or Junk Mail folder if you do not receive it.

After verifying your account, return to https://contracts.dcyf.org/rfp and sign in.

STEP 2: COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THE AGENCY PROFILE FOR YOUR AGENCY

After signing in, you will arrive at the Agency Home page, where you can access the RFP, complete the Agency Profile and create an Intent to Apply.

The Agency Profile must be completed before an Intent to Apply can be created. It includes agency information, document uploads and Minimum Qualification questions that apply to all proposals submitted by the agency. Information from prior applications may already be entered.

Complete all required fields and uploads, then select Save to check your entries. Missing or invalid information will appear as a validation error at the top of the page.

The Agency Profile and the program-specific Minimum Qualification questions in the Program Information form will be used to determine eligibility. Agencies must meet all Minimum Qualifications described on page 11 to proceed. Responses cannot be edited after the Agency Profile is submitted.

STEP 3: CREATE AN INTENT TO APPLY

After submitting the Agency Profile, navigate to the Agency Home page and select Add New Intent to Apply.

Complete the Intent to Apply form by entering the proposed program name, selecting the funding strategy and specific grant for which you are applying, responding to the program-specific Minimum Qualification questions and identifying a proposal contact.

Review the information carefully before selecting Submit. Responses cannot be edited after submission. Proposals that do not meet all applicable Minimum Qualifications will not be eligible to submit a proposal.

Agencies submitting more than one proposal must complete a separate Intent to Apply form for each proposed program.

STEP 4: COMPLETE ALL REQUIRED PROPOSAL PAGES FOR ELIGIBLE PROGRAMS

Proposers who have been verified as meeting the Minimum Qualifications through the Intent to Apply process will receive access to complete and submit proposals. Access the Agency Home page to review your agency’s Intent to Apply form(s). After selecting an eligible program, you will arrive at the Proposal Overview page. This page displays the status of each required proposal page. Complete and submit each page listed on the Proposal Overview page. The progress bar will show which steps have been completed. Missing or invalid information will appear as a validation error at the top of the applicable page.

STEP 5: SUBMIT PROPOSAL TO DCYF

Completing the individual proposal pages does not submit the proposal to DCYF.

After all required pages are complete, select Sign & Submit Proposal on the Proposal Overview page. Download and review the complete proposal PDF, confirm the proposal contact and complete the required certification.

Select Submit to send the proposal to DCYF.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

As a part of the Intent to Apply process proposers are required to submit documentation that clearly certifies their compliance with the Minimum Qualifications for this RFP. Documentation must be submitted with the proposer’s Intent to Apply Application using DCYF’s online RFP system.

Each Intent to Apply application will be reviewed to determine if the proposer meets the MQs listed below. This screening is a pass or fail determination. Applications that meet MQs will be given access to the proposal forms in DCYF’s online RFP system. Applications that do not meet MQs will not receive access to the proposal forms and therefore will not be able to submit a proposal. The City reserves the right to request clarifications from Proposers prior to rejecting an Intent to Apply application for failure to meet MQs.

Proposers who do not meet MQs will have the right to submit a written Notice of Protest of Intent to Apply within three (3) business days as specified on page 5. A panel selected by DCYF will review all eligible protests and the panel’s determination will be final. If a protest is deemed to be successful DCYF will provide access to the online RFP system.

MQ#1: PAST EXPERIENCE

Proposers must have at least 5 years of experience providing the services they are applying for during the period from 2016-2026. This experience does not have to be continuous and can instead be intermittent within the last 10 years.

CERTIFICATION METHOD

Proposers will certify compliance with this MQ in the online RFP system by either:

• Providing information about the relevant contract(s) with the City and County of San Francisco and/or

• Uploading one or more Verification of Experience Letters using the template included in

Appendix A of this RFP for experience that was not provided under a qualifying City contract.

The Verification of Experience letter template can also be downloaded at https://api.sf.gov/documents/62958/2026- 2027_Community_Grants_RFP_Verification_of_Experience_Letter_Template.docx.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MQ

• Proposers may submit multiple contracts and/or Verification of Experience Letters to demonstrate the required years of experience.

• DCYF will only accept contracts with the City and County of San Francisco.

