DATE: August 11, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Sanja Bugay, Director of Social Services
SUBJECT: Contribution of Department Funds for Community Outreach Events
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Approve and authorize the Department of Social Services to participate in community outreach events or causes for the months of August - December for FY 2026-27, per Administrative Policy No. 80.
2. Approve and authorize the Department of Social Services to officially and publicly celebrate and recognize themed event festivities for FY 2026-27, per Administrative Policy No. 81.
REPORT
Administrative Policy No. 80 (AP 80) was approved to govern department contributions for non-County events, causes, or anything similar. Administrative Policy No. 81 was approved to provide a process to follow if and when departments choose to dedicate time to officially and publicly celebrate or recognize holidays, themes, events, days, weeks, or months. Approval of this item will allow the Department of Social Services (DSS) to participate in upcoming community events that require a registration fee or similar fee to participate and is requesting approval to officially and publicly celebrate the indicated event. Participation in these events provides outreach and community education opportunities for the various programs administered by the Department. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should your Board choose not to approve the recommended action, the DSS will not contribute funds or celebrate in the indicated community engagements from August - December 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. Costs associated with AP 80 for contributions to non-County events, causes or anything similar are estimated to be between $10,100 to $12,000. Costs will be offset with realignment and State and Federal program allocations as DSS only participates in events that support the goals and objectives of the respective programs. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are included in the Department’s Org 5610 FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget.
DISCUSSION:
On July 8, 2025, your Board approved Administrative Policy No. 80 - for Department Contributions of Funds for Non-County Events or Causes to develop a consistent process for departments to comply with when requesting to contribute to or participate in non-County events, causes or anything similar. On August 5, 2025, your Board discussed and provided directions to the County Administrative Office (CAO) to establish an approval process for departments to adhere to when seeking to contribute funds, recognition or celebrations to support the community. Additionally, most recently AP 80 was amended on April 21, 2026 to exclude events that are for the purposes of recruiting future employees, for this reason the department is not including participation in job fairs.
On September 9, 2025, Administrative Policy (AP) 81 - Department Celebrations and Recognitions, was approved by your Board which allows County departments to officially and publicly celebrate or recognize those holidays, themes, events, days, weeks, or months that are approved by a majority of the Board of Supervisors by resolution or proclamation prior to their occurrence.
DSS has developed valuable partnerships with local organizations through active participation and support of community events. These outreach opportunities promote awareness of Department programs, educate the public, encourage participation in programmatic goals, and strengthen community engagement. The following events are presented for your Board’s approval:
State of Our Children Breakfast, 08/27/2026 - $1,600 to $3,000
Participation in this event will strengthen partnerships with community leaders and organizations committed to improving outcomes for children and families. The event also serves as a networking opportunity, allowing attendees to share ideas, resources, and strategies to improve child and family outcomes, including child safety, family stability, educational success, health, and overall well-being for Fresno County residents. Funds will be paid to the event organizer and will be utilized to purchase seating for DSS staff to attend the event.
26th Annual CASA Event - September 2026 - $2,500 to $3,000
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is an organization that DSS has partnered with for many years. Volunteer advocates are appointed by our Judges to support and advocate for youth going through the Child Welfare System. The Department provides training to the advocates and partners with them to improve both systemic and individual case gaps in our system. The Department’s partnership with CASA is indispensable. Funds will be utilized to purchase seating for DSS staff to attend the event, which will allow for sharing practice, success stories, and current or upcoming service improvement ideas.
National Night Out, 10/06/2026 - $700
Fresno Housing will be hosting National Night Out at Sierra Terrace. This event will provide Department staff with an opportunity to engage directly with existing clients who are Sierra Terrace residents, increase awareness of Department programs and services, foster community connections, and strengthen relationships among residents, law enforcement, and the Department as a direct service provider. Funds will be utilized to cover the cost of purchased items for the event. This contribution will encourage residents’ participation.
Native American Heritage Month Event, 11/06/2026 - $5,300
The Department will be recognizing the Native American culture and fulfilling service mandates as the event will provide an opportunity to educate staff and helping our children/families connect with their culture/heritage.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #11, April 21, 2026
BAI #7, September 9, 2025
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Department Contribution Forms
On file with Clerk - Department Celebration Form
CAO ANALYST:
Ron Alexander