Immigration Services Funding
The Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 13302-13307 authorize the CDSS to fund qualified nonprofit organizations (Grantees) to provide services to immigrants residing in, or formerly residing in, the State of California. The purpose of the Immigration Services Funding (ISF) Program is to expand available immigration services and increase the number of immigrants receiving quality immigration legal services. This is done by selecting qualified nonprofit organizations to provide free immigration legal services and to conduct education and outreach activities in immigrant communities, and by providing technical assistance to the nonprofit service providers to increase their expertise and ensure the quality of the service. At the discretion of the CDSS, additional services may be added. This funding is intended to serve individuals who cannot otherwise afford an attorney or legal representation.
Funding determinations will be based on an applicant’s ability to provide legal services in alignment with the CDSS ISF program and funding priorities. Selected organizations will receive an award notice and the award information will be included in the Agreement with CDSS or Subgrant Agreement with a Program Administrator (PA).
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS)’ Immigration Services Bureau (ISB) is releasing the availability of $35.6 million for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 Immigration Services Funding (ISF) Program. Authorized by Welfare and Institution Code Sections 13302-13307, the ISF Program funds eligible nonprofit organizations to provide pro-bono immigration legal services and outreach throughout California through grant awards. The State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2023-24 ISF competitive Request for Application (RFA) process is transitioning to a three-year grant. Funding for the second and third year will be based on, and contingent upon, funds made available through the SFY 2024-2025 and SFY 2025-26 Budget Act.
To learn more about the ISF RFA, program details, eligibility requirements, and to apply for funding, please review the documents below:
ISF RFA and Application
Additional Application Documents
ISF Sample Agreement (subject to change)
All applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. PST on September 8, 2023, to ISB-RFA@dss.ca.gov with the subject line: “SFY 2023-26 ISF- ORGANIZATION”. Incomplete or late applications may not be accepted. Please review the RFA for further details. The RFA documents can also be found on the California State Library.
ISF Awarded Organizations by Fiscal Year
- FY 2023-26 Award (awards tentative release December 2023)
- FY 2021-22
Archive
Removal Defense Program
As authorized by Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 13302-13307, the CDSS funds eligible nonprofit organizations to provide pro bono removal defense services throughout California.
To learn more about the RD RFA, program details, eligibility requirements, and awarded organizations, please review the documents below:
RD RFA and Application
FY 2022-24 RD RFA Orientation Webinar Slides
FY 2022-24 RD RFA Orientation Webinar FAQs
FY2022-24 RD Award Announcement
FY2022-24 RD Contact List
ISF and RD Invoice Forms
Please direct all ISF questions to ImmigrationServices@dss.ca.gov.