Health & Human services

Health and Human Services Fund

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The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) launched the newly expanded Health and Human Services Fund (HHS Fund), a community-focused initiative that provides direct support to community members and local nonprofits. The expanded fund now includes a fundraising campaign and a new HHS Fund Mini Grant Program to further support public health services across Long Beach. 

MAKE A DONATION

Managed by the Long Beach Community Foundation (LBCF), the HHS Fund accepts tax-deductible donations to support the three initiatives which expand supplemental health resources citywide. These initiatives work together to provide responsive, people-centered support by helping remove barriers and equipping both the community and public health staff with resources they need.

What are you giving to?

• Direct Client Support

  Up to $1,000 to help meet the urgent needs of community members, such as, providing nutritious groceries, transportation vouchers for medical appointments and more. Examples include: 

  • $150 in transportation vouchers for a someone who couldn’t access crucial care.
  • $200 for a grandmother’s pillowtop mattress.
  • $500 to support a family of 5 with groceries.

• Workforce Enhancements

  Up to $1,000 to support Health Department staff with supplemental tools, materials and professional development. These requests must be approved by a supervisor and are used only when other funding sources have been exhausted. This initiative helps staff respond to emerging program needs and strengthens their ability to serve the community. Examples include:

  • Training opportunities or professional development courses.
  • Tools or materials that supplement program delivery.
  • Software or technology to improve program effectiveness.

• HHS Fund Mini Grant Program

  Provides $2,500–$5,000 mini-grants to support local Long Beach CBOs and nonprofits that serve the Long Beach community. These grants can be used for staff wellness initiatives, professional development and training, and organizational capacity building. This program recognizes that when staff are supported, trained, and equipped, organizations are stronger—and better able to serve the Long Beach community.

  • Grant Guidelines
  • Application - Apply Here

How You Make An Impact

Launched December 2025, "Together for a Healthier Long Beach" is a fundraising campaign that highlights stories of people served by the Health Department and demonstrates how the supplemental support of the HHS Fund can continue to impact Long Beach communities. Reflect on community members' stories, and explore the potential impact of our direct client support initiative. 

Stories Behind the Impact

• From Crisis to Care - Luke’s Story

  “Luke,” a Health Access Program client suffered a sudden stroke, and his partner generously shared his story: “Like a bolt of lightning, his stroke came out of the blue... he could no longer care for himself, walk on his own or speak clearly. 
  
  “Luke’s progress would not have been possible without the assistance of the Long Beach Health Access Program.” Thanks to the Health Care Access Team’s knowledge and skilled guidance, “Luke enrolled in Medi-Cal's Working Disabled Program (WDP), which provided comprehensive quality health care, transportation benefits and invaluable peace of mind. With WDP benefits and services [he has what he needs to] persevere and succeed in his ongoing recovery.” 
  
  Stories like Luke’s remind us how quickly life can change and how vital access to care is for our community.  Your gift to the Health and Human Services Fund (HHS Fund) help friends and neighbors like Luke who are facing unexpected, life-changing health crises get the support they need.
  
  SUPPORT OTHERS LIKE LUKE.

  *Client name has been changed to protect privacy. Graphic does not depict the actual client.
  

• Why Health Access Matters - Melanie's Story

  Melanie, a Black Infant Health Program Client, has offered her gratitude for the Black Infant Health Program (BIH), saying: “BIH took a holistic approach by addressing our physical, spiritual, and mental health… [and] also provided resources for food, diapers, and other things related to the welfare of children which has been helpful in these uncertain times.”
  
  Programs like the Black Infant Health Program are critical because Black mothers and babies continue to face higher risks of poor birth outcomes due to long-standing structural and systemic inequities.
  
  Highlighting weekly 1:1 case management, Melanie shared accolades for her care team: “My case manager, Ms. Angie, has been honest, supportive, and empowering. She challenges my self-doubt. She normalizes my experiences as a Black mother.”  

  Stories like Melanie’s show why investing in prevention-focused, community-centered public health programs is critical. When families are supported early, it strengthens maternal health and helps build healthier futures for our community.

  Support mothers like Melanie - contribute to the Together for a Healthier Long Beach campaign.

  **Graphic does not depict the actual client.

• When Care Makes a Difference - Blanca's Story

  

  Blanca lost her health coverage at the moment she needed it most. Her health was declining, specialist care was out of reach, and for three months she went without treatment.

  Then the Health Access Program stepped in.

  In less than one month, Blanca regained her healthcare and began receiving critical, covered care for high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, eye leukoma, and chronic psoriasis. She was also scheduled for urgent surgery to address serious reproductive health conditions. But the impact did not stop with her. “My husband was also checked for early signs of a stroke, and thankfully, it was prevented,” Blanca shared in Spanish. “This care has brought immense peace of mind and comfort to my family.”

