HSC §124880: The department shall conduct a program of grants-in-aid for the following purposes: (a) To assist in stabilizing the health care operations of community clinics and free clinics that provide a wide ra

The department shall conduct a program of grants-in-aid for the following purposes: (a) To assist in stabilizing the health care operations of community clinics and free clinics that provide a wide range of primary health care services. (b) To fund innovative and creative programs of such clinics designed to provide a high quality of health services at minimum cost. Eligibility for grants shall be limited to community clinics, free clinics, clinics exempt from licensure under subdivision (c) of Section 1206, and any nonprofit corporation that is comprised of not less than three such clinics having a combined service area covering an entire county or more. Grants authorized pursuant to this article shall be limited in purpose to defraying operating expenses of the recipient clinic, including personnel costs, and for technical assistance provided to the recipient. Grants shall not be made or used for purchase of equipment, facility renovations, or purchase of land or buildings. As a condition to making a grant pursuant to this chapter, the director shall require the applicant to match not less than 20 or more than 40 percent of the amount granted. The required matching funds shall be determined by the director, based upon the ability of the applicant to provide matching funds. The required match may be in cash or in-kind contributions, or a combination of both. In-kind contributions may include, but shall not be limited to, staff and volunteer services. The director may waive all or a portion of the grantee match in individual cases of demonstrated hardship if the director determines that making the grant would effectively serve the purposes of this chapter. The director shall adopt criteria to be applied in determining whether to grant requests for waivers.