Growing Together:

the DCYF Newsletter

June 2026

Summer is (Almost) Here

As summer begins, DCYF wishes all San Francisco children, youth, and families a safe, fun, and enriching season. We are grateful to all of the community organizations, dedicated staff, and City and SFUSD partners who make summer learning programs possible each year.

To help you make the most of your summer, we've put together a collection of resources and activities for San Francisco families.

DCYF-Funded Summer Programs for Grades K-8

DCYF funds more than 70 comprehensive all-day programs for children in grades K-8. 

Visit the Summer Programs for Grades K-8 page on the SFGov website to learn more about all of the summer programs that DCYF funds.

While most summer programs funded by DCYF are at capacity or require participants to attend a specific SFUSD school, a few still have openings. Contact the programs that interest you directly to learn more.

Opportunities for Youth Ages 14-24

The Opportunities for Youth page on the SFGov website lists a wide array of programs, jobs, internships, and other opportunities for youth ages 14-24.

The Opportunities for Youth page is updated often, so check back throughout the summer. 

Free Summer Meals for Youth Age 18 and Under 

From June 15 to August 15, 2026, sites throughout San Francisco will offer free breakfast, lunch, and snacks to anyone age 18 and under at sites throughout San Francisco. Children and youth can receive breakfast, lunch, or a snack by visiting an open meal site during its designated serving time. No proof of need, registration, or identification is required. 

To find a site near you, visit the Free Summer Meal Sites page on the SFGov website, or use the CA Meals for Kids app, which helps families locate summer meal sites throughout California.

Get Free or Low-Cost Childcare in San Francisco

Most families in San Francisco qualify for free or reduced tuition for childcare and preschool through the Department of Early Childhood's Early Learning for All initiative. Eligibility depends on income and family size. Click the button below to find out if your family is eligible.

San Francisco Public Library's Summer Stride

Get ready, get set, STRIDE! San Francisco’s biggest summer reading and learning challenge for all ages, Summer Stride, kicked off June 1 and runs through August 31, 2026.

To complete the Summer Stride challenge, read, listen to, or watch Library materials, attend Library programs, or take part in activities on the Adult Summer Challenge card. Participants who complete the challenge can earn a free tote bag featuring artwork by local illustrator Nidhi Chanani.

The Library also offers age-appropriate book lists, and free summer programming for all ages. Learn about nature, enjoy live music, explore topics like climate action, gardening, wellness, and Bay Area history, or take part in hands-on art activities. With events happening across the city, there’s something for everyone at the Library.

San Francisco Nature Adventure Map

Looking for a fun way to explore San Francisco this summer? SF Children & Nature has launched the SF Nature Adventure Map, a free guide that helps families discover 35 nature destinations and outdoor experiences across the city.

The map encourages children and families to get outside and explore San Francisco's parks, gardens, libraries, and other community spaces while learning about local plants, animals, and neighborhoods. Families can also collect limited-edition stickers at select locations featured on the map.

The SF Nature Adventure Map is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese and can be picked up at all San Francisco Public Library locations. The map was created by SF Children & Nature in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, San Francisco Public Library, Presidio Trust, Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy, YMCA of Greater San Francisco, and community members.

Our415 Resource Website

Use the Our415 website to find programs, services, and anything else you need to raise a family and grow up in San Francisco. 

One City Day is Coming Soon: July 11

Join Mayor Daniel Lurie and First Lady Becca Prowda for a Citywide Day of Service

San Francisco is coming together for One City Day, a citywide day of service led by Mayor Daniel Lurie and First Lady Becca Prowda, on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Volunteers of all ages are invited to participate in One City Day events, and volunteer registration is open now. Visit the One City Day Volunteer Registration page to learn more and sign up.  

Oversight & Advisory Committee Updates: Open Seats and Next Meeting

The Children and Youth Fund Oversight and Advisory Committee (OAC) serves as DCYF’s advisory body, providing a space for community members and service providers to discuss decisions related to the Children and Youth Fund, and to share recommendations with our department.

Open Seats. We are actively recruiting for five OAC seats: four appointed by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and one appointed by the Mayor. Staff of DCYF grantee agencies are not allowed to be OAC members, but we would appreciate it if you would let people in your community know about the open seats.

Next OAC Meeting. The OAC is taking a summer recess, and will meet again on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 5pm in the Lobby Conference Room at 1455 Market Street. You can also attend the meeting online via Zoom. All OAC meetings are open to the public. 

Funding Opportunities

Funding Opportunity: Office of Economic and Workforce Development's Business Development, Community Economic Development, and Office of Small Business RFP

The San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) has released Request for Proposals (RFP) 236, seeking organizations and businesses to provide programs and services that support economic vitality, strengthen neighborhood commercial corridors, assist small businesses, activate public spaces, promote arts and culture, and expand economic opportunities for San Francisco residents and visitors.

Approximately $14.7 million is available across 15 program areas administered by OEWD's Business Development Division, Community Economic Development Division, and Office of Small Business. Funding opportunities include arts and culture initiatives, small business technical assistance, commercial corridor activation, entrepreneur support programs, financial coaching, legal assistance, volunteer matching, and more. Award amounts vary by program area. Interested organizations should review the full RFP for eligibility requirements and application details.

