Marin County Participatory Budgeting — Cycle 2 Community Grants
The Marin County Office of Equity is accepting competitive proposals for its second Participatory Budgeting cycle. The County has set aside $2,500,000 in total program funding to support community-designed projects that improve local conditions and promote equity. Individual project requests must be between $10,000 and $250,000; the $2.5 million total is not an individual award. This is a genuine local grant competition, not a County services-purchasing contract.
Deadline and application
Applications must be submitted through the County’s online grant application platform by December 2, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. The official materials reviewed do not specify a deadline time zone. Email, postal mail, fax and hand-delivered applications are not accepted. The Office of Equity expects to notify projects selected for the community ballot in February 2027, with community voting in spring 2027 and anticipated award decisions in May-June 2027.
Who can apply
Eligible project leads include qualifying nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status. Individuals and community groups that are not qualifying nonprofits must secure an eligible nonprofit fiscal sponsor that receives and manages the grant. Projects must benefit Marin County communities, and priority is given to communities facing persistent inequities, including Marin City, the Canal area of San Rafael, parts of Novato and West Marin. All proposed projects must address one or more community ideas submitted through the County’s Participatory Budgeting Ideas Tool.
Project funding and required materials
Applicants must provide a detailed project description, goals and measurable outcomes; a work plan capable of completion within two years of receiving funds; an itemized budget using the County’s required PB Project Budget Template; and applicable nonprofit-status documentation. A fiscal-sponsored application requires a signed Fiscal Sponsorship Memorandum of Understanding and the sponsor’s nonprofit documentation. Applicants with formal project partners must submit Partnership MOUs. A universal matching percentage is not stated in the official application reviewed; applicants with costs exceeding the requested grant must identify other funding sources. Consult the County’s PB Rulebook for additional allowable-cost, eligibility, and evaluation restrictions.
Official sources and application
County announcement: Marin County Office of Equity grant announcement. Controlling application form and required questions: Participatory Budgeting Cycle 2 Grant Application. Guidelines and required forms: Marin County Participatory Budgeting website. Consult the PB Rulebook and latest County amendments before submitting.