Santa Clara County allocates $7M for community funding proposals from nonprofits

The County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors is gearing up for a significant budget decision, with nearly $7 million earmarked for community grants aimed at addressing pressing local needs. During a recent budget workshop, officials outlined a structured process for distributing these funds, which includes a combination of fixed amounts for each district and a formula-based allocation.

The total proposed budget for community grants stands at $6,970,000, with a notable reduction from an initially planned $2 million to approximately $1.97 million for formula-based distributions. This funding is intended to support a wide range of services, from housing and food assistance to education and cultural programming, reflecting the diverse needs of Santa Clara County residents.

In total, the board has received 171 requests for funding across five districts, highlighting a significant demand for support. District 1 alone submitted 52 requests, while Districts 2, 3, 4, and 5 submitted 13, 37, 30, and 39 requests, respectively. The board is expected to review these proposals during budget hearings scheduled for June 9, 10, and 12.

Officials emphasized the importance of collaboration among different offices to effectively meet community needs, especially in light of ongoing fiscal uncertainties faced by many nonprofit organizations. The upcoming budget hearings will be crucial in determining how these funds will be allocated to support vital services across the county.