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Advancing Community wellness in the Coachella Valley

How to Apply for a Grant

New applicant

Begin with creating an account on the DHCD grant management software.

Returning applicant

Skip to Step 2

The grant application process begins by completing an initial application

The initial application will need to be accompanied by:

  • 501(c)3 determination letter
  • Project budget using the DHCD budget template
  • Most recent Fiscal Year End Financial Statements that have been audited by an independent certified public accountant (CPA). Submitted audited financials must cover a time period within the last 18 months.
  • Most Recent Year-To-Date Financial Statement that includes a Profit and Loss Statement (P&L) and Balance Sheet covering a time period within the last three months.
  • Current Organizational FY budget
  • Minutes from Board Meeting when Audited Financials were approved
  • Current Strategic Plan
  • Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) if applicable
  • List of Board of Directors and Terms

The grants management staff will review the initial application and financial forms

  • All prospective grantees undergo a legal, financial, and programmatic review to ensure eligibility and financial health
  • If pre-qualified, the District staff will contact the applicant for a grant application consultation and/or site visit
  • Access to the final online grant application will be granted after all pre-qualifications by the applicant are met (Step 3)

Complete Final Grant Application

The applicant completes the final grant application, which includes any updates to the initial application.

Staff Review

The grant program staff will evaluate and score each final application and its supporting documents utilizing the DHCD grant scoring rubric and provide their recommendation to the Program Committee.

Program Committee Review

A Program Committee, comprised of three Board members meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month to review staff recommendations and vote to recommend one of the following:

  • Send the grant application to the Board for approval
  • Make edits (staff approved) then send grant application to the Board for approval
  • Resubmittal with modifications
  • Decline the grant application

Notification

The applicant will be notified and invited to the Program Committee when their grant application is reviewed.

Board of Directors Review and Vote

The DHCD Board of Directors (meets 4th Tuesday of the month) will vote on one of the following Program Committee recommendations:

  • Approve the grant application
  • Approve the grant application with minor modifications and/or edits
  • Resubmittal of the grant application with major modifications and/or edits
  • Decline the grant application

Notification

The applicant will be notified and invited to the Board of Directors meeting when their grant application is reviewed.

Funding & Contracts

If a grant is approved, the DHCD grant program staff will work with the funded organization to finalize logistical items such as contracts, deliverables, payment schedules, and reporting.

Grant Reporting

Grant reports are outlined in the contract and typically include a narrative progress report, a project expenditure report, and back-up documentation/receipts, that are due at specific intervals during the grant period.

Access your Grant Application Account to complete required grant reports