• Verification of Experience Letters must be prepared on the verifier's organizational letterhead.

• The verifier must be authorized to represent the organization and have direct knowledge of the proposer's work.

• Verification of Experience Letters must clearly identify:

o The services provided o The month and year for the start and end date of each engagement. DCYF will calculate qualifying experience based on the dates provided in the submitted documentation.

• Proposers may not submit Verification of Experience Letters on their own behalf.

• DCYF will not provide Verification of Experience Letters for proposers. Proposers seeking to use work completed under DCYF contracts may instead identify the relevant contracts in DCYF's online RFP system.

• Completed Verification of Experience Letters must be returned to the proposer and uploaded with the Intent to Apply application.

https://api.sf.gov/documents/62958/2026-2027_Community_Grants_RFP_Verification_of_Experience_Letter_Template.docx https://api.sf.gov/documents/62958/2026-2027_Community_Grants_RFP_Verification_of_Experience_Letter_Template.docx

MQ#2: CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL COMPLIANCE

Proposers must be currently, and remain throughout the term of the contract, in compliance with the California Office of the Attorney General’s registration and reporting requirements, as reflected in the Registry of Charitable Trusts at https://oag.ca.gov/charities.

CERTIFICATION METHOD

Proposers will certify compliance by entering the legal name under which their organization is registered with the California Office of the Attorney General and their State Charity Registration Number in DCYF's online RFP system.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MQ

• The legal name entered must exactly match the organization's registration with the California

Office of the Attorney General.

• Proposers must remain in compliance with all California Office of the Attorney General registration and reporting requirements throughout the term of the contract.

https://oag.ca.gov/charities

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL FUNDED PROGRAMS

The following requirements apply to all grants awarded through this RFP. Additional Strategy-specific requirements are described within each funding strategy.

DCYF UNIVERSAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The following Universal Program Requirements apply to all programs funded under this RFP, regardless of Service Area or Strategy. Programs must also comply with all applicable Strategy-specific requirements.

A. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Awarded programs must submit a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Plan describing how SEL principles will be integrated into program services.

B. Outreach and Recruitment Programs must implement effective outreach and recruitment strategies for all proposed target populations.

C. Engagement, Retention and Support Programs must implement strategies to engage, retain and, when necessary, reengage participants.

D. Support for Youth with Disabilities Programs and services must be accessible to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs). Programs must maintain written procedures for accommodating participants with disabilities, ensure staff are familiar with those procedures and participate in required Inclusion Training.

E. Cultural Responsiveness Programs must use culturally responsive practices that respectfully and effectively serve participants and families from diverse backgrounds. Programs should strive to understand, include and reflect the identities and experiences of participants and their families in program design and delivery. This includes recognizing and valuing participants' languages, races, ethnic backgrounds, cultural practices, disabilities, religions, genders and sexual orientations.

F. Behavioral Health and Wellness Programs must provide behavioral health and wellness services directly or through partnerships with culturally responsive providers.

G. Data Collection and Evaluation Programs must participate in all DCYF evaluation activities and submit required data by established deadlines. Required data may include, but is not limited to, Contract Management System (CMS) workplans, participant demographics, activities, attendance, monthly invoices, Program Quality Assessments (PQAs), Program Improvement Plans (PIPs) and youth experience surveys. This information supports DCYF in measuring program and system-level outcomes.

Note: Any demographic data collected related to a participant’s race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin shall be collected for informational purposes only. The demographic makeup of those served has no impact on Grantee’s funding and Grantee shall ensure its services are open to all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and national origin.

H. Family/Caregiver Engagement Programs must provide opportunities for families and caregivers to engage with the program, as appropriate for the services provided. Opportunities should be inclusive of all family members who support participants and may include orientations, volunteer opportunities, family events, workshops and connections to resources.

https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs

I. Meetings and Convenings Programs must participate in required meetings and convenings, including grantee meetings, site visits and annual conferences.

J. Continuous Quality Improvement Programs must participate in DCYF's Youth Program Quality Intervention process, including self-assessments using the appropriate Program Quality Assessment (PQA), external observations, required trainings, planning with data meetings and development of Program Improvement Plans (PIPs).

