On January 8, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a state budget proposal that included critical supports for Family Resource Centers (FRCs) to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the measure proposed $13 M in General Fund for COVID-19 Related Supports for Child Welfare Services. The proposal builds on $3 M in state funds allocated for FRC response to COVID-19 in 2020 and recognizes the critical role of FRCs to address the needs of vulnerable children and families across the state, especially those who are most impacted by the pandemic. This funding will provide direct support and services to foster and kin caregiver families, including material items, assistance with isolation needs, parenting resources, and staff time to help link families to other state and federal supports (e.g. food, housing, etc.).”

In response to Governor Newsom’s announcement, the California Family Resource Association is seeking responses to this Notice of Funding Opportunity from FRCs to receive COVID-19 Family Resource Center Relief Funds to address family needs and maintain continuity of services and operations during the COVID-19 crisis. During the COVID-19 emergency, families need to remain connected to essential community supports which protect California’s most vulnerable children and families. "Social Connections" and “Concrete Support in Times of Need” are the most important of the Protective Factors that can be provided to our most vulnerable children and families.

For purposes of this NOFO, applicants eligible for funding will include Family Resource Centers as defined by SB 436 “…an entity providing family-centered and family-strengthening services that are embedded in communities, culturally sensitive, and include cross-system collaboration to assist in transforming families and communities through reciprocity and asset development based on impact-driven and evidence-informed approaches with the goal of preventing child abuse and neglect and strengthening children and families. A family resource center may be located in, or administered by, different entities, including, but not limited to, a local educational agency, a community resource center, or a neighborhood resource center.”

New in 2021: In order to help build your statewide network of support, this year’s relief funds will include a line item for one year’s dues to CFRA. You are encouraged to add this to your budget for your network and each member FRC. If you and your member FRCs are not yet CFRA members, your organization will be invoiced for the amount you claim. If you already are members, this can be applied to your next renewal.

CFRA will be hosting an informational webinar about the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Join us on Wednesday July the 28^th at 2pm to hear more about the funding and what the application process will look like. Click here to register for the webinar on July 28th.

A recording of the webinar will be released after. CFRA suggests you begin thinking about ways your FRC could use the funds to benefit vulnerable children and families amid COVID-19.

To apply for the funding, and for more information, go to: https://californiafamilyresource.org/covidnofo21/

Applications are due by August,13th 2021 at 5pm.

For any questions, contact Madison York at myork@thecapcenter.org