Grants for Nonprofits - Food and Nutrition

The After School Education and Safety (ASES) Universal Grant is administered by the California Department of Education (CDE) through its Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) and supports after school programs across the state. The program was established via Proposition 49 in 2002 and is legislated through California Education Code sections 8482 through 8484.65. ASES aims to promote academic enrichment and safe, structured activities for students in kindergarten through ninth grade during non-school hours. The funding supports programs that incorporate literacy and educational enrichment while providing a safe environment conducive to learning and development. Applicants include both new organizations and existing grantees seeking to add sites or increase funding for current programs. The program seeks to foster partnerships between schools and community-based organizations, public agencies, and other stakeholders. It encourages collaboration among parents, youth, educators, law enforcement, and local nonprofits. Programs funded by ASES must offer a minimum of 15 hours of services per week, begin immediately after the school day ends, and remain open until at least 6 p.m. each school day. Required program components include a literacy and academic element and an enrichment element, both aligned with state standards and tailored to after school settings. Services may include tutoring, computer training, arts education, physical fitness, career readiness, and substance abuse prevention, among others. Eligibility is open to local educational agencies (LEAs), city or county governments, and nonprofit organizations in partnership with an LEA. High schools, umbrella organizations, and programs solely requesting before-school or summer funding are ineligible. Currently funded grantees may only apply for increased funding or to add new sites, provided they meet all reporting and compliance requirements. Maximum awards are capped at $152,612.13 for elementary schools and $203,482.84 for middle schools, with potential adjustments for large schools using a formula defined by state statute. Programs must also contribute a local match equal to one-third of the total grant, either in cash or in-kind, excluding facilities as more than 25% of the match. Applications must be submitted electronically via the ASSIST system by February 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Required forms include a cover page, narrative for new applicants, co-applicant information (if applicable), authorized signatures, assurances, and site approvals. Applications that fail to meet the formatting or deadline requirements will be disqualified. Notifications of disqualification will be issued in March 2026, followed by the Intent to Award list in April and final awards shortly thereafter. Each school site is evaluated independently based on its percentage of students eligible for Free and Reduced-Priced Meals (FRPM), using data from the CALPADS system. Selected programs will enter a three-year renewable funding period, contingent on continued compliance and available funding. Grantees must submit quarterly expenditure and biannual attendance reports via ASSIST, maintain auditable records for five years, and participate in CDE-led evaluations and audits. Programs are also expected to implement a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process aligned with CDE guidance. ASES ensures that no less than 85% of funds are allocated to direct services for students, with no more than 15% permitted for administrative costs, including indirect expenses. Technical assistance is available through a network of regional support providers coordinated by EXLD. Additional resources, including detailed application instructions and the Program Plan Guide, can be found on the CDE website. Program contacts include the EXLD team via expandedlearning@cde.ca.gov or phone at 916-319-0923. Appeals of disqualifications must be submitted electronically within 10 calendar days of notification and must include an original signature and justification based on the application review standards.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that help young adults aged 18-28 facing economic challenges access quality jobs and career advancement through innovative workforce development programs and essential support services.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and county governments in North Carolina to implement projects that enhance local food systems, improve agricultural productivity, and preserve farmland for the benefit of farming communities.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Strafford County, New Hampshire, that are working to improve access to healthcare and related services for local residents facing challenges such as mental health issues, substance use disorders, and food security.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit or public-benefit organizations in specific Kentucky regions to establish and lead community hubs focused on improving chronic disease prevention and management, particularly obesity and diabetes, through collaboration and coordinated efforts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in New Mexico focused on improving health and promoting equity for historically marginalized communities through systemic change initiatives.

This program provides funding to Georgia-based organizations for projects that enhance the competitiveness of the state's specialty crop industry through research, education, and marketing initiatives.

This grant provides financial support to qualified charitable organizations serving the Martin County community in North Carolina to address local needs and enhance essential services.

This grant provides financial support to educators, school staff, and parent organizations in public schools across several counties in Virginia to enhance student well-being and enrich the educational experience.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Washington-based farms, food businesses, and nonprofits for improving local food supply chains through infrastructure investments.

This funding opportunity provides multi-year financial support to nonprofit and public sector organizations in Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin that are working on community-driven solutions to address systemic inequities and promote opportunity, resilience, and belonging for historically marginalized populations.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in New York State that provide healthcare and related services to underserved communities, focusing on improving access to care, addressing basic needs, and enhancing mental health services.

This funding opportunity supports small-scale clinical trials aimed at improving the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of diseases related to diabetes, digestive, and kidney health, with a focus on innovative approaches and enhancing diversity in research participation.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Kentucky that promote dental care, oral health education, and community support initiatives to improve the well-being of residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Vermont-based non-profit organizations to help schools and early childhood education programs implement or expand farm to school initiatives, enhancing access to local food resources and educational programs.

This funding opportunity is designed to support projects that enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of specialty crop producers in Rhode Island, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, through collaborative marketing, research, and educational initiatives.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that deliver essential services and address critical community needs across Sullivan County, New Hampshire.

This program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on transforming local and regional food systems, helping them build capacity and enhance their operational effectiveness.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in Louisiana working together to improve health and well-being by addressing issues like heart disease, diabetes, and mental health through collaborative and sustainable solutions.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties that are working on projects addressing basic human needs, mental health and wellness, or workforce development and job training.