Feb. 19 is the deadline to apply for more than $3.6 million; Webinars set for Jan. 29

Special to The Post

An annual funding opportunity is now open for developers and nonprofits considering projects focused on the creation of affordable housing, community infrastructure and other services in Marin County – especially those designed to assist local lower-income households. All told, $3.6 million is on the table.

As of Jan. 22, applications are being accepted within the County of Marin’s annual funding cycle for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) grants. Both are administered by the Marin County Community Development Agency (CDA), which leverages several local, state, and federal funding sources for the programs.

CDA also administers the State of California’s Permanent Local Housing Allocation, including a 1-to-1 match from the Marin Affordable Housing Fund. This year, in partnership with the City of San Rafael, applicants may also apply for City of San Rafael Affordable Housing Trust Funds (AHTP) through the same application.

Local agencies have until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, to apply for the funds. Application webinars will be held online Wednesday, Jan. 29, to provide details to potential applicants.

Many residents struggle to meet basic needs with housing, health, childcare, and food security. Marin has one of the highest median household incomes in California – $186,600 for a family of four. However, it also has some of the highest home prices and development costs in the country. The median local price for a single-family, detached home has neared $1.8 million in recent months, and typical rents range from $2,500 to $3,400.

There is increasing pressure on charitable organizations to provide help. The federal grants program offers funding to those nonprofits delivering key services to the community with a minimum grant size of $15,000.

Application materials for the 2025 cycle are available on CDA’s Notice of Funding Availability webpage and in CDA’s Marin County Civic Center office at 3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 308, in San Rafael. The office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. 4 p.m.

Applications are assessed on how they meet funding priorities and goals, affirmatively further fair housing, serve low-income residents and serve local members of protected classes based on race, gender, disability, and other factors. The grants are not available to individuals; those in need of housing assistance and resources are encouraged to review the County’s Housing Help webpage.

During the Jan. 29 webinars, participants will learn more about the application process, types of eligible projects, and new project requirements. The sessions are organized into two distinct presentations:

• 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Community Infrastructure (Capital) and Public Service Projects
• 2:30-3:30 p.m. – Housing Projects

CDA staff members are available throughout the application process to consult with organizations unable to attend the online sessions. Office hours will be held throughout the application process; register via the division’s webpage. For more details, email the Housing and Federal Grants Division.

Staff will review applications and conduct public hearings about recommended allocations this spring. By June, the Board of Supervisors will hold a final public hearing and make recommendations to be submitted to the federal government. Approved allocations would be received by the applicants by autumn.

The County of Marin Media Relations Department is the source for this story.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

By Godfrey Lee

The film “Giants Rising” will be screened on Saturday, Jan. 11, from 3-6 p.m. at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, located 100 Donahue St. in Marin City.

A journey into the heart of America’s most iconic forests, “Giants Rising” tells the epic tale of the coast redwoods — the tallest and among the oldest living beings on Earth. Living links to the past, redwoods hold powers that may play a role in our future, including their ability to withstand fire and capture carbon, to offer clues about longevity, and to enhance our own well-being.

Through the voices of scientists, artists, Native communities, and others, we discover the many connections that sustain these forests and the promise of solutions that will help us all rise up to face the challenges that lay ahead.

The film’s website is www.giantsrising.com. The “Giants Rising” trailer is at https://player.vimeo.com/video/904153467. The registration link to the event is https://marinlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/673de7abb41279410057889e

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Marin City Library and hosted in conjunction with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.

All library events are free. For more information, contact Etienne Douglas at (415) 332-6158 or email etienne.douglas@marincounty.gov. For event-specific information, contact Zaira Sierra at zsierra@parksconservancy.org.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

By Godfrey Lee

The First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC), will be celebrating their 80^th church anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. at 501 Drake Ave., in Marin City.

The Marin County Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution to honor FMBC’s 80^th anniversary. The resolution reads as follows:

• FMBC, a distinguished member of the religious community in Marin County, is celebrating its 80^th Anniversary in commemoration of this significant milestone.
• FMBC has provided spiritual nurture and education to its congregation and has extended humanitarian concern and compassion throughout the Marin County community. Throughout its long and impactful history, FMBC has been guided by dedicated and faithful leaders.
• The completion of eighty years of tireless service to its congregation and community reflects the steadfast devotion of countless individuals – both religious and lay – who embody the teachings of the Lord.
• FMBC shares a unique, rich, and dynamic history with Marin City and Marin County at large, having been established in 1944 in the living room of Rev. W.E. Franklin, serving the workers of Sausalito Marinship.
• FMBC, throughout its rich 80 years of history, continues to provide service and support to Marin City and the County in the areas of mentoring, mental health advocacy, social justice, domestic & gun violence, and climate resilience.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Marin County Board of Supervisors honors First Missionary Baptist Church on its 80^th Anniversary, recognizing its profound impact on the Marin City community and its unwavering commitment to service, faith, and hope.

The Resolution was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Marin on Nov. 5, 2024. It was signed by Dennis Rodini, president, District 4, and District 3 Supervisor Stephanie Moulton-Peters.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post