Community funding program

To provide a transparent and equitable framework for awarding monetary support to local nonprofit agencies addressing the human service needs of Menlo Park residents. This funding is intended to supplement, not fully fund, an agency’s program.

All recipients will enter into an agreement with the City, detailing the specific deliverables and reporting obligations.

Addressing community needs

Funded programs must respond to a verified community need as defined by the City Council in Policy CC-25-029(PDF, 106KB):

Verified community need	Description
Basic services	Activities include, but are not limited to, services, including civic engagement, for the homeless, seniors, youth and low-income individuals and families such as subsistence programs, healthcare initiatives and rental assistance.
Community enrichment	Activities that promote community enrichment, including, but not limited to, educational and recreational programs and initiatives that promote social equity and engagement.
Community health	Activities include, but are not limited to, programs or projects that support Menlo Park residents’ well-being, preserve natural resources, improve air indoor and outdoor air quality or increase community environmental sustainability.

Application process

Each agency may submit only one application per funding cycle, and the application must focus on a single, clearly defined program or service.

Interested agencies/organizations must complete the official Community Funding Program Application form and submit it by the deadline:

• Application submission deadline: March 5, 2026
• Subcommittee review: April 2026
• City Council approval: May 2026
• Agreement execution and fund disbursement: No later than July 31, 2026

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.