Youth Opportunity Grant Program (FY2026-2027)

City of Seaside
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
YOUTH OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM
(FY 2026 - FY 2027)
ISSUING OFFICE: City of Seaside
City Manager's Office
440 Harcourt Avenue
Seaside, CA 93458

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
COMMUNITY SOCIAL SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM
FY 2026-2027
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION, PURPOSE, AND CONDITIONS
1.1 Program Purpose
The City of Seaside invites qualified nonprofit, community-based, faith-based, and fiscally
sponsored organizations to submit proposals for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Youth
Opportunity Grant Program. The program provides financial assistance to organizations
delivering programs and services that benefit Seaside children, adolescents, and
transitional-age youth age 24 and younger and advance City Council priorities. Funding is
intended to enhance quality of life, address identified community needs, and support
youth-serving programs related to education, health, prevention, intervention, recreation,
basic needs, and positive youth development.
This Request for Proposals is issued pursuant to the City of Seaside Youth Opportunity
Grant Program Policy. The policy establishes the overarching framework for the program,
while this RFP sets forth the application requirements, evaluation criteria, and selection
process for the FY 2026-2027 funding cycle.
1.2 Funding Philosophy
The City seeks to support both established organizations with demonstrated service
delivery capacity and emerging or grassroots organizations proposing innovative or
responsive youth-serving programs. The evaluation framework is intentionally designed
to prioritize youth-related community need, program impact, feasibility, measurable
outcomes, and cost effectiveness, while ensuring that newer organizations are not
disadvantaged due to limited organizational history.
1.3 Reservation of Rights
The City of Seaside reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive irregularities
or informalities, to modify or cancel this RFP, and to award funding in the manner deemed
to be in the best interest of the City. Issuance of this RFP does not obligate the City to
award funds or enter into any agreement.
1.4 Public Records Disclosure
All proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall become the property of the City of
Seaside and are subject to disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act.
Applicants may identify proprietary or confidential information; however, such designation
does not guarantee that the information will be exempt from disclosure if required by law.

SECTION 2 - AVAILABLE FUNDING AND PROGRAM
PARAMETERS
2.1 Funding Availability
The City of Seaside has allocated $400,000.00 in one-time funding for the FY 2026-2027
Youth Opportunity Grant Program, subject to City Council approval.
2.2 Funding Requirements
Youth Opportunity Grant Program awards are one-time awards unless otherwise
authorized by City Council. A minimum ten percent (10%) cash or in-kind match is required
from all applicants. Grant funds must supplement, and not supplant, existing funding
sources and may only be used for allowable program-related expenditures. Applicants
must demonstrate the capacity to implement the proposed program within the grant
period.
SECTION 3 - ELIGIBILITY
3.1 Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include public or private nonprofit organizations recognized under
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; community-based or faith-based
organizations serving Seaside residents; and grassroots organizations applying in
partnership with an established nonprofit fiscal sponsor. Applicants must demonstrate that
a meaningful portion of program participants or beneficiaries are Seaside youth age 24
and younger. Programs serving broader populations must identify the direct benefit to
Seaside youth participants. Faith-based organizations may apply provided that grant
funds are not used for religious instruction, worship, or proselytizing and that participation
in funded programs is open to all residents regardless of religious affiliation.
3.2 Eligible Program Areas
Funding shall prioritize programs and services that primarily benefit children, adolescents,
and transitional-age youth age 24 and younger. Eligible programs may include education,
tutoring, mentoring, career readiness, and workforce development for youth; youth
development, recreation, arts, culture, and positive enrichment activities; mental health,
behavioral health, and social-emotional support services for youth; violence prevention,
intervention, diversion, and public safety-related youth support services; civic
engagement, leadership development, neighborhood connection, and community-building
programs focused on youth participation and belonging; and basic needs, housing
stability, or family support services when the applicant demonstrates a clear, direct, and
measurable benefit to Seaside youth. Programs serving broader populations may be
considered only when the applicant demonstrates a clear, direct, and measurable benefit
to Seaside youth age 24 and younger. Programs must demonstrate a clear municipal or
community benefit, alignment with City priorities, and measurable youth-focused
outcomes.

