In 2018, Richmond voters approved Measures E and K, also known as the Richmond Kids First Initiative, which established the Richmond Fund for Children and Youth (RFCY). The fund sets aside 3% of the city’s general fund to support programs and services for youths from birth to age 24. It also created the Richmond Department of Children and Youth (RDCY) and provides grants to community-based organizations while capping administrative costs and including independent third-party evaluation. During the 2021-2024 period, 46 organizations received $9.1 million, benefiting thousands of young people.
The RFCY fund was due to expire at the end of the 2028 fiscal year, prompting concern among nonprofits that a voter renewal could fail in the current economic climate. To address this, the Richmond City Council unanimously approved a 10-year renewal, allocating $99 million for programs through 2038. This renewal ensures continued support for local nonprofits without requiring another public vote. The council initially considered amendments but decided to maintain the fund’s existing structure, leaving adjustments for future oversight processes.
The fund is managed by a 15-member oversight board, composed of youth and adult appointees from the mayor and council members. Eighty-five percent of funding is designated for grants to community-based organizations, 10% covers city administrative costs, and 5% supports third-party evaluations. The program has supported a broad range of nonprofits, including YES Nature to Neighborhoods, Ryse Center, and the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, providing enrichment, leadership, and community-building programs while fostering inclusivity and public engagement.
Concerns were raised about the rigor of audits for the 2021-2024 funding cycle, as the WestEd evaluation reported only 565 surveys from 58,000 youth encounters, with participants sometimes counted multiple times. In response, WestEd indicated that the next funding cycle would include enhanced survey requirements to ensure accurate participation data. Council members also discussed clarifying program eligibility, especially regarding public agencies collaborating with nonprofits, and potential minor charter amendments without jeopardizing the reauthorization.
Youth advocates and nonprofit leaders emphasized the importance of renewing the fund to protect programs that serve local young people. They argued that the RFCY structure allows for ongoing evaluation and adaptation without pausing services. City officials, including Mayor Eduardo Martinez, highlighted the council’s responsibility to oversee voter-approved funds while confirming the continued effectiveness and impact of youth programs. The renewed RFCY ensures sustained investment in Richmond’s youth and nonprofits, safeguarding both existing services and future opportunities.
