CORE Investments
Overview
Mission Statement
The Collective of Results and Evidence-based (CORE) Investments is both a funding model used for a recurring Request for Proposals, and a movement to achieve equitable health and well-being in Santa Cruz County, using a collective impact, results-based approach that is responsive to community needs.
The vision of CORE Investments is that Santa Cruz County is an equitable, thriving, resilient community where everyone shares responsibility for ensuring the health and well-being of all people, at every stage of life. The vision is achieved through a mission to inspire and ignite collective action to ensure Santa Cruz County is a safe, healthy community with equitable opportunities for all to thrive.
Department Overview
CORE Investments represents a commitment to promote the health and well-being for all county residents to thrive. Through the administering of Board of Supervisor dedicated funding to support programs working to improve equitable outcomes across CORE conditions and the county, the Human Services Department (HSD) manages a procurement process for the funds and reports on progress to the Board of Supervisors.
Budget Summary
Department Budget Overview
2025-26 CORE Investment Schedule
Overall Budget Summary
The Proposed Budget recommends status quo funding for CORE Investments. Appropriations total $5,958,945, funded by revenues of $1,080,000 and a General Fund contribution of $4,878,945.
CORE Investments begins a new three-year funding cycle following a Request for Proposals (RFP) process conducted in 2024-25 that award 43 contracts to 35 vendors. In addition, by Board of Supervisors direction, CORE Investments funding of $1.5 million will be managed through the Housing for Health Partnership for low-barrier navigation centers that provide services for people who are unhoused, as well as for homelessness prevention services focused on South County residents.
Emerging Issues
Emerging Issues
CORE Technical Assistance: Over the next two years, CORE Investments is in a transition period since resources for the CORE Institute are no longer available as they were in prior years. Previously, between 40-50 collective impact capacity building trainings and events were scheduled through the CORE Institute. In the absence of these resources to support and build community capacity, HSD staff are exploring alternative ways to meet this need, including the County Executive Office’s Community of Practice.
Department Operations and Performance
Major Budget Changes
Sort By Division:
| Major Chages | Net FTE Changes |
2025-26 Ongoing Budget Increase / (Decrease) |
2025-26 One-time Budget Increase / (Decrease) |
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Budget Details
The charts below show department expenditures and revenues by division and service. Click on the pie charts to drill down for more detail. Complete detail can be found on the County's Transparency Portal.