California Food and Nutrition Grants

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 [email protected] 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 select public agencies in Monterey County, California, to implement impactful projects that address critical community needs in areas such as health, youth development, and education.

This initiative provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area that are led by and serve Transgender People of Color, focusing on strengthening their infrastructure and workforce development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that address healthcare access, behavioral health, chronic disease management, and economic stability for underserved populations in northern Santa Clara County.

This program provides funding to elementary schools with high percentages of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals to promote healthier eating by offering free fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day.

This funding program provides small grants to local nonprofit organizations that serve residents of West Sacramento, supporting community-driven projects that enhance quality of life, promote equity, and foster civic pride.

The Pacific Coast Coalition is offering a grant of over $1 million for dairy processors in selected states to fund projects that diversify dairy product markets, promote business development, and encourage innovative use of regionally produced milk, with funds potentially used for planning, training, equipment, product development, and co-packing capabilities.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in San Francisco that assist low and moderate-income residents by offering essential services and promoting community development.

This grant provides financial support to young social innovators in California who are developing creative solutions to community challenges across various fields, including education, health, and technology.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community programs that enhance the quality of life for residents in the Carmel Valley region, focusing on community development, youth and senior services, education, and disaster preparedness.

The Additional Assistance Program by the California Department of Food and Agriculture offers grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 for non-profit organizations, tribal governments, and K-12 school districts that support underserved farmers or provide nutrition education in underserved communities, with the aim to increase their participation in the SCBGP through application assistance, technical support, and networking opportunities.