Human Services Grants

Emerging Needs Fund

The Emerging Needs Fund assists nonprofits serving Palo Alto residents with short-term and/or urgent funding to address emergency, critical or emerging human services needs. For more information, please read the Emerging Needs Policy Information.

Emerging Needs Fund Recipients

Agency	Program Description	Funding Amount	Fiscal Year
Blossom Birth	Assistance for a sudden need to move classroom space in order to continue to provide services.	$9,874	FY23
Heart and Home Collaborative	Payroll to allow the shelter to be open for additional hours each day for the November 2022-April 2023 shelter season.	$10,000	FY23
The Karat School Project	Spanish translation and interpretation services for R.V. dwellers in Palo Alto.	$5,000	FY23
Ravenswood Family Health Network	Expand podiatry services to the MayView Palo Alto Clinic.	$10,000	FY23
Avenidas	Expand services for the Door to Door Program to include escort accompaniment during medical appointments for seniors with cognitive and physical impairments.	$7,500	FY24
Move Mountain View	Construct and supply a computer lab at the Geng Road Safe Parking Lot.	$6,500	FY24
Palo Alto Community Child Care	Increase staffing to accommodate the addition of more Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) students enrolled in after school care.	$5,000	FY24
NAMI Santa Clara County	Provide "Enduring the Silence Program" in four high schools in Palo Alto.	$10,000	FY24
Palo Alto Friends Nursery School	Outreach and equipment needed to expand preschool services to 2-year olds.	$6,500	FY24
DreamCatchers	Expand programming through the creation of an improved curriculum.	$9,500	FY24

Human Services Resource Allocation Process

Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) is a grant program open to organizations who deliver direct services to Palo Alto residents so that they have a safety net of services. Money is allocated through the City’s General Fund. Current funding priorities include senior services, early care and education, youth services, developmentally disabled services, homeless services, and low-income healthcare. Applications for funds are solicited and reviewed on a biennial basis.

The period to submit a HSRAP proposal, for the funding term July 2025-June 2027, will open in fall/winter 2024. Visit the HSRAP page for more information about the grant and application process.

HSRAP Awards FY25

Agency	Program Description	Award Amount
AbilityPath	Adult Services for people with developmental disabilities.	$71,834
Ada's Cafe	Employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.	$58,957
Adolescent Counseling Services: ASAT Program	Adolescent substance addiction treatment program for Middle and High School students.	$7,661
Adolescent Counseling Services: Outlet Program	Support and empowerment for LGBTQIA+ youth.	$51,318
Alta Housing	Academic support and skill-building opportunities to low-income students and increase food and financial resiliency for families.	$44,878
Children's Health Council	Provide transportation to access in-person therapy, basic food needs, and clinician recommended therapy supplies for families with children ages 5-22 with Medi-Cal.	$7,955
Downtown Streets Team	Work experience program that empowers and supports individuals experiencing homelessness.	$39,487
DreamCatchers	After-school tutoring and mentorship program for low-income middle school students.	$56,714
Health Trust	Meals on Wheels; fully-prepared meals delivered to vulnerable seniors.	$22,171
Heart and Home Collaborative	Winter shelter for women experiencing homelessness.	$41,508
Kara	Comprehensive grief support, crisis intervention and education to individuals and families facing grief and loss.	$28,738
Karat School Project	Distribution of education and essential item packages, and participation in a nature equity education camp for low-income families living in RVs.	$13,859
La Comida	Provides nutritious and affordable lunches to seniors while creating a socially stimulating atmosphere.	$61,582
LifeMoves	Provides critical food services for individuals experiencing homelessness.	$95,342
Parents and Advocates of Remarkable Children and Adults (PARCA)	On-site support services for developmentally disabled adults living in a residential program.	$13,358
Peninsula Healthcare Connection	Provide basic needs through community-based services that target the immediate health needs of hard to reach individuals experiencing homelessness.	$39,781
Ravenswood Family Health Network	Provides health care access to vulnerable residents to ensure they receive patient-centered health care services.	$76,978
Senior Adults Legal Assistance	Provides a wide range of legal services, from advice/referrals to comprehensive legal representation, for adults aged 60 and older.	$21,041
Vista Center	Provide visually impaired seniors with the skills and support necessary to remain independent, safe, employed and mobile.	$48,454
WeHOPE	Provide showers, laundry, and case management services through the Dignity on Wheels mobile trailer.	$64,675
YMCA Palo Alto	Senior fitness programming and financial assistance for senior memberships.	$10,264
Youth Community Service	Youth well-being and leadership program services through community service projects.	$43,109
	TOTAL	$919,664

To receive notices and updates for both funding opportunities, please send an email to alayna.cruz@paloalto.gov.

Human Services Needs Assessment

The purpose of the HSNA is to attain a better understanding of local service needs (such as food, housing, mental health, seniors, children and youth, unhoused, low-income, and more) which will help guide future Human Services Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) funding priorities. Click HERE to learn more.