Elevate Youth California (EYC): Standard Track Request for Applications (RFA) Questions and Answers

Q:  What is the best way for a new applicant to participate in this funding opportunity? Do you assist new applicants in any way prior to application submission?
A: The best way for a new applicant to participate in this funding opportunity is by reviewing the RFA for full information before applying and attending or watching the proposers’ webinar. The Center at Sierra Health Foundation (The Center) scheduled two proposers’ webinars to present the funding opportunity, the application process, and is available to answer questions during the office hour sessions and via email at elevateyouthca@shfcenter.org. Scheduled dates for the proposers’ webinars and office hour sessions can be found in the RFA. RFA resources are posted on the EYC website under News.

Q: Can you define a fiscal sponsor and who is eligible to be a fiscal sponsor under this grant?
A:Generally, a fiscal sponsor is an organization, usually a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that provides financial oversight and other administrative services to support another organization or project. For this funding opportunity, a fiscal sponsor will utilize its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as the applicant on record and, if awarded, accept payment from The Center. Fiscal sponsors and the sponsored organization or project must meet the eligibility criteria listed in the RFA.

 Q: If our fiscal sponsor is the applicant organization, do you want organizational information and current fiscal year operating budget from the fiscal sponsor or our project (which is under the fiscal sponsor)?
A: When a fiscal sponsor is the applicant organization, The Center needs the current fiscal year operating budget amount for both the fiscal sponsor and the fiscally sponsored project. Applicants must upload the current fiscal year operating budget of the fiscally sponsored project in the attachments section of the application.

Q: My organization applied for previous rounds of funding but was not awarded. We are planning to submit another application this round; are you able to provide feedback?
A: The Center offers feedback to declined applicants after the award announcement. The Center is unable to provide feedback on declined applications for previous funding rounds.

Q: How much demonstrated experience should applicants have working with youth and young adults of color and other marginalized communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs? Should we also refer to the experience of members with long-term experience (for example, a director)?
A: There is no minimum number of years required. Instead, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and The Center evaluates the depth and relevance of the implementing organization’s overall experience working with the proposed population to be served. This includes the collective experience of staff and leadership (directors or long-term team members), rather than focusing on one staff member. Applicants should highlight experience that is directly relevant to the goals of the funding opportunity.

Q: Are there specific credentials the project team should have for this funding opportunity? Should everyone be credentialed?
A: No specific credentials are required for this funding opportunity. Key staff and subcontractor(s) are not required to be credentialed. However, applications should identify the key staff and any subcontractor(s), describe their roles, and outline their qualifications and relevant experience, particularly in serving the proposed population. This information should be provided even if the position is vacant or if the subcontractor(s) are not yet identified. Applications should demonstrate that the proposed project team has the capacity to successfully implement the proposed project and meet all evaluation and reporting requirements.

Q: Is collaboration with other agencies a requirement? Can you speak to how partnerships should be managed?
A: Collaboration is not a requirement. DHCS and The Center welcome collaboration if that is your organization’s approach, and partnership is encouraged where it makes sense. See the specific requirements for collaboratives and coalitions in the RFA.

Q: Who is the letter of support from the applicant’s administrator/executive director addressed to and what should it say?
A: All letters should be addressed to The Center. If an individual organization is applying, the administrator/executive director needs to indicate support for the application. If applying as a collaborative, each organization’s executive director needs to indicate support and identify the role their organization will play in the collaborative project. Additionally, refer to the RFA, Section 5 Selection and Evaluation Criteria, for a list of affirmations that must be included in the letter(s) of support. Applicants experiencing technical difficulties should email The Center at elevateyouthca@shfcenter.org.

Q: Is funding expected to supplement an existing project or only new programs funded entirely by this?
A: There is no specific requirement. Applicants may choose to use the funding to support a new project or to enhance an existing project. This decision should align with the goals of the funding opportunity and be clearly explained in the application.

Q: Can a currently funded EYC organization join a consortium in an RFA as a subcontractor? Can current grantees be a subcontractor in this RFA?
A: If the organization will have an active agreement from a previous funding round as of January 2026, then it would not be eligible to be the applying entity. If a new partnership is developed with a coalition, the coalition would be eligible to apply only if the applicant organization is not a currently funded EYC partner and meets the eligibility criteria set in the RFA. Current funded partners are eligible to be a subcontractor on another organization’s application if the activities are unique and do not overlap with current funding activities.

