California Agriculture Grants

This grant provides financial support to small and mid-sized arts organizations in San Francisco that are deeply connected to their communities, helping them cover essential operating costs and foster artistic expression.

Funding and Duration: The CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture anticipates that up to $180,000 will be awarded to projects to support agricultural education and training. Grant amounts range from $2,500-153,000. The maximum grant duration is one (1) year, six (6) months and grant funds cannot be expended before January 1, 2025, or after June 30, 2026. CDFA reserves the right to offer an award amount less than the amount requested. * NOTE: Non-profit programs administered or managed by a university, such as the 4-H Youth Development Program are exempt from this limitation. Two funding opportunities available: Tier 1 – California Adopted Agricultural Education Programs Up to 85 percent ($153,000) of total available grant award funding is reserved for the California FFA Association; the non-profit organization that represents state-adopted Agricultural Education Programs (Education Code Sections 52450-52454). These programs have proven to be effective on a statewide basis in meeting the priorities and intent of the CalAgPlate program. Tier 1 grant awards range from $10,000 to $153,000 per project. Tier 2 – Local/Community/State Agricultural Education Programs Up to 15 percent ($27,000) of available funding will be awarded to eligible Local/Community/State Agricultural Education Programs. This Tier is open to non-profit organizations, as well as state, local, and Indian tribal government agencies within California which promote and administer agricultural education and leadership programs targeting K-12, post-secondary, and adult education. Individual schools and school districts are encouraged to partner with eligible non-profit organizations. Institutes of higher learning are ineligible to directly apply*, however, they can partner with eligible organizations on a proposed CalAgPlate project. Tier 2 grant awards range from $2,500 to $10,000 per project. Funding Category I: Agricultural Education In this funding category, CDFA will consider projects that enhance and benefit agricultural education opportunities for students and educators. Examples:• Agricultural curriculum development and implementation• School/community garden enrichment programs• Interactive agriculture learning experiences, outdoor agricultural education programs (e.g., farms/ranches)• Agriculture demonstrations/activities (e.g., exhibits). Funding Category II: Agricultural Career Awareness, Development and Training In this funding category, CDFA will consider projects that advance, promote and support agricultural career development and training for high school and college students. Examples:• Interactive training experiences and mentorship programs• Practical career preparation and career advancement opportunities• Outreach programs and career expos• Informational workshops for next-generation/beginning farmers. Funding Category III: Agricultural Leadership Development In this funding category, CDFA will consider projects that provide leadership experiences and skills for participants that encourage agricultural leadership development. Examples:• Agricultural leadership conferences• Agricultural leadership training programs• Education tours focusing on agricultural policy issues/areas.

The San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority, a regional government agency, allocates funds for restoring and enhancing wetland and wildlife habitats along the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Grants exceeding $1 million are available for projects lasting up to five years, with a deadline of September 20, 2024. Eligible projects must be located within the nine Bay Area counties—Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma—and align with priorities outlined in Measure AA. These priorities include maximizing positive environmental impacts, ensuring geographic distribution, leveraging additional resources, and benefiting economically disadvantaged communities. The Authority funds various project phases, including planning, construction, and scientific studies, provided they support habitat restoration, flood management, or public access initiatives. Projects must meet specific criteria related to improving water quality, enhancing wildlife habitats, providing flood protection, and improving public access. Eligible applicants include federal, state, and local agencies, tribal governments, nonprofits, and shoreline parcel owners in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority website.

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.

This grant provides funding to farmers and ranchers for the cleanup and remediation of solid waste on their properties, helping to address illegal disposal issues and promote environmental sustainability.

Funding and Duration: Grant amounts for the conventional program range from $100,000 to $500,000. The maximum grant duration is two (2) years, eight (8) months, and grant funds cannot be expended before November 1, 2025, or after June 30, 2028.   Projects submitted through the Additional Assistance for Historically Underrepresented Organizations (Additional Assistance) Program will range from $100,000 to $250,000. Program requirements and submission deadlines differ for Additional Assistance Program applicants. Please reference the 2025 Request for Concept Proposals - Additional Assistance Program or email [email protected] for more information.   CDFA reserves the right to offer an award amount different than the amount requested.    

