Care First Community Investment Care Grant Strategy 1 (Diversion, Behavioral Health & Wellness)

The Care First Community Investment Care Grant program administered by the Los Angeles County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department represents a large-scale local funding initiative designed to advance alternatives to incarceration through community-based services. Established following the policy intent of Measure J, the program directs a portion of county resources toward addressing systemic inequities in the criminal legal system and investing in community-driven solutions. The initiative operates through third-party administrators, including Heluna Health, which manages Strategy 1 funding focused on diversion, behavioral health, and wellness programs. This funding stream is part of a broader multi-strategy framework intended to support community safety, health, and economic stability across Los Angeles County. The primary purpose of Strategy 1 funding is to support programs that divert individuals away from incarceration by addressing behavioral health needs, providing crisis alternatives, and promoting healing-centered reentry services. Program areas include creative and healing-centered reentry supports, mental health diversion and crisis alternatives to incarceration, and community-based behavioral health and harm reduction services. Funded programs are expected to provide trauma-informed, culturally competent services that prioritize stabilization, long-term wellness, and community reintegration. Eligible activities include case management, clinical assessments, substance use treatment, harm reduction services, peer navigation, and arts-based or restorative interventions that support emotional regulation and identity development. Funding is structured as competitive grants with awards generally ranging from fifty thousand dollars to over one million two hundred thousand dollars annually, depending on the program area and scale of services. Certain program categories may exceed this range based on available funding and demonstrated need. Contracts are expected to run for a three-year term, and all awarded funds must be expended within thirty-six months, no later than October 2029. Funds cannot be used for law enforcement purposes and must directly support community-based services aligned with the program’s objectives. Eligibility is limited to community-based organizations that provide direct services in Los Angeles County and have at least two years of relevant experience. Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, faith-based organizations, and fiscally sponsored organizations. Applicants must be in good standing with the California Secretary of State and demonstrate operational capacity to deliver services. Organizations must also be located within Los Angeles County and serve local populations. Additional requirements include maintaining appropriate insurance, complying with legal and data protection standards, and submitting required documentation such as financial records, organizational status verification, and detailed project budgets. Applications must be submitted through an online portal and include a comprehensive proposal outlining program design, service delivery methods, outcomes, and budget justification. Required components include organizational background information, service descriptions, measurable outcomes, and supporting documentation such as tax filings and proof of insurance. Applications are reviewed through a structured process involving administrative screening, scoring by independent reviewers, and prioritization factors such as serving high-need communities and supporting historically underserved populations. There is no appeals process for funding decisions. The application timeline for this funding cycle begins with the release on July 24, 2026, with submissions due by August 24, 2026. Optional webinars are offered to support applicants, and written questions are accepted through August 11, 2026. Applications are reviewed through late September, with award announcements anticipated in early to mid October 2026. Contracts are expected to begin shortly thereafter, with payments issued within forty-five days of approved invoices. The program emphasizes accountability through ongoing reporting requirements, including monthly performance data and quarterly reporting to the County. Overall, the CFCI Care Grant program reflects a strategic investment in community-led solutions that address behavioral health needs and reduce reliance on incarceration. By prioritizing culturally responsive care, equity-driven resource allocation, and long-term community impact, the program aims to transform public safety approaches and improve outcomes for individuals and families across Los Angeles County.

Align proposal with program area goals; demonstrate measurable outcomes; prioritize underserved communities; ensure budget justification is clear; highlight organizational experience and cultural competency