Q: If we are a subcontractor for another EYC grant with another organization, can we apply as a direct grantee for this specific funding opportunity? 
A: If you are a subcontractor for an organization that has an active EYC grant, you are eligible to apply as a direct grantee. The activities in your new application must be unique and should not overlap with the subcontracted funding activities.

Q: Do we have to identify all subcontractors in the proposal, or can they be confirmed at a later time? 
A: DHCS and The Center strongly encourage applicants to include all potential subcontractors in their application. If a subcontractor has not yet been selected, please include a line item for the prospective subcontractor, indicate this in the budget justification, and explain when you expect to make that determination. Additionally, be sure to justify the inclusion of the subcontractor by detailing their role in the project and how they will enhance your organization’s capacity to achieve the proposed goals and objectives outlined in the application.

Q: Can applications propose new employment positions? 
A: Yes, new employment positions can be proposed in this funding opportunity.

Q: Can we hire a consultant to write grants to sustain funding for the project beyond EYC funding? 
A: Yes, organizations may utilize a portion of EYC funding to hire a consultant to help write grants to sustain their EYC project. However, it’s important to note that organizations should continue to align with the goals of EYC Standard Track. This involves implementing policy, system, and environmental changes through youth civic engagement; mentorship; and peer-led support based on social justice youth development.

Additionally, please include a line item for the prospective subcontractor, indicate this in the budget justification, and explain when you expect to make that determination. Additionally, be sure to justify the inclusion of the subcontractor by detailing their role in the project and how they will enhance your organization’s capacity and sustainability to achieve the proposed goals and objectives outlined in the application.

To support sustainability efforts, The Center offers training and technical support to funded partners.

Q: Do you allow any attachments (e.g., brochures, milestones, and accomplishment pages) in the application?
A: Additional attachments beyond the required application attachments will not be reviewed.

Q: Is the work plan a yearly requirement or do applicants submit the three-year work plan with the final application?
A: Applicants must submit a three-year work plan at the time of application. If awarded, applicants must use this work plan for their project unless The Center requests changes. The three-year work plan allows reviewers to better understand the proposed project. Funded partners will be able to submit work plan modifications, and information regarding modifications will be provided by The Center.

Q: Where will the two regional convenings take place?
A: The Center anticipates hosting one convening in Northern California and one in Southern California. Updates will be communicated as they become available. See the RFA, Section 4.7 In-person Convenings, for more information.

Q: How long is the grant period for the funding opportunity?
A: The EYC Cohort 8 Standard Track will be three years from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2029.

Q: If my organization is not selected for the EYC Standard Track funding opportunity, will we be given information about other funding opportunities through The Center?
A: Funding opportunity information is made available to the public on the EYC website regardless of funding status. If your organization’s proposal isn’t selected, your organization is eligible to apply for a future EYC funding opportunity. Information on all the EYC funding opportunities will be available once they’re released on the EYC website under “News”. Additionally, you can request to receive e-blasts from The Center online at sierrahealth.org/mailinglist.

Q: Are there any annual organizational budget restrictions for applying organizations?
A: No, there is not a minimum or maximum annual budget restriction for the EYC Cohort 8 Standard Track funding opportunity. However, the maximum funding amount organizations are eligible to apply for is based on the applicant’s current fiscal year operating budget. Refer to the chart in RFA, Section 4.1 Total Award Amounts, to view the total award amount table to determine the maximum funding amount based on your current fiscal year operating budget. Please note that if your organization’s current fiscal year operating budget is at or below $50,000.00, you are required to apply under a fiscal sponsor.

Q: For organizations that have a current EYC grant expiring on December 31, 2026, will continuation projects be competitive for renewed funding or should such applicants propose new projects?
A: EYC funded partners whose current agreement ends December 31, 2026, are eligible to apply for EYC Cohort 8 Standard Track and may consider a continuation of their existing project or propose a new project; both are eligible for this funding opportunity.

Q: Can a local 501(c)(3) faith-based organization apply? 
A: Nonprofit 501(c)(3) faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for this funding. See the RFA for more information on eligibility criteria.

