2025-2026 Community Agency Funding

The City of Hayward’s FY 2025-2026 Community Agency Funding (CAF) program offers grants to nonprofit and government organizations supporting low-income residents. Funded projects may include public services, economic development, facility improvements, and infrastructure benefiting low-income, elderly, disabled, and youth populations. Available funds include Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations, which have additional federal requirements, as well as City of Hayward General Fund resources. All applications are due online by December 2, 2024, at 5:00 PM, and late submissions are not accepted. Eligible applicants must submit a Common Application and fulfill specific requirements, including presenting a board-approved budget, recent audit (for requests above $20,000), and proof of general liability insurance. Agencies without an audit can apply for up to $20,000 or may partner with a fiscal administrator. Board requirements mandate at least three members or an advisory committee be based in Hayward. The application requires an agency-wide budget, organizational chart, and demonstration of alignment with Hayward’s strategic priorities, including equity and economic goals. Funded programs must operate between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Proposals are evaluated through a scoring rubric based on criteria such as community alignment, impact, racial equity, and financial sustainability. Funding caps apply to specific services, such as $100,000 for housing and homelessness projects and varying limits for arts and music. CDBG applicants must align projects with HUD national objectives (e.g., low-income benefit or urgent community needs) and follow compliance protocols like the Build America Buy America Act for infrastructure. After application submission, a community peer review panel assesses proposals, and final decisions will be made following public review and City Council input in early 2025. For assistance, applicants may contact Hayward City staff members specific to each funding category.