SECTION 1: POLICY

FIRST 5 Santa Clara County’s Emergency Fund policy addresses urgent situations impacting the health and safety of children 5 years of age and younger.

SECTION 2: DEFINITION OF EMERGENCY SITUATION

An emergency, as defined by FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, involves an urgent situation that is a result of an event(s) beyond the applicant’s control and that impacts the health and safety of children five years of age and younger.

SECTION 3: FUNDING CRITERIA

To be considered for funding, an application must be received between July 1 and April 30 of a fiscal year and must meet the following criteria.

• Proposed project can be categorized as an emergency situation.
• Proposed project must benefit children under five years of age and younger.
• The emergency must exist in Santa Clara County.
• Funds may not be used for operational costs (e.g., direct service, salaries) or to start-up a program or service.
• Proposed project must be consistent with at least one of FIRST 5’s strategies or initiatives.
• The organization or business (“organization”) (e.g., community based organization, child care facility) must be established. The funds may not be used for a new business or awarded to an individual.
• Applicant shall demonstrate fiscal accountability.
• Funds must be spent by June 30 in the year the funds were awarded.

SECTION 4: INELIGIBLE ORGANIZATION

Government agencies are not eligible to apply for emergency funds.

SECTION 5: MAXIMUM AWARD AMOUNT

Applicants may submit a request for up to $7,500. The Commission has allocated a total of $50,000 per fiscal year for emergency situations. Applications will only be accepted if funds are available.