2020 CalAgPlate Grant Program Request for Grant Proposals
Can you apply?
This grant is for California-based nonprofits and government agencies that administer agricultural education programs. Tier 1 is exclusively for the California FFA Association. Tier 2 is open to nonprofits, state/local/tribal government agencies, and K-12 schools (partnered with nonprofits). Institutes of higher learning cannot apply directly but may partner.
Projects must promote agricultural education, career development, or leadership for K-12, post-secondary, and adult learners. Activities include curriculum development, school gardens, career training, mentorship, and leadership conferences.
Grant duration is maximum 18 months. Funds cannot be spent before January 1, 2021 or after June 30, 2022. No cost-sharing required.
This grant is for California-based nonprofits and government agencies that administer agricultural education programs. Tier 1 is exclusively for the California FFA Association. Tier 2 is open to nonprofits, state/local/tribal government agencies, and K-12 schools (partnered with nonprofits). Institutes of higher learning cannot apply directly but may partner.
Projects must promote agricultural education, career development, or leadership for K-12, post-secondary, and adult learners. Activities include curriculum development, school gardens, career training, mentorship, and leadership conferences.
Grant duration is maximum 18 months. Funds cannot be spent before January 1, 2021 or after June 30, 2022. No cost-sharing required.
Program description
Funding and Duration: CDFA anticipates that up to $240,000 will be awarded to projects to support agricultural education and training. Grant amounts range from $2,500-204,000. The maximum grant duration is one (1) year, six (6) months and grant funds cannot be expended before January 1, 2021 or after June 30, 2022. 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 ($204,000) 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 $204,000 per project. Tier 2 – Local/Community/State Agricultural Education Programs Up to 15 percent ($36,000) 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.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for California-based nonprofits and government agencies that administer agricultural education programs. Tier 1 is exclusively for the California FFA Association. Tier 2 is open to nonprofits, state/local/tribal government agencies, and K-12 schools (partnered with nonprofits). Institutes of higher learning cannot apply directly but may partner.
Projects must promote agricultural education, career development, or leadership for K-12, post-secondary, and adult learners. Activities include curriculum development, school gardens, career training, mentorship, and leadership conferences.
Grant duration is maximum 18 months. Funds cannot be spent before January 1, 2021 or after June 30, 2022. No cost-sharing required.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Grant application form
- Project narrative/proposal
- Project budget
- Proof of nonprofit status (501c3 documentation) or government agency confirmation
- Letters of support (if applicable)
Program contact
- 📧 grants@cdfa.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-657-3231
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 16 | — | 0% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for Tier 2 funding?
Nonprofits, state/local/tribal government agencies, and K-12 schools (if partnering with an eligible nonprofit). Colleges cannot apply directly but may partner with eligible organizations.
What are the funding ranges?
Tier 1 (FFA Association only): $10,000–$204,000. Tier 2 (others): $2,500–$10,000 per project.
What types of projects are funded?
Agricultural education programs, career awareness/development, and leadership development. Examples include curriculum development, school gardens, career mentorship, and leadership conferences.
What is the project timeline?
Projects last up to 18 months total. Funds must be spent between January 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Apply to Tier 2 if you're not the FFA Association—it's more accessible for local nonprofits and schools.
- Clearly align your project with one of three funding categories: education, career development, or leadership.
- If you're a school, partner with a nonprofit to strengthen your application and meet eligibility.
- Document how your project serves K-12 or post-secondary students in agricultural programs.
- Budget conservatively within the 18-month window and ensure spending occurs between the specified dates.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when projects don't clearly fit one of the three funding categories (education, career, or leadership). Applicants miss deadlines by not accounting for the January 2021 earliest spending date. Schools applying without a nonprofit partner are ineligible for Tier 2.
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