California Food and Nutrition Grants

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Carlsbad, California, for projects that improve the health and well-being of children and families, addressing issues such as self-sufficiency, childcare, mental health, and food insecurity.

This funding program provides small grants to nonprofit and community organizations in Humboldt, Del Norte, Trinity, and Curry Counties to support essential holiday assistance initiatives for vulnerable populations during the winter season.

This program provides funding for small-scale projects in various fields, such as arts, education, and community development, to support individuals and organizations with limited access to other grant opportunities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Certified Farmers’ Markets and nonprofit organizations in California to promote the purchase of healthy, locally-grown fruits and vegetables by low-income shoppers using nutrition benefits.

This grant provides funding for innovative public art projects in San Francisco and Oakland that are led by artists and engage with local communities.

This program provides funding to California-based agricultural producers, processors, and nonprofits for infrastructure improvements in food processing and distribution, enhancing the resilience of the state's food supply chain.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and tribal consortia working to reduce tobacco use and promote health in California's American Indian and Alaskan Native communities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community groups that support older adults and caregivers in the Japanese American and Japanese-speaking communities of Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties.

This grant provides funding and resources to schools in San Diego County to create and enhance garden-based educational projects that integrate various academic subjects through hands-on agricultural learning experiences.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that deliver essential services to seniors in Placer County, California.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Riverside and San Bernardino counties that are dedicated to improving the lives of Latinos through initiatives in areas like affordable housing, education, and health equity.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in California that are working to improve student well-being and address essential needs in higher education through innovative and scalable projects.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Sonoma County that provide essential services related to food, shelter, and housing for individuals and families in need.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public service agencies and nonprofits that deliver essential services to low- and moderate-income residents of Hesperia.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local non-profits that serve residents of Dublin, focusing on community needs and essential services over a two-year period.

This program provides financial support and resources to California farmers transitioning from conventional to organic farming practices over a three-year period.

This grant provides financial support for projects that improve the lives of seniors in Humboldt County, California, by funding services such as meal programs, health support, and transportation.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community groups in Southern Monterey County to support essential health and wellness programs and educational initiatives for youth.

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.