[California Department of Food and Agriculture](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov)

October 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Up to $200,000 total; Tier 1: $10,000–$170,000; Tier 2: $2,500–$10,000; max duration 1.5 years

Supports projects that promote agricultural education and leadership for California students, teachers, and youth.

This is a forecasted opportunity; all dates are projected and subject to change.

--- ## Description The CalAgPlate Grant Program, administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), funds projects that promote and administer agricultural education, career development, and leadership programs for students, teachers, and youth across California. Funded by proceeds from agriculture-themed license plate sales, the program aims to increase agricultural literacy, foster career awareness and training, and support leadership development in the agricultural sector. Grants are available through two funding tiers, targeting both statewide and local/community efforts. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026 (anticipated/projected, full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Total Available:** Up to $200,000 per cycle. - **Tier 1:** $10,000–$170,000 per project (up to 85% of total funding; primarily for California FFA Association or those coordinated directly with FFA). - **Tier 2:** $2,500–$10,000 per project (up to 15% of total funding; for eligible local/community/state organizations). - **Project Duration:** Maximum of 1 year, 6 months (grant funds must be used between January 1, 2027, and June 30, 2028, for the 2026 cycle, subject to official timeline confirmation). --- ## Eligibility - **Tier 1:** California FFA Association and organizations directly coordinated with FFA representing state-adopted Agricultural Education Programs. - **Tier 2:** Non-profit organizations, state, local, and Indian tribal government agencies in California that promote/administer agricultural education and leadership programs for K-12, post-secondary, and adult education. - Individual schools/districts are encouraged to partner with eligible non-profits. - Institutes of higher education are generally ineligible to apply directly, but may partner with eligible organizations (except for non-profit programs administered by universities, e.g., 4-H). - Applicants may submit only one proposal per cycle. - Prior recipients are eligible to reapply. --- ## Application Process - Download the required application template from the [CalAgPlate program page](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/calagplate/). - Prepare a proposal including: - General information about the applicant and project - Narrative addressing project purpose, impact, outcomes, and work plan - Detailed budget narrative - Submit completed applications electronically to [grants@cdfa.ca.gov](mailto:grants@cdfa.ca.gov) by the deadline. - Only one proposal per organization will be accepted. - Tier 1 applicants must coordinate with the California FFA Association ([contact info below](#contact-information)). - All proposals are evaluated for completeness, eligibility, and program alignment; scoring is based on project need, potential impact, outcomes, and budget reasonableness. --- ## Additional Information - **Unallowable Costs:** Administrative costs, general equipment/capital expenditures, fundraising, hospitality, incentives/gifts, and scholarships. - **Indirect Costs:** Maximum 5% of total personnel costs. - **Promotion:** Up to $500 in grant funds may be used for CalAgPlate program awareness. - **Reporting:** Only a final performance report is required at the end of the project. - **Payment:** Reimbursement basis; 501(c)(3) non-profits may request up to 25% advance payment. - **Program Income:** Must be used to support project objectives and comply with cost restrictions. --- ## External Links - [CalAgPlate Grant Program Main Page](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/calagplate/) - [2025 CalAgPlate Grant RFP (sample for reference)](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/calagplate/docs/2025_calagplate_RFP.pdf) - [Recipient Resources](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/calagplate/RecipientResources.html) - [CDFA Grants Overview](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants/) - [Grant Administration Regulations](https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/Regulations/General/FinalGrantAdminRegs-Text.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Department/Contact | Email | Phone | Address | |-------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | CDFA Office of Grants Administration| [grants@cdfa.ca.gov](mailto:grants@cdfa.ca.gov) | (916) 657-3231 | 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 | | California FFA Association (Tier 1) | [mpatton@calagteachers.org](mailto:mpatton@calagteachers.org), [mfreitas@californiaffa.org](mailto:mfreitas@californiaffa.org) | (209) 744-1600 | | | CDFA General Contact | [OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov](mailto:OfficeOfPublicAffairs@cdfa.ca.gov) | (916) 654-0466 | 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 |

CalAgPlate Grant Program

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