Q: Are Offices of Education eligible to apply?
A: No, Offices of Education do not meet eligibility requirements for this funding opportunity. See the RFA for more information on eligibility criteria.

Q: Are school districts eligible to apply?
A: No, school districts, schools, and charter schools do not meet eligibility requirements. See the RFA, Section 3.2 Minimum Qualifications, for more information on eligibility criteria.

Q: We are a for-profit organization. Can we apply for funding under a non-profit fiscal sponsor?
A: No, fiscally sponsored projects cannot have for-profit status. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements listed in the RFA. See the RFA, Section 3.2 Minimum Qualifications, for more information.

Q: If we have a grant funded by Prop 64, that’s not related to EYC, are we eligible?
A: Yes, an organization may be eligible if it has a grant funded by Prop 64 that is not EYC. See the full eligibility requirements listed in the RFA.

Q: Would organizations that aren’t headquartered in California, but provide services and have staff in California qualify?
A: Yes, however, the organization must have an office located in California and must provide services in California. Additionally, the proposed key staff must reside in California. See the RFA, Section 3.2 Minimum Qualifications, for more information.

Q: Our organization just received its nonprofit 501(c)(3) status, but the organization has yet to build any administrative infrastructure (no payroll system, no insurance coverage, etc.). Can we work with a fiscal sponsor for this funding opportunity and use some EYC funds to build infrastructure? 
A: Yes, the organization is welcome to apply for the EYC Cohort 8 Standard Track funding opportunity with a fiscal sponsor. Funds used to build administrative infrastructure are an allowable expense. Please note that applicants with a current fiscal year operating budget at or below $50,000.00 are required to apply under a fiscal sponsor.

Q: Is it possible for an applicant to submit more than one proposal in response to this RFA? For example, if the same applicant has different programs that would target different populations or geographic areas?
A: An organization is only eligible to submit one application. The exception is if the organization is acting as a fiscal sponsor for another proposed EYC project.

Q: If an organization doesn’t have significant Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) representation in leadership, but has started integrating justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work and committees within the organization, would the organization still be eligible to apply?
A: Yes, it is not required that leadership representation of the population served be considered. This funding opportunity requires applicant organizations and collaborative partners to deeply engage and reflect the proposed communities served that are disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. Funded partners should have a history of working with impacted communities, including representation on the board and staff, clients served, and neighborhoods served. Not having a significant BIPOC representation in leadership does not disqualify organizations. Please refer to the RFA, Section 5 Selection and Evaluation Criteria, for more information.

Q: My organization is not specifically working with any of the disproportionately impacted communities that were highlighted in the RFA (American Indian/Alaskan Native, African American, Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander, and Latinx, 2S/LGBTQIA+ communities in California; etc.) would we still qualify for this funding opportunity? 
A: Yes, organizations working with youth with disabilities or those who have life experiences that increase the risk of substance use disorder, including being system-impacted and formerly incarcerated, youth who have experienced the foster care system, youth experiencing homelessness, and organizations who are implementing culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate strategies designed to engage transitional age youth and/or boys and young men of color ages 12-26 are also encouraged to apply. Additionally, this funding opportunity has a geographic consideration; as listed in the RFA, Section 4.3 Geographic and Population Considerations, up to 85% of this funding will be set aside to support urban programs and organizations, and up to 15% will be set aside to support rural programs and organizations.

Q: Does the RFA apply to the entire state of California?
A: Yes, this is a statewide funding opportunity.

Q: Are we able to focus on more than one geographic area or region?
A: Yes, applicants may provide services in more than one county and geographic area. Visit the EYC Program Impact web page to see a map displaying the number of EYC-funded partners by program track within counties.

Q: Can our program serve both urban and rural?
A: Yes, in the application, applicants can identify if the proposed project will benefit people living in an urban or rural area, or both.

Q: Are we required to provide evidence to demonstrate communities that have been impacted by the war on drugs in our local geography?
A: Applicants should understand population impacts of the war on drugs at the macro level (e.g., disproportionate impact and harm to communities of color) and understand local challenges their target population may experience in connection to the war on drugs. Resources on this can be found in the RFA.

Q: How do you define rural?
A: A definition of rural is stated in the RFA.

