Community Response Initiative to Strengthen Emergency Systems (C.R.I.S.E.S) Act Grant Pilot Program

In accordance with Assembly Bill 118 (Chapter 694, Statutes of 2021), the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will administer $9.5 million for grant-making to community-based organizations for emergency response pilots, to lessen the reliance on law enforcement agencies as first responders to crisis situations unrelated to a fire department or emergency medical service response.

C.R.I.S.E.S Grant Pilot Program Request for Application (RFA):

The C.R.I.S.E.S Act RFA closed on July 14, 2023.

To learn more about the C.R.I.S.E.S Grant Pilot Program RFA, program details, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for funding, please review the C.R.I.S.E.S Grant Pilot Program Quick Guide.

RFA Information Session Webinar

The CDSS hosted a webinar on March 29, 2023 that provided an overview of the pilot program, described the scope of intended services, reviewed RFA requirements, reviewed application process, and explained additional administrative requirements. Video Recording from March 29, 2023 webinar: CRISES Act RFA Overview

C.R.I.S.E.S Act Awardees

The CDSS awarded $9.5 million to four jurisdictions and their community-based organization (CBO) partners. For a full list of grantees and CBO partners, please see the C.R.I.S.E.S Act Award Announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q&A Period: Questions may be sent via email to CRISESgrants@dss.ca.gov and must be received by 5:00 p.m. PST on June 30, 2023. Answers will be complied and posted on a rolling basis to the CDSS C.R.I.S.E.S Grant Pilot Program webpage.

Stakeholder Workgroup

In accordance with Welfare and Institutions Code section 18999.93, CDSS was tasked with convening a stakeholder workgroup to make recommendations to CDSS regarding the implementation of the C.R.I.S.E.S. Grant Pilot Program. The stakeholder workgroup members shall:

  • Provide input regarding criteria for qualified grantees.
  • Provide best practices and program recommendations.
  • Provide consultation on implementation and priorities for technical assistance.
  • Identify barriers to implementation and suggest solutions to address those barriers.
  • Recommend anonymous data to be collected.
  • Collaboratively review data and program outcomes.
  • Advise on the design of the evaluation.

The selected sixteen workgroup members are qualified individuals who have an array of professional and/or personal experience as it relates to the C.R.I.S.E.S. Grant Pilot Program. CDSS is pleased to have the opportunity to benefit from each member’s unique perspective. Please click the link below to meet the C.R.I.S.E.S. Grant Pilot Program Stakeholder Workgroup Members:

C.R.I.S.E.S Act Stakeholder Workgroup Members

Application Workshop PowerPoint

Contact Information

Please direct any questions regarding the C.R.I.S.E.S. Grant Pilot Program to CRISESgrants@dss.ca.gov.