Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant: Literacy Lead Agency

The Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant Program is administered by the California Department of Education (CDE), Professional Learning Support Division, and is authorized under Sections 2222–2225 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act. The program provides subgrants to consortia of County Offices of Education (COEs) to lead statewide literacy initiatives in alignment with California’s State Literacy Plan. The purpose is to expand and enhance literacy instruction, build state and local capacity, and strengthen family and community involvement to address the needs of vulnerable children across California. The program emphasizes comprehensive literacy instruction, which includes explicit and systematic teaching of reading, writing, language development, phonological awareness, decoding, comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and engagement strategies. It also prioritizes evidence-based practices, professional collaboration, universal design for learning, and alignment with state academic standards. Applicants are expected to demonstrate expertise in advancing literacy outcomes across pre-literacy through grade twelve, particularly for underserved populations including English learners, students with disabilities, and children living in poverty. In 2024, California was awarded $38 million in CLSD funds from the U.S. Department of Education, with approximately $36.1 million designated for three statewide subgrants covering distinct grade spans: birth to age five ($5.7 million), transitional kindergarten through grade five ($15.2 million), and grades six through twelve ($15.2 million). Each award will fund one lead agency consortium to administer initiatives statewide. Grants will run from December 1, 2025 through September 30, 2029, subject to available federal and state appropriations. Funds must supplement and not supplant other resources, and awardees must adhere to federal and state restrictions on spending. Eligibility is limited to consortia of County Offices of Education, with one COE serving as the lead applicant. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to implement evidence-based literacy practices, coordinate with local educational agencies, and partner with at least one institution of higher education for teacher preparation and professional learning. Eligible entities must also show experience in serving disadvantaged students, operating professional learning networks, and implementing family-centered literacy initiatives. Priority points are available for COEs with prior participation in the 2019 CLSD grant or for consortia that span multiple regions of the state. Applications must include a Theory of Action, a detailed needs assessment, a description of evidence-based strategies, a multi-year scope of work, and sustainability plans. Applicants must also provide an evaluation plan using an external evaluator, a four-year budget, and letters of support from all required partners. The project must demonstrate conceptual clarity, technical feasibility, and sustainability beyond the grant period. Required forms include a Statement of Assurances, budget summary, and budget narrative. Applications must be submitted electronically through the CDE’s CLSD application portal. The application timeline includes a technical assistance webinar on September 4, 2025, the application deadline of October 8, 2025 at 4 p.m. Pacific Time, applicant interviews during the week of October 20, 2025 if needed, and posting of intent to award during the week of November 10, 2025. Projects begin December 1, 2025, with funds expiring no later than September 30, 2029. All grantees must provide quarterly progress reports, annual implementation reports, and participate in monthly technical assistance calls and statewide convenings. Contact for the grant is CDE’s Professional Learning Support Division, 1430 N Street, Suite 4309, Sacramento, CA 95814–5901, phone 916-322-9503, fax 916-319-0136.

Participation in the technical assistance webinar is encouraged. Priority points for consortia including 2019 CLSD grantees or multiple regions.