DPR's Research Grants Program supports projects that seek to advance integrated pest management (IPM) knowledge in agricultural, urban, or wildland settings. Projects should focus on reducing impacts to public health or the environment from pesticides of high regulatory interest. Summaries of previously funded Research Grants Program projects can be found on the Research Grants webpage.  The 2025 Research Grants Program is particularly seeking applications that address one or more of the following topic areas: · IPM for underserved or disadvantaged communities; · Decreasing the use of pesticides of high regulatory interest (such as fumigants like 1,3-dichloropropene or sulfuryl fluoride); · Advancement of urban IPM and safer, more sustainable pest management tools and strategies in urban settings; · Advancement of IPM and safer, more sustainable pest management tools and strategies in agricultural settings adjacent to or near a school(s); · Meeting the IPM needs of small growers; and/or TWO or more of the three sustainability pillars noted below and referenced in the Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) Roadmap: o Human Health and Social Equity o Environmental Protections o Economic Vitality For further definitions of these priority topic areas, please review the 2025 Research Grants Solicitation. Following the submission deadline, applications are concurrently reviewed by DPR staff and the Pest Management Advisory Committee (PMAC). Both groups evaluate the proposal application according to scoring criteria that can be found in the 2025 Research Grants Solicitation. This year, DPR invites projects with budgets ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 to apply. Eligible grantees include nonprofit agencies, tribal governments, individuals, businesses, and public agencies. There is no limit on the number of applications that can be submitted, including multiple applications from the same person or entity. PMAC members may apply, but they must follow the rules regarding conflict of interest in the PMAC Charter. All applicants and associated project personnel must meet DPR’s eligibility requirements that can be found in the 2025 Research Grants Solicitation. Keywords: Agriculture, Agricultural Commodity, Agricultural Crops, Agronomy, Air Quality, Automation, Bacteria, Bactericide, Climate Change, Community Health, Cover Crops, Cropping System, Crops, Ecology, Ecosystem, Emissions, Fauna, Fertility, Field Sanitation, Flora, Fruits, Fumigant, Fungi, Fungicide, Herbicide, Horticulture, Housing, Insect Pests, Insecticide, Integrated Pest Management, Irrigation, Lakes, Land Management, Laws and Regulations, Machinery, Mating Disruption, Miticide, Natural Enemies, Nuts, Oceans, Pathogens, Personal Protective Equipment, Pest, Pest Management, Pesticide, Plant Disease, Plant Protection, Pollinator, Pollution, Reduced-Risk, Rivers, Rodenticide, Soil Health, Streams, Sustainable, Training, Urban Pest Management, Vegetables, Vertebrate Pests, Virus, Volatile Organic Compounds, Water, Water Quality, Watershed, Weeds, Wildlands, Worker Health and Safety

This funding opportunity supports projects that promote sustainable pest management practices to protect human health and the environment, particularly in underserved communities and agricultural areas near schools.

The 2024 Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP) and Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) offer grants, funded by the California State Budget, to support projects that reduce methane emissions from dairy and livestock operations in California, with a focus on funding new projects and those that have successfully implemented AMMP projects in the past.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering a grant of over $1 million for the implementation of dairy digesters on California dairy farms, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting methane into renewable energy, with a focus on projects that use at least 80% dairy livestock manure as feedstock.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering a grant of over $1 million through its Dairy Plus Program to California dairy farms for implementing advanced manure management practices that reduce methane emissions and manage nitrogen and salt surplus, with a focus on climate-smart practices and product markets.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering a competitive grant of over $1 million for California dairy and livestock operations to implement non-digester manure management practices and technologies that reduce long-term methane emissions and maximize environmental benefits, with applications due by October 18, 2024.

The Budget Act of 2022 (Senate Bill 178, Skinner) and Government Code section 12100.140 et seq. established an Export Training program within GO-Biz. The program is one-time funding for competitive grants to service providers to develop or scale export training programs and curricula. Respondents to this Request for Proposal (“RFP”) must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide such training. The key purpose of this program is to fund export training programming that supports California small business owners, provides access to export services for underserved businesses, advances immigrant integration and supports immigrant entrepreneurs, and includes training programs in languages other than English wherever possible. Additionally, this program may consider funding export training programs that are aimed at developing an export-capable workforce should there be sufficient program funding. Organizations are strongly encouraged to collaborate on applications and to utilize each other's resources effectively. Program Objectives:• Equip new-to-export businesses with comprehensive knowledge of global markets and essential international trade knowledge.• Provide ongoing assistance to current exporters, aiding them in sustaining and broadening their presence in foreign markets.• Cultivate a fresh cohort of businesses eligible for the California State Trade Expansion Program, preparing for participation in export promotion activities, including trade shows.

