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 CDSS is announcing the availability of $9.5 million to fund to selected eligible entities (cities, counties, or tribes, or departments of a city, county, or tribe, not including law enforcement entities) who propose to partner with community-based organizations (CBOs) to implement emergency response pilots. Pursuant to the RFA process, the CDSS shall select non-law enforcement entities that meet the necessary qualifications and propose partnerships with CBOs with documented ability to provide emergency response services to lessen the reliance on law enforcement in crisis situations. Qualified applicants can apply for C.R.I.S.E.S. grant funding by submitting a letter of intent, engaging in a public process to select CBO partner(s) to lead the proposed crisis response program, and completing and submitting the application pursuant to the RFA in collaboration with their selected CBO partner(s).
- Letters of Intent: Cities, counties or tribes, or departments of cities, counties, or tribes interested in applying for a C.R.I.S.E.S. Grant shall submit a non-binding letter of intent indicating that the agency plans to publicly solicit CBO partner(s) for the purpose of submitting an application in response to this RFA. Please email the letter to CRISESgrants@dss.ca.gov with the subject line: CRISES Grant Pilot Program: Letter of Intent. Letters shall be submitted in Microsoft Word or as a PDF no later than 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, May 5, 2023. Please see the RFA linked below for further details on the required components of this letter.
- Applications and supporting documents are due to the CDSS by Friday, July 14, 2023, 5:00 p.m. PT. Applications must be submitted in PDF formatted documents using the provided application form. Applications shall be submitted to CRISESgrants@dss.ca.gov with the subject line: “RFA CRISES Grant Pilot Program”.
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.
C.R.I.S.E.S Grant Pilot Program RFA
C.R.I.S.E.S Request for Application- Fillable
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
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