Proposition 4 Wildfire
🏛 Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations developing or expanding community food hubs in California. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, businesses, farmer cooperatives, and tribal organizations that aggregate and distribute local food from California producers. The grant prioritizes serving small farms (500 acres or less), beginning farmers, disadvantaged producers, and veteran farmers. Funding must support food distribution to public institutions and nonprofits, especially schools and food banks serving low-income communities.
Track 1 (Planning) funds planning activities for up to 24 months, with awards of $50,000–$250,000. Track 2 (Infrastructure & Operations) funds infrastructure and operations for 60 months, with awards of $350,000–$2,000,000. No cost-sharing is required. Funds cannot be used for food donations.
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Program description
Projects funded under the Fire category must fall within Chapter 3 of Proposition 4, focused on Wildfire and Forest Resilience. To qualify, projects must meet Section 91520, and include at least one purpose listed in Section 91520(j). Eligible activities may improve local fire prevention capacity, enhance forest health and resilience, or reduce the risk of wildfire spreading from wildlands into populated areas. In addition, each project must address at least one of the following: watershed improvement, wildfire resilience, chaparral or forest restoration, or workforce development. Proposition 4 Wildfire
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Cooperative
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form (CDFA-specific)
- Project narrative and work plan
- Budget and budget narrative
- Letter of support from California food producers
- Letters of support from institutional or nonprofit buyers
- Evidence of organizational capacity and experience
Program contact
- 📧 grants@smmc.ca.gov
- 📞 1-310-589-2899
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 9 | 9 | 100% |
| 2025-2026 | 18 | 18 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, businesses, farmer cooperatives, and tribal organizations operating community food hubs in California. Applicants must connect multiple California food producers to wholesale, retail, or institutional buyers.
What can grant funds pay for?
Track 1 covers planning costs (feasibility studies, business plans, stakeholder engagement). Track 2 covers infrastructure (equipment, facilities) and operations (staffing, marketing, distribution). Funds cannot be used for food donations.
Is there a deadline for applications?
The 2025 deadline is April 14. Check CDFA's website for exact application opening dates and submission procedures.
What makes an application competitive?
Strong applications prioritize serving small/beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged producers, and sustainable agriculture practices. Emphasize distribution to schools, food banks, and low-income communities. Show a clear path to financial sustainability.
How much funding is available?
The program has $13.75 million total. Native American tribes and tribal-led nonprofits are encouraged to apply; 10% of funding is set aside for them.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly define your target California food producers and prioritize those with 500 acres or less, beginning status, or disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Show how your food hub will serve public institutions (schools) and nonprofits serving low-income communities in your region.
- Develop a detailed financial sustainability plan. Explain how the hub will cover long-term costs beyond the grant period.
- Tailor your Track selection: Track 1 (Planning) is for feasibility and startup planning; Track 2 (Operations) is for established or ready-to-launch hubs.
- Highlight California sourcing. Demonstrate how you identify and track the origin of 100% of food products sold through your hub.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting a Track 2 application without proven demand from food producers or buyers. Proposing activities that don't align with California food system priorities like sustainable agriculture or service to low-income communities. Failing to demonstrate a realistic financial sustainability model beyond the grant period.
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