The California Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of the Attorney General, has announced the 2025/26 funding cycle for the Tobacco Grant Program, funded under the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 (Proposition 56). This program aims to promote a healthier California by reducing the illegal retail sales and marketing of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to minors and youth. Since its inception in 2017, the program has awarded approximately $212 million to local enforcement agencies across the state through a competitive grant process.
Applications will open on April 21, 2025, and must be submitted by June 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. A pre-application webinar will be held on April 30, 2025, from 10:00–11:00 AM Pacific Time via Zoom, and a recording will be posted on the Tobacco Grant Program webpage for those unable to attend live.
Approximately $28.5 million is available for this funding cycle. Selected projects will be reimbursed for approved expenses after submitting invoices, quarterly progress reports, and required enforcement data. Projects can be funded for 24 to 36 months, beginning as early as November 1, 2025, and no later than July 1, 2026, and must conclude by June 30, 2029.
Eligible applicants include local public agencies in California with authority to enforce tobacco-related laws, such as police departments, sheriff's offices, district attorneys, city attorneys, county counsels, public health departments, cities, counties, and public school/college districts. Applications must be submitted via DOJ’s online application portal along with a completed budget detail sheet and, if applicable, letters of commitment for partner agencies.
Funding priorities include activities such as enforcement operations against illegal tobacco sales to minors (including minor decoy and undercover buys), consumer protection investigations, compliance checks, retailer education, and enforcement officer training. Activities like school-based possession enforcement, media campaigns, and unrelated education efforts are not eligible for funding.
Questions regarding the application process should be sent to TobaccoGrantRFP@doj.ca.gov.
