CORE Investments FYs 2025 - 2028

Invitation to the FY 2025-28 CORE Investments RFP, NOW CLOSED

CLICK HERE to review the now closed, FY 2025-28 CORE Investments RFP invitation, process and materials.

CORE RFP Timeline

For a larger view of the RFP timeline click on the image above or, CLICK HERE

CORE Investments Appeals Process - Now Open

Under the appeals process noted in the CORE Investments RFP for FYs 2025-28, applicants may file an appeal within five working days following a notice of funding recommendation, and will be accepted up until the appeals closing date of Friday, October 11, at 5:00 pm.

Applicants not recommended for funding who wish to appeal the recommendation may submit a written appeal, noting the reason(s) for which the appeal is being sought, along with all relevant facts, information, and evidence, noting any of the following if applicable:

A determination or interpretation is not in accord with the solicitation,
There was an error or abuse of discretion,
The record includes inaccurate information, or
A decision is not supported by the record.

New or supplemental information not included in the original submission will not be considered in the protest or appeal. A request for appeals should be sent to: COREAppeal@santacruzcountyca.gov.

To learn more, read this press release: CORE Appeals Process Open

FY 2025-28 CORE Investments Priorities and Funding Structure

There is significant need in all areas of the CORE Conditions of Health and Well-Being in Santa Cruz County, but due to funding limitations, services must be prioritized. As a result, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors and the Santa Cruz City Council directed that CORE Investments proposals for the fiscal year (FY) 2025-28 (July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028) award cycle be requested for the following categories:

Lifelong Learning & Education
Thriving Families
Healthy Environments

Individualized Online Portal Support

Individualized portal support for the Reviewr platform is available by e-mailing Corefunding@santacruzcountyca.gov.

CLICK HERE to watch a video presentation explaining how to use the online Reviewr platform for completing and submitting CORE RFP applications.

Training and TA

The CORE consultants (Optimal Solutions Consulting and subcontractors) will provide training and technical assistance (TA) on topics related to the RFP. Training materials and some presentation recordings will be posted once available after each session, which can be accessed by CLICKING HERE.

CORE Training and TA Sessions include but are not limited to:

Developing a Theory of Change and Logic Model with an Equity Lens
Developing a Statement of Needs & Strengths With an Equity Lens
Using the CORE framework and tools to prepare your proposal
Preparing a Statement of Needs and Strengths
Describing your Proposed Approach: What should be done, and for whom?
Developing your Scope of Work
Developing your Data Collection and Evaluation Plan
Preparing your Budget and Budget Narrative

Training and TA will be provided through a combination of

Virtual, structured workshops on the topics listed above
4 open office hours by CORE Condition/Impact Statement
Individual TA sessions for applicants (up to 2 sessions per applicant)

CLICK HERE to find a schedule of CORE RFP Trainings and TA sessions, as well as registration details and links. Read detailed CORE RFP Training and TA session descriptions in English and Spanish!