📅 Proposals are due by June 23, 2026.

Funding Opportunity: Grants for the Arts

San Francisco Grants for the Arts (GFTA) is committed to promoting San Francisco as a diverse cultural hub by supporting the arts through sustained general operating grants.

GTFA invites San Francisco-based non-profit arts and culture organizations to apply for the 2026-2028 General Operating Support and Supplemental Grants Request for Proposals (RFP), the first cycle guided by GFTA’s new Strategic Framework.

📅 Proposals are due by June 30, 2026.

Events and Happenings

Are You Ready for Some Football?

The FIFA Men's World Cup kicks off on Thursday, June 11, and San Francisco is ready for it!  

FIFA has licensed 20 public viewing events and watch parties across the city, with each prepared to draw hundreds of attendees. These events will bring fans to San Francisco’s iconic neighborhoods, welcoming residents and visitors while supporting local businesses.

Major events include a fan march from Crane Cove Park to the viewing party at Thrive City for Team USA’s first match on June 12 and a fan march from Pier 48 to Thrive City for Team Mexico’s first match on June 18, with pre-match live music. Watch parties will also be held at Thrive City at Chase Center, China Basin Park in Mission Rock, Pier 39, Yerba Buena, The Midway, and the Crossing at East Cut with Street Soccer USA. Additional viewings throughout the tournament will be hosted at the Presidio Main Lawn and SPARK Social, with AMC Metron also partnering with Telemundo to broadcast live matches in Spanish throughout the tournament.

District 7 Participatory Budgeting Voting Now Open

Participatory Budgeting is a democratic process in which community members propose projects and collectively decide which projects to fund with a public budget. You must be at least 16 years old and live in District 7 to be eligible to vote. 

📅District 7 Participatory Budgeting Voting will be open through June 15, 2026.

Juneteenth in San Francisco

San Francisco’s annual Juneteenth celebration will return this month with a parade, live entertainment, community activities, and cultural programming celebrating Black history, culture, and resilience. This year’s theme, “Freedom Then, Freedom Now,” reflects on the ongoing journey toward liberation and justice while honoring the strength and contributions of Black communities.

Community members are encouraged to attend, and volunteers are needed to help support one of San Francisco’s largest Juneteenth celebrations. 

📅 Juneteenth in San Francisco will take place on June 20, 2026.

Take SF Parent Coalition's Spring 2026 End of Year Survey

SF Parents Coalition wants to hear directly from families, caregivers, teachers, and community members about your experiences in SFUSD this school year. This year included major changes across the district, including the teacher strike, ongoing academic recovery efforts, budget stabilization, and conversations about enrollment and the future of SFUSD schools. Your feedback will help shape our advocacy priorities and ensure family voices remain at the center of decision-making.

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is BACK!

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival returns for its 26th summer season with more than 100 free outdoor performances in downtown San Francisco. The festival features concerts, dance, circus performances, family-friendly shows, and a lively and lovely setting to get out and have fun in the city.

Resources

Jobs with DCYF Grantee Agencies 

If you are interested in a job with an organization that supports San Francisco's children, youth, and families, the Jobs with DCYF Grantee Agencies page on the SFGov website is an excellent place to start your search. The page is updated regularly - check back often!

Immigrant Services and Resources

DCYF and the entire City & County of San Francisco want to help immigrants, asylees, and refugees connect to resources, opportunities, and more. 

Immigrant Services and Resources Landing Page

Created by the SF Immigrant Forum, this page is a comprehensive source of services, resources, and events. 

The page includes Know Your Rights information, links to immigration legal help, healthcare access, housing and shelter support, financial assistance, and much more. The Immigrant Services and Resources Landing Page can be translated into Spanish, Traditional Chinese, and Filipino.

Want to get involved? The next meeting of the SF Immigrant Forum is coming up online on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Click the button below to learn more about the meeting, and to register to attend.

SFHSA Mobile Benefits Center

The San Francisco Human Services Agency has launched its Mobile Benefits Center, a benefits hub on wheels that brings food assistance, cash aid, employment support, and health coverage services directly into neighborhoods.  

Get Help with Food, Cash, Health Care and Job Assistance

In challenging times, benefits like food, cash, jobs, and health care assistance can help you and your family find stability and peace of mind. The San Francisco Human Services Agency is there to help!

Find out how you and the people you care about can connect with assistance.

Visit Museums for FREE with Museums for All 

Through the City’s Museums for All program, San Francisco residents with EBT or Medi-Cal cards can get free or reduced admission to more than 25 local museums and cultural centers! 

Visit the San Francisco Museums for All page to find out which museums are participating, and to learn how to get free tickets. 

Land Acknowledgement Statement

The San Francisco Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families (DCYF) acknowledges that it carries out its work on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone, the original inhabitants and stewards of the San Francisco Peninsula. As the government agency that stewards the Children and Youth Fund, we accept the responsibility that comes with resources derived from property taxes upon unceded and colonized land. We recognize the history and legacy of the Ramaytush Ohlone as integral to how we strive to make San Francisco a great place for life to thrive and children to grow up.

Learn about the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone.