Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)

Request for Proposal (RFP)

The City of Pomona is accepting proposals from eligible non-profit 501(c)(3) agencies to implement projects that will align with the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan goals and benefit low and low-to-moderate-income Pomona residents. These programs will be funded from the City's Program Year 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funds.

The City anticipates having approximately $253,583 in CDBG funds available specifically for Public Service eligible activities. This allocation is being offered through this Request for Proposals (RFP). Priorities for funding were established based on community needs survey input, established funding caps, and City Council guidance.

Note: The funding amount is an estimation and is entirely contingent upon the final federal award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This amount is subject to change.

Public Service Funding Priorities

The City of Pomona seeks to collaborate on projects that address critical community development needs identified through the 2023-2028 Consolidated Plan community input process.

Priority projects include, but are not limited to:

1. Child Care Services: Services that will benefit children (generally under age 13), including parenting skills classes.
2. Fair Housing Activities: Services to counsel on housing discrimination.
3. Health services: Services addressing the physical health needs of Pomona residents.
4. Senior Services: Services for the elderly such as educational, recreational, employment and outreach. 
5. Homeless and AIDS Patients Programs: Operation of programs for the homeless or for AIDS patients
6. Youth Services: Services may be educational, recreational, employment or counseling. 

Note: All CDBG public service funding is allocated at the discretion of city council. These priorities are subject to change without notice.

Public Service Funding Caps

CDBG regulations set strict limitations on the use of grant funds. 

• Primary Benefit (LMI): At least 70% of available funds must be used for activities that directly benefit low- to moderate-income people.
• Public Services Cap: No more than 15% of the total grant can be spent on Public Social Services Programs (including Fair Housing services).

Eligibility Requirements

All proposers must meet local and federally defined threshold and eligibility requirements. Proposals that do not meet these requirements will not be considered for funding. Key Requirements:

• Applicant Type: Agency must be a public agency or an established nonprofit agency (e.g., incorporated 501(c)(3) organization) by the submission deadline.
• Federal Mandate: The project must meet a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) National Objective and be an eligible activity. 
• Proposal Alignment: The proposal must align with at least one of the City's priorities as outlined in the approved 2023-2028 Consolidated Plan, Pomona's Priorities & Goals, Promise Initiatives, or Homeless Strategic Plan.
• Target Population: The project must primarily benefit low- to moderate-income individuals within the City of Pomona.

Mandatory RFP Workshop

All applicants must attend a virtual Technical Assistance Workshop to learn about the CDBG program, proposal process, evaluation criteria and City policies.

RFP Workshop Details

• Date & Time:  Wednesday, November 12, 2025 @ 10:00 AM 
• Platform:  Virtual via ZOOM  |  Join Link:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84894792321
• Meeting ID:  848 9479 2321  |  Phone:  669-444-9171

Note: This Workshop is mandatory for all agencies applying for funding, regardless of current or past CDBG funding status. Failure to attend will result in the rejection of the proposal.

City Reserves of Rights

The City maintains administrative and budgetary discretion over the proposal and funding process, and reserves the right to:

• Waive Defects: Waive minor defects or irregularities in the presentation of any Request for Proposal (RFP).
• Reject Proposals: Decline to review or evaluate disqualified proposals or those with defects the City chooses not to waive. Rejected applicants will be notified in writing.
• Adjust Funding: Modify (increase or decrease) final funding requests to align with budget parameters, maximize effectiveness, or meet City priorities.

Funding & Submission Disclaimer

Agencies may submit multiple applications, but each distinct project must be its own separate proposal. Please note that the estimated $253,583 funding amount is contingent upon the City's final award from HUD and is subject to change. Funding is not guaranteed to any agency or project, and awarded amounts may be less than requested. The City retains full discretion for all final funding decisions, which are based on available funds and program requirements. Past funding does not guarantee future awards. The submission of a proposal does not commit the City of Pomona to award a contract or cover any costs incurred in the proposal's preparation.

Questions? 

For technical assistance with the Submittable account or website, visit Submittable Support at bit.ly/SubmittableSupport. For additional program information (CDBG rules, priorities, etc.) visit http://bit.ly/CDBGPomona or contact Vivian Bravo, Housing Analyst, via email at vivian.bravo@pomonaca.gov or by phone at (909) 620-3705.