The federal government allows entitlement communities such as Costa Mesa to spend up to 15% of an annual federal CBDG grant allocation for public services, provided that a majority of clients assisted by such services meet government's definition of a low- or moderate-income household (household income does not exceed 80% of the county median income).

Public services encompass a wide variety of programs that provide direct services to Costa Mesa residents. Examples include childcare, youth services, homeless services, substance abuse treatment, health care, senior citizen services, and disability services. Federal public service grant funds may be used to pay for a wide variety of program components, including labor, supplies, materials, and most operating costs (utilities, insurance).

Current Grant Recipients (FY 2025-2026):

Assistance League Costa Mesa
Fair Housing Foundation
Families Forward
Human Options
Project Hope Alliance
Trellis International

The 2026-2027 CDBG Public Services Grant Application acceptance window is now closed.

 References

1. CDBG Public Service Grant NOFA
2. Conflict of Interest Form
3. Certification Form
4. Public Service Grant Online Application

For more information, contact Nancy Sa, Housing and Community Development at (714) 754-5678 or  at nancy.sa@costamesaca.gov.