Community Services Fund

About the Grant

The Community Services Fund (CSF) provides grants, through a competitive process, for human service programs and activities operating in the City of Falls Church. The program is administered through the City’s Housing and Human Services unit (HHS). Oversight and program selection are made by the Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC), a citizen appointed commission. 

Grant Criteria 

Applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving City of Falls Church residents. Applicants may apply for either a specific program or activity serving City residents and/or general administrative expenses as it relates to the program or activity serving City residents. 

Application Process

The application for the fiscal year 2024 (July 2023 through June 2024) is now closed. If you are interested in the program and would like to apply next year, please contact Ripal Patel at rpatel@fallschurchva.gov or call 703-248-5005 (TTY 711).

The Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC) reviews all applications and may hold a public hearing to gain further information. If needed, the public hearing will be held in January 2023. HSAC will make recommendations to present to City Council in February 2023. The funding recommendations are considered as part of the City budget process in March and April. HSAC will evaluate the grant proposals using the following criteria. Items are not necessarily weighted equally nor listed in order of importance.

  1. Critical Need Fulfillment
    Grant funding will materially impact the fulfillment of a critical need(s) within the City of Falls Church.

  2. Action Plan Quality
    The proposal includes an action plan with meaningful and measurable target outcomes, and the plan presents a well-conceived approach that is likely to result in success.

  3. Organizational Capacity
    The applicant has the organizational capacity to implement the Action Plan, track outcomes, and succeed with the project.

  4. Budget and Financial Plan and Efficiency
    The program budget is reasonable and the applicant will apply grant funds toward the efficient operation of the program.

Grant Amounts 

The total amount of funds available is expected to be about $86,000 for the fiscal year 2024, and the grant amounts for each application selected can vary. 

Grant Requirements 

Organizations receiving grants will receive a contract prior to the start of the fiscal year (July 1, 2024). The contract outlines procedures for reimbursement and reporting requirements. Grantees must submit a standardized quarterly report of outcome measures based on the program proposal and the number of City residents served. 

Past Grant Recipients

Previously funded programs include legal services, housing counseling, emergency assistance, services to the blind, and regional health planning.