Q: Will proposals that target implementation in particular counties be prioritized?
A: This funding opportunity will take into consideration the proposed population to be reached in each of the counties, counties with funded projects, and counties without funded projects. While certain counties may historically have a higher number of applications, we strive for geographic coverage across the state in the final selection. DHCS and The Center encourages you to visit the map on the EYC website to learn about projects currently supported.

Q: I’m having a problem with the application link.
A: E-mail The Center at elevateyouthca@shfcenter.org if you continue to have issues, and we can provide the link via e-mail, and provide further technical assistance if needed.

Q: Do I need to make a new account to apply to this funding opportunity?
A: The online portal does not require the creation of an account. When saving your application, you will need to provide an email address and password that will be used to access your in-progress application. The portal will send a link to continue with the saved application to the email address provided.

Q: Are forms for budget and workplan available on portal?
A: Yes, all required documents are in the portal in the attachments section located towards the end of the application, as well as the EYC RFA News post.

Q: Can more than one user work on the application in the portal
A: No, only one person or user can submit an email and password per application. Consider creating a shared document to collectively work on the application questions prior to submitting. You may use copy and paste functions to enter your responses into the application itself.

Q: If we made an error on our budget and submitted the application early. Would we be notified so we can make corrections?
A: Due to the high volume of applications anticipated for the EYC Standard Track funding opportunity, The Center is unable to email applicants regarding suspected errors. If an applicant identifies an error before the application submission deadline (e.g., uploads an incorrect budget), they may email elevateyouthca@shfcenter.org and request that the correct attachment be added to the application. The Center will not update narrative responses.

Q: Is there a minimum program reach?
A: No, there is not a minimum program reach under this funding opportunity; however, we do ask all applicants to be reasonable with the amount they are requesting, the proposed program activities, and their program reach.

Q: Are planning sessions to inform activities an eligible activity in this opportunity?
A: Planning sessions to inform the activities for the proposed EYC project may be an eligible activity. Please review examples of potentially funded activities and unallowable activities in the RFA.

Q: Can our program include program stipends to participating youth?
A: Yes, program stipends are allowable. Please note that program stipends must be reasonable and directly align with the depth of engagement and leadership that youth participants contribute to your proposed EYC project. Program stipends may support youth in taking on substantive roles within project activities. Stipends intended solely as an incentive for youth attendance at meetings or events are unallowable.

Q: Can our program include prevention education with families?
A: Yes, prevention education with families is allowable. However, The Center cannot weigh in on the specifics of project design; this is up to the applicant. Family engagement can be included in the program design. See the RFA in detail for more information about the various components of the program.

Q: Do you require a curriculum? Or do we use our current material?
A: There is no required curriculum. Applicants may propose to utilize the curriculum they already have in place or other curricula that are culturally and linguistically relevant to the proposed population served. Proposed projects are recommended to utilize evidence-based, promising, and/or community-driven practices in their prevention approach and incorporate social justice youth development in all programming.

Q: Are we required to provide advocacy on a particular issue?
A: EYC is a statewide program addressing substance use disorder (SUD) prevention by investing in the youth leadership and civic engagement for youth of color and 2S/LGBTQ+ youth ages 12 to 26 living in communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. The EYC Standard Track funding opportunity allows youth to participate in initiatives aimed at preventing youth SUD among their peers through policy, environmental, and systems change. Advocacy is encouraged to focus on SUD issues or their root causes. Please note that lobbying is prohibited with EYC funds. Applicants will be required to participate in training on advocacy vs lobbying if awarded.

Q: Can our project focus primarily on youth but also families outside of the age bracket?
A: Recognizing how critical family engagement (biological, adoptive, or chosen) is to successfully support and engage youth and young adults, yes, the EYC Standard Track funding opportunity allows for family members outside the ages of 12 to 26 to be served by the proposed project. Project strategies are encouraged to incorporate family engagement throughout project implementation.

