DEIB Spaces Mini-Grant Program

Images cut into four parts: two girls, two people smiling together, a tradiational dance, a mechanic

The City of Santa Rosa Office of Community Engagement invites people to submit funding requests to the one-time Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Spaces Mini-Grant Program. This one-time grant program is being funded with $150,000 received from PG&E settlement and from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and it was approved for this use by City Council in February 2022.

The goal of the DEIB Spaces Mini-Grant is to increase access to and secure spaces that create diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Eligible applicants may receive up to $5,000 in funding to implement their projects.

Eligibility Requirements

Who can apply?

Nonprofits, neighborhood groups and/or associations, community groups and /or organizations, and schools may apply to the DEIB Spaces Mini-Grant Program.

What type of event or space is eligible and where?

Eligible applications include events, classes, workshops, and projects that celebrate cultural wealth and educational opportunities for the community around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in Santa Rosa. All events, classes, workshops, and projects must be free to participants and must take place within the city limits of Santa Rosa or must significantly benefit Santa Rosa residents.

What can the grant pay for?

Eligible expenses include event/class materials and supplies, event/class equipment rentals, rental fees, permit and insurance fees or costs, and food costs.

When must a project be implemented?

One year from date of funding approval.

How are applications evaluated and selected?

All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by a Grant Review Team composed Office of Community Engagement staff and an ad-hoc of the Community Advisory Board (CAB). Final funding determinations will be made by the Grant Review Team.

Timeline and How to Apply

There are four open periods to submit applications, and applications will be accepted as long as funding is available. Please note that funding is available on a first come, first served basis and eligibility is not a guarantee of funding. Submission periods are as follows:

  • Apr. 5 – Jun. 30; funding selection on July 31**NOW OPEN
  • Jul. 1 – Sept. 30; funding selection on Oct. 31
  • Oct. 1 – Dec. 31; funding selection on Jan. 30
  • Jan. 1 - March 30, 2024; funding selection on April 30

To be considered, all applications must be received no later than 4 p.m. on each of the due dates listed above. Exceptions will not be made, and late submissions will not be considered.

To Apply

Download and review the application packet.

Once completed, submit your packet to the Office of Community Engagement:

By email: [email protected]

By mail or hand delivery:
DEIB Spaces Mini-Grant Program
City of Santa Rosa Office of Community Engagement
100 Santa Rosa Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

What is DEIB?

Diversity refers to a broad range of differences and variations in identifying individuals’ characteristics, both visible and invisible. Any human dimension used to identify groups of people can be represented in a diverse group. For example, a diverse organization may be comprised of individuals with different and intersecting inherent and acquired identities.

  • Inherent identities are traits one is born with, such as skin color, gender, sexual orientation, and abilities.
  • Acquired identities are traits gained through life experiences such as cultural background, religion, education, citizenship status, and cognitive diversity (political views, perspectives, ideas, etc.).

Equity is fairness and justice achieved through systematically assessing disparities in opportunities, outcomes, and representation and redressing [those] disparities through targeted actions.

Inclusion is the act of being included, e.g., you are invited to participate according to the rules and norms previously set.

Belonging means more than just having access or being included; it means having a meaningful voice and participation in co-creation and shared leadership. It involves trust, transparency, and co-ownership. It describes values and practices where no person is left out of the circle of concern.