San Mateo County and nonprofit Silicon Valley Community Foundation are teaming up again to offer $1 million in safety net grants to community organizations providing food, shelter and help to recently released inmates.

The joint effort is similar to previous ventures between the two entities as a way to help needy residents in a still sluggish economy. On Tuesday, County Manager John Maltbie will ask the Board of Supervisors to sign off on the proposal which requires both the county and foundation to pony up $500,000. The foundation also expects to commit an equal amount for programs in Santa Clara County.

"Safety net organizations are still seeing high demand for food and shelter services and the needs that were exposed during the recession have not gone away,” said Rebecca Salner, vice president of marketing and communications for the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

In San Mateo County, unemployment averages 6.2 percent but some communities see rates as high as 14.9 percent.

The money, which will help but not replace nonprofit funding, will be allocated to organizations helping low-income and disadvantage children and adults meet basic food and shelter needs; help newly vulnerable families and individuals struggling in the economy; support agencies serving the county areas with the greatest needs and aid programs helping those newly freed from correctional custody.

Groups with existing financial relationship with the county or foundation will be prioritized.

The criteria mimics that used in 2012 for an earlier round of grants. In fact, the county and foundation have teamed up twice before.

In 2009, the county and foundation jointly awarded $750,000 for food and shelter help and the county also awarded $250,000 to 32 agencies. The grants benefited 11,664 county residents through food, shelter beds and services. The following year, the foundation offered $1.3 million for both counties but San Mateo County's strapped budget did not afford it the same opportunity.

In 2012, the county was in a position to help again and the board approved $500,000 in matching funds that went to 19 agencies. The money helped 11,664 clients receive 13,684 bags of food, 35,863 meals and 43,005 shelter bed nights, according to Maltbie's summary to the board.

The foundation expects to put out the request for proposals in late February, Salner said.

The projects will come to the board for final approval in late spring and the grants awarded in July 2013.

The $500,000 will come from the general fund reserves.

The Board of Supervisors meets 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29 in Board Chambers, 400 County Government Center, Redwood City.

michelle@smdailyjournal.com

(650) 344-5200 ext. 102.