San Francisco Sun

San Francisco, CA -- Mayor London N. Breed and the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families (DCYF) have unveiled a significant initiative aimed at bolstering support for young people and families in the city. The announcement comes as over $460 million in new grant funding has been allocated to enhance various programs and services catering to the well-being and development of children and youth.

The substantial investment, made possible by the Children and Families First Initiative, underscores San Francisco's commitment to ensuring that all children and youth have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth. Through this funding, hundreds of programs will receive support, ranging from afterschool programs to services for underserved populations.

Mayor Breed emphasized the importance of investing in the city's youth, stating, “When we support our youth and families, we create a stronger, more resilient future for our young people and our city.” The grant funding will prioritize addressing the needs of high-need populations and groups, ensuring that a diverse range of community-based organizations can provide tailored services across different neighborhoods in San Francisco.

DCYF's Executive Director Maria Su expressed pride in the comprehensive planning that went into the grant funding allocation, stating, “This portfolio represents the culmination of DCYF’s planning cycle, and I’m proud of the work that it took to put it together.” The funding cycle for 2024-2029 aims to deepen the impact of their work by focusing on data-driven approaches and collaborating with City agencies and SFUSD to achieve positive outcomes for children, youth, transitional age youth, and their families.

The grantee portfolio includes a wide array of opportunities, such as academic support, afterschool and summer programs, workforce development, and leadership programming. This initiative reflects a collective effort to make San Francisco a nurturing environment for youth to thrive and succeed.