Santa Cruz County Grand Jury
• 2023-2024
Core: The Needs of The Community Equitably Distributed a Model of Transparency
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 6 findings
F1
Funds are focused on improving conditions of well-being for community members experiencing the greatest challenges and barriers in the County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The County of Santa Cruz California Proposed 2022-23 Budget. March 29, 2022. “Proposed Budget in Brief.” Accessed April 24, 2023. https://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/portals/27/county/budget/pdf/Proposed%20Budg et%20in%20Brief_05030745.pdf
F2
A hybrid approach is administered to support both broad-based service programs and smaller “Targeted Impact” models.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
County and City of Santa Cruz. February 4, 2022. “Request for Proposal.” Accessed April 24, 2023. https://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Portals/0/County/GSD/Purchasing/Solicitations/ HSD1-2021%20CORE%20Investments%20RFP.pdf
F3
There is good diversity of eligible applicants: Non-profit 501(c)(3) agencies, federally recognized tribal entities, and public education agencies.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Santa Cruz County Data Share. Accessed April 24, 2023. https://www.corescc.org/about-us
F4
The program is well coordinated, with County and City staff partnering to review and award for all tiers. The City focused their funding on programs serving primarily City residents.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Santa Cruz County Data Share. Accessed April 24, 2023. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/619279f72531c218d085aee6/t/63f7ef8c3b 2d295e3044c389/1677193225008/CORE+Conditions+Bilingual Site Visits Human Services Department, County of Santa Cruz County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency Human Services Department Archives
F5
A clear outline of the RFP is available to the applicants, with an understanding of the awards process and the tier level they fall under.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
The County and City provides a comprehensive review of the process which allows the applicants an opportunity to ask questions of clarity if needed. Commendations C1. The CORE program is commended for being unbiased. Applicants for Small, Medium, and Large tiers are asked to select an “equity dimension” (i.e., race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, etc.) that best describes how equity is defined in the proposed project or program. Since the Targeted Impact tier is focused on racial equity, a question is included in that specific application on any additional equity dimensions the proposal will address. It is not required to focus on an additional dimension, and it will not be scored. This aspect provides a very even playing field for all applicants applying and there is no room for any bias in the process. C2. The CORE program is commended for accommodating applicants of diverse size equitably. All applicants are encouraged to be as specific as possible when articulating their activities, populations served, and program outcomes. Details on activities (strategies) are relevant in the Small tier while higher tier applications are to emphasize outcomes. This allows inclusion no matter what size your organization and focuses on the central objective of helping the broader community with the most impactful services. C3. Since funding is awarded at the same amount for each year of the 3-year grant term, applicants are able to consider how this may impact the services throughout the 3-year term. CORE does a good job of ensuring that the services being funded remain intact and the impacted communities receive the needed support throughout the duration of the funded programs. We could not find any evidence of mishandling of the funds or programs being removed within this 3-year period. Invited Responses Respond Within/ Respondent Findings Recommendations Respond By Director of Human Services 90 Days
No recommendations for this finding
Conclusions 1
-
CL1The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury is delighted to report that the Santa Cruz County CORE (Collective of Results and Evidence Based Investments) program provides fair and equitable distribution of funds to the many deserving non-profit organizations throughout the County. This process has removed any specter of bias and allows all potential organizations an even playing field. Their approach is completely transparent, from the application process, all the way through to the funded awards. The equity-centered approach clearly sets Santa Cruz County apart from any other counties in the region. It provides very clear parameters of how the process works and how each organization can benefit. The Grand Jury applauds the County and City officials and community members for their continued dedication and looks forward to the further evolution of CORE. CORE published May 18, 2023 Page 5 of 9
Commendations 4
-
CM1The County of Santa Cruz California Proposed 2022-23 Budget. March 29, 2022. “Proposed Budget in Brief.” Accessed April 24, 2023. https://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/portals/27/county/budget/pdf/Proposed%20Budg et%20in%20Brief_05030745.pdf
-
CM2County and City of Santa Cruz. February 4, 2022. “Request for Proposal.” Accessed April 24, 2023. https://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Portals/0/County/GSD/Purchasing/Solicitations/ HSD1-2021%20CORE%20Investments%20RFP.pdf
-
CM3Santa Cruz County Data Share. Accessed April 24, 2023. https://www.corescc.org/about-us
-
CM4Santa Cruz County Data Share. Accessed April 24, 2023. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/619279f72531c218d085aee6/t/63f7ef8c3b 2d295e3044c389/1677193225008/CORE+Conditions+Bilingual Site Visits Human Services Department, County of Santa Cruz County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency Human Services Department Archives CORE published May 18, 2023 Page 9 of 9
Agency Responses 1
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.