Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP)

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The City of Palo Alto invites qualified nonprofit organizations to apply for the Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) FY 2027-2029 funding cycle. Applications must be submitted through the City's online application system by the published deadline.

Application Period: November 6, 2026 - January 8, 2027

Application Opens: Friday, November 6, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Application Deadline: Friday, January 8, 2027, at 5:00 p.m.

How to Apply

Applicants are encouraged to review the RFP and Applicant Guide, complete all required application questions, prepare the program budget, and upload all required supporting documentation before submitting their application.

Each organization may submit only one application. Applicants may identify applicable Priority Need areas or a broader community-wide need. City staff will determine the appropriate funding category during the review process.

Please select the link below to access and complete the online application.

Apply Now - HSRAP FY 2027-2029 Application

Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

Questions and Assistance:HSgrants@paloalto.gov

Deadline for Applicant Questions: January 1, 2027, at 5:00 p.m.

All prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to review the HSRAP FY 2027–2029 Request for Proposals (RFP) and Applicant Guide before beginning their grant application.

The guide provides important information about the available funding opportunities, applicant eligibility requirements, application instructions, required supporting documents, evaluation criteria, and anticipated funding timeline. It also includes frequently asked questions and an applicant checklist to assist organizations in preparing a complete application.

Please select the link below to download the HSRAP FY 2027–2029 RFP and Applicant Guide.

HSRAP FY2027-2029 RFP Applicant Guide City of Palo Alto(PDF, 193KB)

HSRAP FY2027-2029 RFP Grant Application City of Palo Alto(PDF, 205KB)

Applicants should carefully review the guide and ensure that all required application materials are submitted by January 8, 2027, at 5:00 p.m.

For questions or additional assistance, please contact HSgrants@paloalto.gov.

Applicants are required to complete and submit the HSRAP Budget Workbook as part of their grant application.

The workbook is designed to help applicants provide a detailed breakdown of their proposed program expenses, funding sources, staffing costs, and requested City funding for fiscal years 2027-2028 and 2028-2029.

Please select the link below to download the HSRAP Budget Workbook.

HSRAP FY2027-2029 Budget Workbook(XLSX, 37KB)

Before completing the workbook, applicants should review the Read Me tab for instructions. Please complete all applicable sections, including the annual program budgets, funding sources, budget narrative, and organizational financial information.

Once completed, save the workbook using the following naming convention:

OrganizationName_HSRAP_Budget_FY2027_2029.xlsx

Upload the completed Excel workbook with your HSRAP grant application before the application deadline of January 8, 2027, at 5:00 p.m.

The City of Palo Alto will host the following information sessions for prospective HSRAP FY 2027-2029 applicants:

• Information Session 1: Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
• Information Session 2: Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 8:00-9:00 a.m.

To attend an information session, please contact HSgrants@paloalto.gov to request meeting access information

Applicants are encouraged to review the following materials before completing their HSRAP FY 2027-2029 application.

Application Materials

• HSRAP FY 2027-2029 RFP and Applicant Guide: Provides an overview of the funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, application timeline, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions.

• HSRAP FY 2027-2029 Grant Application: Outlines the application questions, program narrative requirements, budget information, and required certifications.

• HSRAP Program Budget Workbook: Required financial worksheet detailing proposed program revenues, expenses, and requested City funding.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Answers to common questions regarding eligibility, funding requests, application requirements, and the review process.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must provide the following documentation as part of their application:

• Completed HSRAP program budget workbook

• Proof of nonprofit status, including fiscal sponsorship documentation if applicable

• Current organization-wide operating budget

• Most recent financial audit, financial review, Form 990, or City-approved alternative documentation

• Completed electronic certifications and assurances

Important Reminders

Each organization may submit only one application. There is no minimum or maximum funding request amount.

All requested funding must be supported by the proposed program budget and scope of services.

Applications and supporting documentation must be submitted by January 8, 2027, at 5:00 p.m.

For questions regarding application requirements or supporting documentation, please contact HSgrants@paloalto.gov.

Priority Needs Grant proposals may address one or more of the following City-approved areas: 

• Homelessness services 

• Housing support services 

• Services for individuals who are disabled 

• Services for older adults and their caregivers 

• Services for youth and their caregivers 

• Food and nutrition services 

• Physical and behavioral health services 

Best suited for: Direct human-services programs addressing a City-approved Priority of Need and benefiting Palo Alto residents.

Examples: Food and nutrition, housing support, older-adult services, youth services, disability services, homelessness services, and physical or behavioral health services.

Best suited for: Nonprofit programs that demonstrate a broader Palo Alto community-wide need outside the formal Priority of Needs categories.

Examples: Programs that deliver documented public value, address a demonstrated local service gap, and provide measurable Palo Alto resident benefit.

Applicants must: 

• Be an eligible nonprofit organization or apply through an eligible fiscal sponsor, if permitted by City policy; 

• Be able to enter into and comply with a City agreement; 

• Demonstrate a meaningful and measurable benefit to Palo Alto residents; 

• Have the organizational, staffing, financial, and programmatic capacity to complete the proposed work; 

• Submit a complete application and required attachments by the deadline; and 

• Meet all requirements stated in the RFP. 

There is no minimum or maximum request amount. Applicants should request an amount that is reasonable, well-supported by the proposed scope of work, and consistent with the submitted budget.

An organization may submit only one application. 

Each application must have a: 

• Program scope; 

• Budget and funding request; 

• Target population or service approach; 

• Set of outcomes; and 

• Description of Palo Alto resident benefit. 

The City may confirm or revise the final administrative funding classification during its review.