K. Youth Leadership and Voice Programs must provide age-appropriate opportunities for participants to lead, facilitate activities and provide feedback. Funded agencies must have at least one youth member on their Board of Directors, consistent with SF BOS Resolution No.490-21.

L. Internet Safety and Cyberbullying Programs must maintain internet safety and cyberbullying policies in their participant handbook. Policies should address online safety, responsible use of social media and strategies to prevent bullying and other unsafe online interactions.

M. Barrier Removal Programs must provide, or connect participants to, services and resources that help remove barriers to participation and well-being. Supports may include childcare, food, water, clothing, technology, internet access, transportation, educational vouchers, legal services and other resources that help participants and their families access basic needs.

DCYF CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS

Funded organizations must comply with all requirements outlined in the Grant Agreement. An example Grant Agreement (G-100) is provided for reference in Appendix B. DCYF also has specific contract requirements that must be met including those described below.

A. San Francisco Contracting Requirements The contractor must comply with City and County of San Francisco ordinances and contracting requirements. For more detailed information, visit the Office of Contract Administration website at https://www.sf.gov/resource/2022/contracting-requirements-approvals-and-waivers-agency.

B. Insurance Requirements The City and County of San Francisco’s standard insurance requirements are as follows:

1. Workers’ Compensation, in statutory amounts, with Employers’ Liability Limits not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) each accident, injury, or illness

2. Commercial General Liability Insurance with limits not less than one million dollars

($1,000,000) each occurrence $2,000,000 general aggregate for Bodily Injury and Property Damage, including Contractual Liability, Personal Injury, Products and Completed Operations; policy must include Abuse and Molestation coverage

3. Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance with limits not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) each occurrence Combined Single Limit for Bodily Injury and Property Damage, including Owned, Non-Owned and Hired auto coverage, as applicable

C. Fiscal and Organizational Practices All DCYF-funded organizations are mandated to comply with all scheduled formal fiscal/compliance monitoring and organizational site visits.

D. Sunshine Under Chapter 12L of the San Francisco administrative code, non-profits that receive in excess of $250,000 in City funds must comply with specific open government requirements and https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/r0490-21.pdf https://www.sf.gov/resource/2022/contracting-requirements-approvals-and-waivers-agency https://www.sf.gov/resource/2022/contracting-requirements-approvals-and-waivers-agency respond to requests for financial and meeting information from members of the public. This is commonly called the “Sunshine Act.”

E. Accessibility Programs and services must be accessible to persons with disabilities to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/). Program access can be achieved in many cases without having to alter the existing facility.

F. Non-Discrimination Proposers will be required to agree to comply fully with and be bound by the provisions of Chapters 12B of the San Francisco Administrative Code. Generally, Chapter 12B prohibits the City and County of San Francisco from entering into contracts with any entity that discriminates in the provision of benefits between employees with domestic partners and employees with spouses, and/or between the domestic partners and spouses of employees.

Additional information on Chapters 12B is available at https://www.sf.gov/equal-benefits-program.

G. Religious Activity Funds may not be used for religious purposes or for the improvement of property owned by religious entities except where the grant recipient is a secular non-profit organization with a long-term lease.

H. Political Activity No funds received through this RFP shall be used to provide financial assistance for any program that involves political activities. Proposers must comply with Section 1.126 of the S.F.

Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code.

I. Minimum Compensation Ordinance (MCO) Proposers will be required to agree to comply fully with and be bound by the provisions of the Minimum Compensation Ordinance (MCO), as set forth in San Francisco Administrative Code Chapter 12P. Generally, this Ordinance requires grantees and contractors to provide employees covered by the Ordinance who do work funded under the grant or contract with hourly gross compensation and paid and unpaid time off that meet certain minimum requirements. For more information, including the amount of hourly gross compensation currently required under the MCO, see https://www.sf.gov/information/minimum-compensation-ordinance.

J. Health and Nutrition Programs must provide a healthy snack to participants if operating for two hours or more. All proposed programs must provide youth with water and avoid serving sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda or sports drinks.

K. Youth Representation on Agencies Board Per SF BOS Resolution No.490-21, agencies must have at least one youth member, defined as between the ages 14-24 years old, on the organization’s Board of Directors.