  Stories like Blanca’s show why access to care is a public health issue. For seniors and families across Long Beach, timely intervention can prevent emergencies, reduce complications, and save lives.

  Your gift to the Health and Human Services Fund (HHS Fund) helps make this possible by supporting medical transportation, help with health-related expenses and rapid response when care is at risk.
  
  Make a donation today to help build a healthier Long Beach. 

Please join us and make a tax-deductible donation today!  

MAKE A DONATION

Contributions by Check
If you’d like to donate by check, please mail check donations to the:

Long Beach Community Foundation
One World Trade Center, 8th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90831

*Ensure that "Health and Human Services Fund" is written in the memo section of your check

FAQs

• HHS Fund FAQ

  How can I donate?

  You can donate online via the Long Beach Community Foundation’s HHS Fund page:
  Health and Human Services Fund
  
  If you’d like to donate with a check via direct mail, please mail check donations to:

  Long Beach Community Foundation
  One World Trade Center, 8th Floor
  Long Beach, CA 90831
  *Ensure that "Health and Human Services Fund" is written in the memo section of your check.

  How much can I donate?

  We welcome and appreciate contributions of any size, as every gift helps strengthen a healthier Long Beach.

  For donors interested in making a larger impact, contributions of $1,000 or more significantly support HHS Fund initiatives. These funds help supplement program needs as well as provide grants to local nonprofits.

  How are donations used?

  Donations support the following initiatives:

  • Direct Client Support up to $1,000 helps meet the urgent needs of community members participating in any Health Department program.
    • Examples may include: Basic need assistance such as providing nutritious groceries. Supported care access to improve health equity such as transportation vouchers to medical appointments or health expense coverage.

  • Workforce Enhancements funding supports up to $1,000 to support Health Department staff with: 
    • Supplemental tools, materials allowing staff to respond to emerging program and community needs.
    • Extra professional development and training opportunities that help staff strengthens their ability to serve the community.

  • The HHS Fund Mini Grant Program provides grants between $2,500 and $5,000 for local nonprofit organizations to support staff wellness, professional development and capacity-building.

  Who oversees the HHS Fund and who can I contact for questions?

  The Health Department’s Fund Development team oversees the HHS Fund. The Board of Health contributes input for award recommendations for the Mini Grant program.
  
  Questions about the HHS Fund may be directed to:

  Aaliyah Hayes
  Public Health Fund Development Specialist
  aaliyah.hayes@longbeach.gov
  
  Downloadable HHS Fund FAQs: Click Here

• Mini Grant Program FAQs

  What is the Health and Human Services (HHS) Fund Mini Grant Program?

  The HHS Fund Mini Grant Program strengthens the health and sustainability of local nonprofits that provide health and human services to Long Beach community members. Grants support staff wellness, professional development and organizational capacity building, including technology and consulting services that boost community-facing efforts.

  Who is eligible to apply?

  Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and provide health and human service programming to Long Beach community members.

  Individuals, for-profit organizations, political campaigns, and organizations not based in Long Beach or do not primarily serve the Long Beach community are ineligible to apply.

  What is the funding range for Mini Grants?

  Organizations can request amounts between $2,500 to $5,000 in their grant applications.

  What are the key dates and timeline details?
  
  Applications will be received on a rolling basis and will be reviewed and awarded on a quarterly basis. The four rounds of application windows are:

  • Round 1: Dec HHS Fund initiatives launch–Jan 31
  • (Awards announced: late February–early March)
  • Round 2: Feb 1–Apr 30 (Awards announced: late May–early June)
  • Round 3: May 1–Jul 31 (Awards announced: late August–early September)
  • Round 4: Aug 1 – Oct 31 Awards announced: late November–early December)

  These dates are subject to change. Organizations can only receive one grant per year.

  What types of expenses are eligible for funding?

  Allowable uses include (but are not limited to): 

  • Staff wellness initiatives (e.g., staff retreats, mental health support). 
  • Professional development and training (e.g., leadership development, skills training, workshops). 
  • Organizational capacity building (e.g., technology upgrades, consultant support, systems improvements). 

  How do organizations apply?

  Organizations can apply through this link: https://lbcity.info/HHSMiniGrant

  How will applications be evaluated?

  Applications are expected to demonstrate clear alignment with grant program purpose, potential impact on the organization and feasibility. Bonus points may be granted to applications that demonstrate innovation and equity.

  What are the reporting requirements for grant recipients?

  A final report is due within 30 days after the end of the grant period. It should include a brief narrative summary describing how funds were used and key outcomes, along with documentation photos, testimonials, or stories which highlight impact. 

  How can I get more information?

  Applicants should refer to the official Mini Grant Program Guidelines . Applicants may also email the grant program administrator, Aaliyah Hayes, Public Health Fund Development Specialist at Aaliyah.hayes@longbeach.gov with related questions or visit longbeach.gov/HHSFund for more information.
  
  Downloadble Mini Grant Program FAQs: Click Here.