The 2024 Dairy Plus Program is a $58 million grant initiative aimed at supporting advanced manure management practices in dairy farming, offering up to $1,250,000 per project that proposes innovative methods for reducing methane emissions and nitrogen and salt surplus, with the funding being provided on a reimbursement basis after project completion.

The 2024 AMMP and DDRDP grants, funded by the California State Budget and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, aim to provide financial support for projects that reduce methane emissions from dairy and livestock operations, with a focus on alternative manure management and dairy digester research and development.

The Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation (IVWF) is seeking applications for its Mission Support grant for nonprofit organizations serving primarily Imperial County. Donor Name: Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation State: California County: Imperial County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation (IVWF) aims to make the Imperial Valley A Better Place to Live for All. It recognizes the importance and value of focusing on the quality of life for the residents of the Imperial County and want to support the work that many organizations are doing to address health and wellness, and community engagement in disinvested communities and especially with populations and groups that have been historically excluded from planning and decision-making. In addition, they value the importance of the nonprofits that lead this work and are committed to supporting them in building capacity to carry out their work and mission. Focus Areas  Health and Wellness Food insecurity and healthy eating Active living and physical activity Mental and emotional health Safe and healthy living neighborhoods Social health Programs that focus on the awareness and prevention of asthma, prenatal care, diabetes, and obesity Health and wellness programs that benefit children, disadvantaged students, farm workers, homeless, LGBTQ, low-income families, seniors and veterans Community Engagement Helping community members address the issues and needs they face in their communities Engaging community members to work together on community priorities Creating opportunities for community members to gather and socialize Helping community members gain awareness and become better informed Listening to the community to learn more about their priorities and helping them take actions to improve conditions Building the community’s capacity so they can create the change they want to see Nonprofit Capacity Building Strengthening the operations of the organization Strengthening the staff and team of the organization Building a strong volunteer base Attending conferences and workshops Purchasing and/or improving equipment and software Technical assistance or consulting services Funding Information IVWF’s 2024 Mission Support grant funding ranges from $1,000 to $10,000 per recipient. The total fund is $80,000. Eligibility Criteria To qualify for IVWF’s 2023 Mission Support, your organization must: be a 501(c)(3) or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor; serve regions in Imperial County; provide direct services to underserved communities, and For more information, visit IVWF.

This program develops and tests IPM strategies to control one of the target pests identified by CDFA in the RFP. The IPM program could be quickly implemented once the invasive pest becomes established in California. It is a priority to first utilize and adapt existing knowledge and technology that may exist outside of California. Additionally, the focus is on targets suitable for long-term IPM control. Pests that are typically successfully eradicated, such as certain fruit flies, will not be a high priority. A proposal should provide straightforward descriptions of the proposed IPM project or strategy, including a detailed scope of work, commitments from team members, and a budget justification (details provided in the Grant Proposal Requirements section). CDFA encourages but does not require matching funds from industry partners. Proposals must identify and justify a high priority target pest from the CDFA target pest list. Project proposals must include details and reasoning on what IPM techniques for that pest (biological/cultural control, monitoring, etc.) will be investigated. Projects may include any number of IPM components, including a single aspect of an IPM system. Projects with biological control components should detail a plan to collect data necessary to obtain a release permit and describe the process to obtain it. The focus of the research should be on long-term control of the invasive pest that minimizes disruption of urban communities and existing agricultural IPM systems. For example, it would be preferable to prioritize testing selective chemistries, biological chemistries, cultural control, and biological control, over broad-spectrum insecticides. Proposals should consider availability of products not registered in California and potential remedies. The proposal must focus on management strategies for pests on the target list. CDFA will use the priorities rubric in the RFP to evaluate proposals for each target pest. Applicants may only propose projects related to the pest on the target list. Note: it is not a requirement for target pests to fall into the highest priority category. This rubric is meant to serve as a guide to researchers when selecting target pests and discussing their importance to California and suitability for this program.