SUBCONTRACTING

Proposers may include subcontracting arrangements with other agencies; however, these arrangements must be made prior to submission of the proposal. Confirmation of a memorandum of understanding or other formal agreement between the proposer and subcontractor may be requested by DCYF. All proposers must follow relevant local, state, and federal laws when utilizing subcontractors.

COLLABORATIVES

Collaboratives (i.e., joint ventures or teams of agencies with complementary skills and experience) are permitted to respond to this RFP. Collaboratives must designate a lead agency that will serve as the fiscal sponsor and be responsible for convening partners; planning, managing and https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/ https://www.sf.gov/equal-benefits-program https://www.sf.gov/equal-benefits-program https://www.sf.gov/information/minimum-compensation-ordinance https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/r0490-21.pdf coordinating the delivery of services described in this RFP; meeting program outcomes and reporting requirements; and ensuring effective coordination and alignment among collaborative partners and with all awardees in this strategy. The lead agency must demonstrate the management, financial and fiscal oversight capacity necessary to account for grant funds, develop and maintain appropriate financial systems and controls, select and manage subcontractors, and oversee the programmatic and fiscal relationships between the lead agency and all collaborative partners.

EVALUATION, RANKING & AWARDS

Only proposers that meet all Minimum Qualifications are eligible to submit a proposal. Eligible proposals will be evaluated for responsiveness to this RFP and alignment with the requirements of the specific grant opportunity selected by the proposer, including its target population, required service location, program period, program focus and applicable strategy requirements.

Each proposal will be independently reviewed by a panel of readers, which may include DCYF staff and staff from partner City departments.

All readers will complete training provided by DCYF on the goals, requirements and evaluation criteria for this RFP before reviewing proposals. Readers are required to evaluate proposals using the scoring criteria and rubrics described below and provide written justification for each score assigned.

Any attempt by a proposer to contact a reader regarding their proposal will result in disqualification.

PROPOSER DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Proposers should not submit, and the City will not consider, any demographic data about the racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin make up of Proposer’s staff, leadership, and/or board of directors.

PROPOSAL SCORING

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following rubric. The total possible score is 100 points.

PROPOSAL SECTION POINT VALUE

Target Population 30

Strategy Alignment 30 Budget 30

Program Impact 10 Total Possible Points: 100

EVALUATION RUBRIC

The following table describes the characteristics readers will use to determine each rating and is provided to help proposers prepare responsive proposals.

PROPOSAL

SECTION SCORING PROMPT SELECTION OPTIONS &

VALUE

Target Population The proposal describes the program’s ability to recruit, engage and retain the selected target population.

Strongly Agree (30 points) Agree (22.5 points) Neutral (15 points)

Disagree (7.5 points) Strongly Disagree (0 points)

Strategy Alignment

The proposal effectively describes the ways the program aligns with the requirements of the strategy and selected grant opportunity.

Strongly Agree (30 points) Agree (22.5 points) Neutral (15 points)

Disagree (7.5 points) Strongly Disagree (0 points)

Budget The proposal budget describes a reasonable staffing plan and expenses that aligns with the proposed services.

Strongly Agree (30 points) Agree (22.5 points) Neutral (15 points)

Disagree (7.5 points) Strongly Disagree (0 points)

PROPOSAL

SECTION SCORING PROMPT SELECTION OPTIONS &

VALUE

Program Impact

The proposal effectively describes the agency’s ability to use data to determine the impact of their programs and drive quality improvement practices.

Strongly Agree (10 points) Agree (7.5 points) Neutral (5 points)

Disagree (2.5 points) Strongly Disagree (0 points)

FINAL PROPOSAL RANKING & AWARDS

Final proposal scores will be calculated by averaging the scores assigned by the three readers.

Proposals will be ranked within each specific grant based on their final scores. DCYF intends to award grants to the highest-ranked proposals, subject to available funding and successful negotiations.

NEGOTIATIONS

Following proposal ranking, DCYF will enter into negotiations with the highest-ranked proposer for each specific grant. Prior to negotiations, proposers must meet the following requirements:

• Approved City Supplier: DCYF cannot enter into contract with agencies that are not approved

City Suppliers or who are on the City Supplier Debarred list by the release of award decisions.

