Immigration Services Funding (ISF) Program
The Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 13302-13307 authorizes the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to fund qualified nonprofit organizations (Grantees) to provide services to immigrants residing in, or formerly residing in, the State of California. The Immigration Services Funding (ISF) Program expands available immigration services and increases the number of immigrants receiving free, quality immigration legal services to individuals who cannot otherwise afford an attorney or legal representation. The CDSS selects qualified Grantees to provide legal services, conduct education and outreach activities to immigrant communities, and provide technical assistance to other grantees to increase their expertise and ensure the quality of all legal services. At the discretion of the CDSS, additional services may be added.
State Fiscal Years (SFYs) 2023-2026
The CDSS’ Immigration Services Bureau (ISB) has released the award announcement of award recipients for SFY 2023-2024 for the availability of $36.8 million for the ISF Program. Authorized by WIC Sections 13302-13307, the ISF programs funds eligible nonprofit organizations to provide immigration services in the following four service categories:
- Immigration Legal Services and Benefits, including but not limited to; Legal Consultation Services; Application Assistance for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); Application Assistance for Naturalization, and Application Assistance for Affirmative Immigration Remedies and other immigration- related benefits,
- Education and Outreach for individuals and events as defined by CDSS,
- Legal Training and Technical Assistance, and
- ISF Supportive Services.
Additionally, the CDSS expanded the ISF administrative partnership with regional Program Administrators in the Los Angeles, San Diego, Bay Area, Central Valley and Inland Empire.
The ISF Program service awards are allocated based on the Regional Map, listing counties by regions.
SFY 2023 - 26 ISF Awarded Organizations
The CDSS ISB is pleased to announce the recipients of the ISF program for SFYs 2023-26. The CDSS has awarded $36,883,133 in funding to 85 recipients. Review the SFY 2023-26 Award announcement for a list of awarded Grantees and program updates.
Request For Application (RFA)
The next open competitive ISF program RFA will be conducted in SFY 2026-27 and is contingent upon funds made available through the State Budget.
Previous Awards
For questions specific to Immigration Services Funding, email ImmigrationServices@dss.ca.gov.