The City of Palm Desert has declared its readiness to accept applications for grants through its Outside Agency Program. This program offers funding opportunities to nonprofits, schools, and other community-based organizations.
In a Facebook post announcing the 2024 program, the city stated that the Outside Agency Program aims to award grants to organizations that promote Palm Desert programs and services for residents in need of support. The deadline for grant applications is April 30, 2024.
According to the program guidelines, non-profit organizations offering programs and services that directly aid residents in need will be given primary consideration. Special priority will be accorded to applicants supporting basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. The guidelines also indicate a preference for applicants providing health and human services to underserved populations. The competition for Outside Agency Program grants is intense; applications will be evaluated based on the merit of the proposed program or project.
The City of Palm Desert's website stipulates that applications must be submitted via the OpenGov website. Applications received by April 30 will undergo review by the city’s Outside Agency Funding Program Committee at a public meeting scheduled for May 30. This committee comprises two city council members, one representative each from the city manager’s office, city treasurer’s office, and city attorney’s office.
On June 27, 2024, according to the City of Palm Desert's website, the city council will examine recommendations put forth by the Outside Agency Funding Program committee and select grant recipients. All successful grant applicants will receive notification by July 1, 2024.