Q: Can you define what a youth listening session is?
A: : Youth listening sessions are a designated time for youth to provide feedback on the program strategies and how the implementation of the program is going. This is a unique activity separate from regular programming and is centered around youth voices. For some, a youth listening session may be called a healing circle or focus group. It should include a series of questions that seek feedback and input from youth on a specific aspect of the program, including, but not limited to, program planning, program activities, policies to change, prevention campaigns, program materials, or youth engagement. See the RFA, Section 4.6 Youth Listening Sessions, for more information

Q: If our organization has youth directly leading activities, can youth listening sessions include youth not working with us?
A: Yes, youth listening sessions can include youth who are leading activities within your program or youth who are not a part of your program. The structure of youth listening sessions are determined by the applicant organization and should help inform the program’s implementation.

Q: Can you explain more about youth civic engagement for policy, system, and environmental changes with examples?
A: The EYC website includes summaries of previously funded projects. Youth civic engagement can include youth-led community mobilization and organization model initiatives. It can also include a program where system-impacted youth plan and implement a campaign addressing public substance use at community parks. The civic engagement activities must be related to substance use issues or their root causes. For examples of previously funded projects implementing youth civic engagement, please refer to the EYC Program Impact web page and the EYC Round 3 Evaluation.

Q: Do the policy changes need to relate to the war on drugs, or can they be centered around racial equity as a whole?
A: The policy changes do not need to directly relate to the war on drugs and can be centered around a variety of topics, including racial equity, substance use disorder prevention, access to services, etc. We invite applicants to think about the specific needs and changes needed for the youth and young adults they are working with and propose a policy goal that will help address those needs. Applicants must include youth civic engagement related to substance use issues or their drivers/root causes (i.e., trauma, systemic oppression, and marginalization). Youth voices must play a central role in determining policy focus.

Q: Is a social media campaign led by youth surrounding the issue of substance abuse disorder and mental illness/health an allowable activity? Not necessarily to push for a local policy change, but more for awareness/peer support.
A: Yes, youth-led social media campaigns regarding substance use disorder are an allowable activity. However, the EYC project must include the required components of youth civic engagement, mentoring, or peer-led support.

Q: Can the youth-led civic engagement be a youth campaign or is it required to be policy change in the community?
A: The EYC Standard Track requires each project to identify a specific policy, system, or environmental change goal, as this should be determined by the applying organization and be youth-led. While a youth campaign for the purpose of increasing awareness and knowledge of the nature and extent of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, abuse, and addiction, and their effects on individuals, families, and communities is an allowable activity, it must connect to and support the broader policy, systems, and environmental change goal. Applying organizations should consider 501(c)(3) limitations around campaigning, especially in public office elections. Lobbying and/or lobbying activities are not allowable. Proposed projects should utilize an advocacy and education approach.

Q: The specific policy change goals of our proposed project will be defined by youth participants themselves. How should we address the policy goal section, given that the policy goals will be defined as part of the project activities?
A: Applicants are encouraged to anticipate the types of policy, systems, or environmental goals that youth participants may choose to pursue. While we understand that final goals will be determined through youth engagement during the project, applicants should describe the process and activities that will support youth in identifying and advancing those goals.

For example, outline activities such as youth training, leadership development, community assessments, or facilitated discussions that will guide the goal-setting process. This helps demonstrate a clear plan for how youth will be supported in shaping and achieving meaningful policy change.

If awarded, organizations may revise their work plan to reflect the specific goals and activities identified by youth participants, in consultation with The Center.

Q: Can we propose to implement prevention programs for children in elementary school or are we restricted to serving youth aged 12 to 26?
A: EYC is a statewide program addressing substance use disorder by investing in youth leadership and civic engagement for youth of color and 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth ages 12 to 26 living in communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.

Q: If my organization is still working towards a policy/environmental goal as part of a current EYC award, can we continue to work on the same goal for this new round of funding?
A: Yes, organizations that received funding in a previous EYC round may continue working toward the same policy, systems, and environmental change goals they previously initiated. Proposing a new goal or launching a new program is not required. However, please note that prior funding through EYC does not guarantee future funding or influence the outcome of the current application. All applications will be evaluated through a competitive review process to ensure fairness and alignment with program priorities.

Q: In designing a proposal, is there any preferred combination of the three implementation strategies (youth civic engagement, mentorship/relationship building, peer-led support)?
A: Proposed projects must utilize at least two of three implementation strategies 1) youth civic engagement for policy, system, or environmental change (required), 2) mentorship/relationship building, and/or 3) peer-led support/peer-led programming. Applicant selections should reflect the project’s design and align with the work the organization is doing or aspires to do. To learn more about implementation strategies, applicants are encouraged to review the EYC Logic Model.