3.3 Allowable and Ineligible Expenditures
Eligible expenditures may include program-related personnel costs directly supporting
service delivery; supplies, materials, and equipment necessary to implement the approved
program; facility or space rental directly tied to program activities; contracted professional
or support services; and outreach, engagement, or participant support costs related to
program outcomes. The following expenses are not eligible: general operating deficits
unrelated to the proposed program; religious or political activities; fundraising events or
activities; personal gifts, prizes, or entertainment unrelated to program objectives; and
costs incurred prior to City Council approval.
SECTION 4 - PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Proposal Content Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete proposal that clearly addresses the required
components outlined below. Proposals must be concise, well-organized, and responsive
to this RFP. Incomplete proposals will not be considered.
Each proposal shall include an organizational cover sheet; a narrative describing the
youth-related community need addressed and target population; a detailed program
description including activities, timeline, and feasibility; a discussion of anticipated youth-
focused outcomes and measurable impacts; a description of organizational readiness,
partnerships, or fiscal sponsorship arrangements; and a detailed program budget
demonstrating the required match.
All required attachments, including proof of nonprofit status or fiscal sponsor
documentation and a current W-9 form, must be included.
4.2 Proposal Format and Length Requirements
To ensure consistency, fairness, and an efficient evaluation process, proposals shall
comply with the following format and length requirements. Proposals that exceed these
limits may not be reviewed in their entirety.
The narrative portion of the proposal shall not exceed ten (10) pages, excluding the cover
sheet, budget, and required attachments. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and
concise in their responses.
Narrative pages shall be formatted using a minimum 11-point font, standard margins, and
single or double spacing. Pages must be numbered.
The recommended page allocation by section is as follows:
Statement of Youth-Related Community Need - up to 2 pages
Program Description and Feasibility - up to 3 pages
Anticipated Youth Outcomes and Impact - up to 2 pages

Organizational Readiness and Partnerships - up to 2 pages
Equity and Reach - up to 1 page
Budgets, proof of nonprofit status, fiscal sponsor documentation, and other required
attachments are not included in the page limit.
4.3 Narrative Guidance
The following guidance is provided to assist applicants in preparing responsive proposals.
Applicants are encouraged to address each topic clearly and concisely, using available
data, experience, or reasonable assumptions as appropriate. Emerging or pilot programs
are not required to demonstrate prior performance data if anticipated youth outcomes and
implementation plans are clearly articulated.
Statement of Youth-Related Community Need
Describe the community need or issue the proposed program seeks to address, with
particular emphasis on how the need affects Seaside youth age 24 and younger.
Applicants may reference qualitative or quantitative data, lived experience, or observed
service gaps.
Program Description and Feasibility
Explain the proposed activities, services, or interventions, including how the program will
be implemented during the grant period. Describe timelines, staffing, partnerships, and
any key assumptions necessary for successful delivery.
Anticipated Youth Outcomes and Impact
Identify the youth-focused outcomes the program is expected to achieve and how success
will be measured. Outcomes may be quantitative or qualitative and should be appropriate
to the scale and nature of the proposed program.
Equity and Reach
Describe how the program will reach underserved or priority youth populations and ensure
equitable access to services. Applicants should identify any barriers to participation and
strategies to address them.
Organizational Readiness and Partnerships
Describe the organization's readiness to implement the proposed program, including
staffing, governance, partnerships, or fiscal sponsorship arrangements. New or emerging
organizations may demonstrate readiness through collaborations or clearly defined roles
and responsibilities.

SECTION 5 - SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. local time, August 7, 2026. Late submissions will
not be accepted.
Proposals may be submitted electronically or in hard copy format, as specified in the RFP
announcement or any issued addenda. Completed proposals shall be directed to:
Dan Meewis
Assistant City Manager
City of Seaside
440 Harcourt Avenue
Seaside, CA 93955
dmeewis@ci.seaside.ca.us
Applicants will be notified of the date on which Youth Opportunity Grant Program allocation
recommendations are scheduled for City Council consideration.
Proposals may be submitted electronically or in hard copy format, as specified in the RFP
announcement or any issued addenda.
SECTION 6 - EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
6.1 Evaluation Process
All complete proposals will be evaluated and scored by City staff and members of the
Community Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC), using the evaluation criteria and scoring
matrix adopted for the FY 2026-2027 funding cycle. Evaluation criteria and weighting may
be modified annually based on local needs or strategic priorities established by City
Council.
Applications shall be evaluated using criteria that may include, but are not limited to,
demonstrated youth-related community need, program quality and feasibility, anticipated
impact and measurable youth outcomes, equity and reach, organizational readiness and
partnerships, and cost effectiveness.
The evaluation framework is designed to ensure that emerging or grassroots organizations
are not disadvantaged due to limited organizational history, provided that proposed youth
outcomes and implementation plans are clearly articulated.
6.2 Scoring Criteria
Proposals will be scored using a 100-point evaluation framework that emphasizes youth-
related community need, impact, equity, feasibility, and cost effectiveness, while limiting
the weight assigned to organizational longevity or prior funding history. Detailed scoring
criteria and point allocations are included as Attachment A to this RFP.

