The Community Development Division provides human service grants to nonprofit organizations located within the City of Bellingham. Approximately $400,000 is available every year from City of Bellingham General Funds and federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Grants are made on a two-year basis.
The Human Service Grant program has a two-year funding cycle. Requests for Proposals (RFP) are issued approximately six months prior to the start of the first contract year. Proposals are prioritized by a citizen advisory board (CDAB) in the fall and awards are finalized the following spring by the City Council. Second year contracts are pro-rated based on the available funding, provided prior year contractual requirements have been met.
A Notice of Funding Availability and Request for Proposal (RFP) is typically issued in June or July with a 30-day application window. Technical assistance is available during the RFP window. Those interested in being placed on a mailing list for the RFP may contact the Community Development Division.
The RFP details funding priorities for the biennium, which are based on the most recently published Human Service Statement of Need (PDF). After a 30-day application window, the Community Development Advisory Board (CDAB), a 15-member citizen-based board, reviews applications and recommends funding to the Bellingham City Council.
Funding must be used to deliver human services to a minimum of 51% low - and very-low income individuals (see the City of Bellingham Income Table - PDF).
Both new and existing services can be funded if the applicant demonstrates the appropriate experience and capacity. Applicants must comply with the financial and administrative requirements of OMB Circulars A-110, A-122, and A-133, as applicable. Applicants must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Priorities vary from year to year depending on current community needs. Past priorities have included housing programs, physical and mental health services, and job training.
Ineligible Activities would include construction, real property acquisition, payments made directly to an individual or family, and political activities.
Priorities vary from year to year depending on current community needs. Past priorities have included Housing programs, physical/mental health services, and Job Training.
Ineligible Activities
Proposal evaluation criteria are announced in each Request for Proposals. Past examples of evaluation criteria include the extent to which the application serves low income beneficiaries, provides case management services and proposes appropriate, measurable outcomes.
For more information contact the Human Service Program manager at the Community Development Division.
For more information on homelessness in Whatcom County go to the Whatcom County Health and Human Services website.