Q: Where can I find information on the proposers’ webinars?
A: Proposers’ webinar dates and times are in Section 7.1 PROPOSERS’ WEBINAR on the RFA. Additional details, recordings and slides are posted on the EYC website under News.

Q: Will more details on the biannual reporting requirements be provided? Can applicants access the templates beforehand?
A: Reporting templates are not publicly available. Awardees will be required to report data to better understand the youth populations that are engaged from racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds, as well as the various systems involvement. There is also an effort to understand the capacity that organizations may have from an organizational policy standpoint (e.g., professional development of staff, mentors, etc.). The Center will provide training and technical assistance for funded partners to complete the narrative and financial reports.

Q: Can you define the budget years?
A: The budget years are aligned to the calendar year – January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027; January 1, 2028 through December 31, 2028; and January 1, 2029 through December 31, 2029.

Q: Is there an administrative budget line-item limit? (e.g., 15% administrative cost max) 
A: No, there is no line-item limit in the budget for administrative costs. Competitive applications will include a budget justification with specific details on how budget amounts were determined. There is a 20% maximum for indirect costs which is detailed in the budget template.

Q: What are the funding restrictions under this grant?
A: See the RFA, Section 3.7 Unallowed Activities, for a list of funding restrictions. If you have any specific questions on funding restrictions, please send us an e-mail at elevateyouthca@shfcenter.org.

Q: Are counseling, therapy, and substance use treatment services allowable funded activities?
A: Counseling, therapy, and substance use treatment services are not allowable funded activities for this funding opportunity. EYC is a statewide program addressing substance use disorder by investing in the youth leadership and civic engagement for youth of color and 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth ages 12 to 26 living in communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. The proposed project activities should align with prevention, which the RFA defines as activities that promote healthy behaviors, reduce risks, and build protective factors that either prevent new starts of substance use or mitigate consequences and contributing factors associated with substance misuse. See the RFA, Section 3.7 Unallowed Activities, for a list of funding restrictions

Q: Can indirect funding be more than 20%?
A: No, indirect funding cannot be more than 20% of the direct costs.

Q: Is evaluation a funded expense?
A: Yes, evaluation is an allowable cost, and applicants can include it as a funded expense within their budget. Please include in the proposed project budget justification how you arrived at the requested amount, how the evaluation will be conducted, and the purpose. Additional information on the budget justification can be found in the RFA and budget justification template.

Q: If there are subcontracted services provided by a partner agency, where do we enter those costs in the budget?
A: Cost for services provided by a partner agency should be listed under Program Subrecipients section. Applicants should explain Program Subrecipient services and consulting services in the budget justification. Please refer to the Budget and Justification Example template.

Q: On the budget template, how should we indicate that staff full-time equivalents (FTEs) may fluctuate between years? Should the FTE column only represent Year 1 staffing levels?
A: On the budget template, applicants should provide the annual FTE (for example 0.5 – 1.0), annual salary, and number of annual months worked for each position in the chart located in the personnel section. Be sure to include supporting details in the justification tab for each staff position. Please refer to the budget justifications template for an example.

Q: Does the budget justification need to be for each year or for the total budget (all three years)?
A: Please justify project costs for each of the three years in the budget justification. For example, if you have rent in the budget for Years 1 and 2 but not Year 3, provide a clear explanation for that. Please refer to the budget justifications template for an example.

Q: Will we need to expand on the computations in establishing the indirect cost ratio, or is it an educated estimate? 
A: Please include an explanation for the indirect cost ratio in the budget justification document.

Q: Does this grant allow for construction or renovation of classrooms?
A: No, renovation, construction, and building of new facilities is not an allowable expense.

Q: Is a vehicle purchase for youth transportation an allowable expense? 
A: No, the purchase of a vehicle is not an allowable expense. However, transportation-related expenses that do not involve vehicle ownership (e.g., vehicle rentals, public transit passes, mileage reimbursement) are allowable if they directly support EYC activities.

Q: Can funding be used for building and providing housing for young people?
A: No, the purchase of property and/or providing housing for young people is not an allowable expense. Applicants are encouraged to explore resource and referral partnerships to support young people experiencing housing hardships.

