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

• ISF Request for Application (RFA) – Fillable PDF

Additional Application Documents

• ISF RFA Appendix 1 -Self-Assurance Form
• ISF RFA Appendix 2- Trust Fund Eligibility Self-Assurance Form (If applicable)
• ISF RFA Appendix 3 -Applicant Reference Form
• ISF RFA Appendix 4 -Subgrantee Worksheet (email your primary analyst, PA or immigrationservices@dss.ca.gov for this document)
• Payee Data Record (STD 204)
• ISF RFA Proposed Program Budget Template

ISF Sample Agreement (subject to change)

• ISF Exhibit A (link pending release)
• ISF Exhibit B (link pending release)
• ISF Exhibit B - Attachment 2
• ISF Exhibit C
• ISF Exhibit C - Attachment 1
• ISF Exhibit D (link pending release)
• ISF Exhibit E
• ISF Exhibit E - Attachment 1
• California Civil Rights Law Certification (CCRLC)

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

• FY 2020-21

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

• FY 20-21 ISF Invoice Form
• FY 20-21 RD Invoice Form
• FY 19-20 RD Invoice Form

Please direct all ISF questions to ImmigrationServices@dss.ca.gov.