• California Office of the Attorney General Compliance: DCYF cannot enter into contract with agencies who are not in compliance with the California Office of the Attorney General’s registration and reporting requirements, as reported in its Registry of Charitable Trusts.

Proposers must be in compliance at the time of Intent to Award submission and must remain compliant throughout the RFP process. Proposers who are found to be out of compliance at the time of RFP awards will not be eligible to receive a grant.

For proposers that meet these requirements, DCYF will review the proposed scope of work and budget to ensure alignment with the goals and requirements of this RFP. During negotiations, DCYF may request revisions to the scope of work, staffing, performance measures or budget. If DCYF is unable to reach agreement with a proposer, negotiations may be terminated and DCYF may begin negotiations with another qualified proposer.

COMPREHENSIVE YEAR-ROUND & SUMMER LEARNING

FUNDING AT A GLANCE

REQUIRED LOCATION/AREA District 5 at Ella Hill Hutch

Community Center District 5

REQUIRED PROGRAM PERIOD Summer Only Year Round

ANNUAL ALLOCATION Up to $225K Up to $700K

NUMBER OF GRANTS 1 Up to 3

GRANT TERM 2.25 years 2.25 years

The Comprehensive Year-Round & Summer Learning Strategy supports children and youth by providing comprehensive expanded learning opportunities in community-based settings outside of regular school hours throughout the school year and summer. As part of DCYF's Ready to Learn & Succeed in School Result Area, programs provide academic support, skill building, physical activity, enrichment and grade-level transition supports that promote learning, positive youth development and school success.

This strategy is funded through DCYF's Out-of-School Time (OST) Service Area, which supports comprehensive afterschool programming in school- and community-based settings. OST programs provide children and youth from low-income and working families with meaningful learning opportunities that foster curiosity, build social-emotional skills and reinforce learning beyond the school day. Programs are expected to be rooted in youth development principles, provide culturally responsive services and create opportunities for physical activity, healthy living and positive relationships with caring adults and peers.

This RFP includes two separate grants opportunities under the Comprehensive Year-Round & Summer Learning Strategy, one summer-only award at Ella Hill Hutch Community Center and up to three District 5–Year-Round awards. Proposers may apply for one or both grants but must submit a separate proposal for each one.

GRANTS AVAILABLE

ELLA HILL HUTCH COMMUNITY CENTER – SUMMER ONLY

DCYF is seeking a summer-only Comprehensive program based at and providing services at the Ella Hill Hutch Community Center in District 5. Although the Comprehensive Year-Round & Summer Learning Strategy generally supports school-year and summer programming, this grant is limited to summer programming at this location. Programs funded through this grant must meet all Comprehensive Year-Round & Summer Learning Strategy requirements except those specific to school-year programming.

DISTRICT 5 – YEAR-ROUND

DCYF is seeking up to 3 year-round Comprehensive programs operating at community locations in District 5. Programs must provide both school-year and summer services and meet all Comprehensive Year-Round & Summer Learning Strategy requirements. Existing DCYF grantees must use this grant to serve additional youth beyond their current projected participants in their 2026-2027 workplan.

TARGET POPULATIONS

Programs funded under the Comprehensive Year-Round & Summer Learning Strategy must provide services to the following target populations:

• San Francisco elementary school youth in grades TK-5

• San Francisco middle and high school youth in grades 6-12

• San Francisco TK-12 youth with disabilities

STRATEGY GOALS

• To ensure youth have access to high-quality year-round Comprehensive Afterschool and

Summer Learning programs in their communities that support their learning, build their skills, provide opportunities for enrichment, and academic growth.

• To prevent summer learning loss.

• To support the needs of working families.

• To support participants’ development of social and emotional skills.

• To build community in programs by focusing on cultural awareness, ethnic/racial identity, and neighborhood pride for youth involved in the program.

BEST PRACTICES

• Collaborating with school district and other community partners

• Maintaining a low staff to student ratio

• Engaging parents/caregivers and families

• Utilizing curriculum and/or sequenced lesson plans

• Offering programs on free or sliding scale based on income

• Providing transition support for youth entering kindergarten and 6th and 9th grades.

• Providing incentives to engage and retain participants in the program Incentives can take many forms including, but not limited…