Q: Is there a required minimum salary for employees (e.g., Project Coordinator) implementing our proposed program? 
A: While there isn’t a required minimum salary for employees, The Center highly encourages applicants to provide a livable wage and consider the cost of living based on the geographic area where the organization provides services.

Q: Is travel allowed for staff and/or youth? 
A: Yes, applicants must affirm participation in two in-person convenings as listed in the RFA. Travel costs to attend the convenings are the responsibility of the funded organization and must be included in the proposed budget. Travel outside of California is allowable; however, all EYC-funded services must be delivered within California. Some travel requires prior approval from DHCS (e.g., all proposed out-of-state travel, travel involving at least 25 staff members/participants, travel that incurs costs of $10,000 or more, and specific training-related travel). All travel costs budgeted to EYC should adhere to established state rates.

Q: Can I use EYC funds to fund an out-of-state youth program?
A: No, funds cannot be used to fund an out-of-state youth program. Funds can be used to attend out-of-state events if they align with the goals of the funding opportunity and are clearly explained within the budget justification. All of out-of-state travel is subject to approval by DHCS.

Q: Can an organization apply without having a financial audit? 
A: Yes, there is no requirement that applicant organizations must have a financial audit. Please note that this funding opportunity requests the organization’s most recent audited financial statements, if available.

Q: Is there an email we can contact if we have any questions in the future?
A: Please direct your e-mails to elevateyouthca@shfcenter.org if you have any questions regarding EYC funding opportunities.

Q: Is there any advice on how we can be more competitive on our application when we are already in a competitive county?
A: In counties with a higher number of funded partners, applicants are encouraged to specify the specific communities to be reached within the proposed county or counties. Overall, the application should demonstrate the ability through staffing, project strategies, and approaches to provide comprehensive prevention, education, and early intervention for youth substance use disorder that is culturally responsive, linguistically appropriate, and reflects the young people served. Applicants are encouraged to review the Selection and Evaluation Criteria section of the RFA. Applicants are also encouraged to have someone unaware of their proposed project read the application to ensure it’s clear and covers all components.

Q: Can you update my e-mail address on file to receive e-blasts from Sierra Health Foundation and The Center?
A: You can request to receive e-blasts from The Center online at shfcenter.org/contact/mailing-list/. You also can use this link to make updates to your information for our mailing list or email info@sierrahealth.org for assistance.

Q: Can you speak more to the type of evaluation designs that you are looking for?
A: The monitoring and evaluation design needs to be responsive to your approach. In the work plan, explain why your evaluation plan is the right approach for your project. Include a plan for how you will determine that an objective was achieved. Applicants are encouraged to be descriptive.

Q: Who determines who will be awarded? If we are not awarded, will we be notified why not? 
A: DHCS holds final decision-making authority in selecting funded projects. Applicants that are not awarded will receive instructions in the denial email for joining an optional feedback call with The Center.

Q: How is payment for the funding being distributed? Will payments be reimbursed after the project period ends? 
A: Understanding that a significant infusion of resources upfront may be a challenge for project implementation, The Center will balance the need for upfront capitalization with responsible stewardship of public funds. The Center will utilize a structured, phased payment approach combining an initial advance with subsequent semi-annual disbursements and a modest recoupment/holdback mechanism. See the RFA, Section 4.1 Total Award Amounts, for more information.

Q: When will we know if we have been funded?
A:The approximate timeline for award announcements is late December 2026. The award period begins January 1, 2027; however, the first payment is contingent upon the execution of the subcontract agreement and evidence of all required insurance.

Q: Does the state do an audit after the program is done?
A: The Center ensures all funded partners are in compliance with their EYC funding throughout their contract term. All programs are subject to a desk review/audit by DHCS and/or The Center. Additionally, partners are required to submit financial reports every six months.

Q: As a federally recognized Tribal Government, we do not file a Form 990. What can we submit?
A: Many Tribal organizations are federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments that do not file a Form 990. However, most participate in the Single Audit Act, which include an audited financial statement. Applicants may provide a Statement of Activities or an Audited Financial Statement to meet this requirement. Please email elevateyouthca@shfcenter.org with any questions or concerns.