6.3 City Council Approval
Following committee evaluation, funding scenarios and recommendations will be
presented to City Council. All grant awards are subject to City Council approval, and City
Council retains final authority over funding allocations.
SECTION 7 - TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
The anticipated schedule for the FY 2026-2027 Youth Opportunity Grant Program is as
follows:
Milestone Date
RFP Issuance July 6, 2026
Application Deadline August 7, 2026
Committee Evaluation Period Through September 4, 2026
City Council Consideration September 17, 2026
Grant Agreement Execution No later than October 1, 2026
The City reserves the right to modify this schedule as necessary.
SECTION 8 - GRANT AGREEMENT AND REPORTING
Successful applicants will be required to enter into a grant agreement with the City of
Seaside. Funded organizations must submit quarterly progress and expenditure reports
as specified in the agreement; submit a final report documenting outcomes, services
provided, and use of funds; and participate in Blue Ribbon Task Force meetings and
provide a minimum of two program reports during the grant cycle. Organizations that fail
to comply with reporting requirements may be deemed ineligible for future funding.
SECTION 9 - QUESTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS
Questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing by [DATE]. Responses to
questions and any clarifications or addenda will be issued in writing and made available
to all prospective applicants.
EXHIBIT A - SCORING MATRIX (TO BE INCLUDED WITH FINAL
RFP)
Attachment A includes the FY 2026-2027 scoring criteria, point allocations, and scoring
guidance. The City may adjust criteria and weighting annually based on local needs or
strategic priorities established by City Council.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
YOUTH OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM
FY 2026-2027
"ATTACHMENT A"
This Attachment A establishes the evaluation criteria and scoring framework used by City
staff and the Community Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) to review eligible Youth
Opportunity Grant Program applications. The scoring matrix is intended to support a
consistent, transparent, and equitable evaluation process and to inform City Council
deliberations. Final funding decisions remain solely within the authority of the City Council.
Evaluation criteria and weighting may be modified annually to reflect evolving community
needs or strategic priorities established by City Council.
Summary Scoring Table (100 Points Total)
Evaluation Criterion Maximum Points
Community Need & Target Population 30
Program Design & Feasibility 20
Anticipated Youth Outcomes & Impact 20
Equity & Reach 15
Organizational Readiness & Partnerships 10
Cost Effectiveness & Match 5
TOTAL POSSIBLE SCORE 100
Scoring Criteria and Guidance
1. Community Need & Target Population (30 Points)
Evaluates the extent to which the proposal demonstrates a clear and compelling youth-
related community need affecting Seaside youth age 24 and younger. High scores are
awarded to proposals that clearly identify a documented or well-articulated need, define
the target population, and demonstrate relevance to Seaside youth. Applicants may use
qualitative data, quantitative data, lived experience, or observed service gaps.
2. Program Design & Feasibility (20 Points)
Evaluates the quality, clarity, and feasibility of the proposed program or service. High
scores are awarded to proposals that clearly describe program activities, present a
realistic implementation timeline, identify staffing and partnerships, and demonstrate the
ability to implement the program during the grant period.
3. Anticipated Outcomes & Impact (20 Points)
Evaluates the expected youth-focused outcomes and community impact of the proposed
program. High scores are awarded to proposals that identify clear, realistic outcomes and
explain how success will be measured. Applicants proposing new or pilot programs are

not required to demonstrate historical outcome data if anticipated outcomes are clearly
articulated.
4. Equity & Reach (15 Points)
Evaluates how effectively the proposed program serves underserved or priority youth
populations and promotes equitable access. High scores are awarded to proposals that
identify barriers to participation and describe strategies to ensure inclusion and access.
5. Organizational Readiness & Partnerships (10 Points)
Evaluates the applicant's readiness to implement the proposed program. High scores are
awarded based on staffing, governance, partnerships, or fiscal sponsorship
arrangements. Organizational longevity, size, or prior City funding are not required for a
high score.
6. Cost Effectiveness & Match (5 Points)
Evaluates the reasonableness of the proposed budget relative to expected outcomes.
High scores are awarded to proposals that meet or exceed the required 10 percent match
and demonstrate efficient use of grant funds.
Important Evaluation Notes
Lack of organizational history or prior City funding will not disadvantage applicants. Scores
are intended to inform, but not replace, City Council judgment. City Council retains final
authority over all funding decisions.