The 2024 General Grants Program supports nonprofits serving San Luis Obispo County with general operating support (unrestricted grants). Donor Name: The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County State: California County: San Luis Obispo County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Focus Areas Nonprofits may submit one or more applications to the following interest areas: Arts supporting organizations which promote creation, engagement, and appreciation of diverse forms of art and/or understanding of local history. Environment organizations which focus on education and sustainability that includes efforts focused on climate mitigation, sustainable agriculture and forestry, water and land conservation. Health & Human Services improving the quality of life by providing for basic needs and social service programs, focusing on direct services. Seniors and People with Disabilities funding is designated for organizations providing direct services for individuals with disabilities and/or seniors. Funding Information Organizations may apply for a one- or two-year grant. The maximum grant amount is $12,000 for a one-year grant and $24,000 for a two-year grant. Last year, the average grant amount was $15,000. Grant Period  The General Grants Program will prioritize 1 or 2 Years. Eligibility Criteria  The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County supports charitable organizations whose programs primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents. An organization must have a current tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3) or a current memorandum of understanding outlining fiscal sponsorship partnership to apply. All grant proposals will be reviewed and all applying agencies will be notified within the outlined timeline. Exclusions The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County does not make grants to/for: Individuals Organizations that discriminate based on age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race or religion Fraternal Organizations, unless in support of a specific program open to or benefiting the entire community Governmental Organizations Indirect Administrative costs greater than 15% of the awarded funds (indirect administrative funds are defined as office supplies and do not include staff time) Fundraising events such as annual campaigns, walk-a-thons, tournaments, fashion shows, auctions or dinners Organizations with religious affiliations unless the program is open to the entire community without regard to religious beliefs Organizations and programs designed to elect candidates to public office Organizations located outside San Luis Obispo County unless for a specific program benefiting residents of-and conducted within-San Luis Obispo County Pay off past debts or existing obligations Endowment funds Scholarships, fellowships, travel grants, and technical or specialized research For more information, visit Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County.

The focus of this RFP is to help growers transition away from non-selective, biologicallydisruptive pesticides, especially those of high regulatory concern. The BIFS program supportsthe demonstration, refinement, and outreach of SPM-based farming systems that areeconomically viable and protective of human health and the environment. All aspects of thefarming system may be considered as they relate to pest management, including factors such asadjacent landscapes, whether they are farmed or not. For the current solicitation, CDFA is prioritizing projects focusing on the following topic:• Dacthal (dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, DCPA) alternatives in Brassica and onioncrops• Neonicotinoid alternatives in tomato• Lygus management in cotton• Fumigant alternatives Projects will typically include all the following elements:1. On-farm demonstration/evaluation of an innovative, biologically based farming systemthat employs SPM strategies;2. A collaborative outreach effort for sharing technical information about the farmingsystem with growers, PCAs, commodity groups, and others engaged in pestmanagement, and;3. An organized program for monitoring key biological and economic variables to informon-farm decision making and evaluate project success. The BIFS application process will occur in two stages: 1) concept proposal submission and 2) fullproposal development. This RFP is to solicit concept proposals. After concept proposal reviewand scoring is complete, OPCA will select up to three applicants to develop full proposals, whichincludes a detailed workplan, budget, budget justification, and letters of support. We anticipatefunding one proposal at the full $1 million. Prior to full proposal development, OPCA scientistswill meet with the selected applicants to discuss reviewer comments as part of a pre-projectconsultation.

Grant funds for this program are for small agricultural businesses that have been financially impacted by severe drought and/or flooding in the State of California and will be disbursed in the following groups for awards of up to $100,000. Drought Groups: • Drought Group 3 funds will be allocated to qualified small agricultural businesses that do not file their 2022 tax returns until 2024 (application opens in 2024).     Previous funding groups (Drought Groups 1 and 2, and Flood Group 1) are closed and funds are no longer available. The current allocation of funds is only applicable for agricultural businesses that meet the definition above for Drought Group 3.