Lower American River Conservancy Program
🏛 Wildlife Conservation Board (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for School Food Authorities (SFAs) that operate National School Lunch Program (NSLP) meals in California. Public school districts and charter schools that serve school meals are the primary eligible applicants. Each SFA may apply for up to five school sites to purchase food service equipment.
Priority is given to SFAs that have not received an Equipment Assistance Grant since 2020. SFAs that lacked state infrastructure funding in 2021-2022 also receive priority. Equipment must cost at least $1,000 per unit and directly support nutrition quality and healthier meal service.
Awards are competitive and limited to $100,000 per SFA. This is USDA funding administered by the California Department of Education for school-based improvements only.
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Program description
The acquisition, restoration, enhancement, and maintenance of fish and wildlife habitat and other natural resources, including resources impacted by wildfire, within and adjacent to the American River Parkway. The improvement and expansion of public access, recreational areas, and recreational facilities, including trails. The enhancement of interpretive and educational facilities related to the American River Parkway and its natural, cultural, and historic resources. The control and removal of invasive species and the propagation of native species. Improve and enhance lands within and adjacent to the American River Parkway. Projects funded on adjacent lands shall contribute to the advancement of American River Parkway values. Design, implement, and provide grants for stormwater capture and treatment projects to improve the quality of water that flows within and into the American River Parkway and to increase habitat for fish and wildlife. Stormwater projects may include lands within and adjacent to the American River Parkway and its tributaries downstream of the Nimbus Dam and within Sacramento County. All projects must be recommended by the Lower American River Conservancy Program Advisory Committee before proceeding to the Wildlife Conservation Board meeting for approval.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- Charter School
- Individuals
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Nation
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Online grant application form
- Equipment purchase specifications and costs
- Nutrition impact justification
- Sustainability plan for improvements
- Procurement documentation
Program contact
- 📧 cara.allen@wildlife.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-926-9584
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 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
| 2025-2026 | 2 | 2 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
School Food Authorities operating NSLP programs in California can apply. This includes public school districts and charter schools serving school meals.
What is the award limit?
Grants are up to $100,000 per SFA. Each SFA may apply for no more than five school sites per application.
What equipment is eligible?
New or renovated food service equipment with a per-unit cost of $1,000 or more is eligible. Equipment must support nutrition quality and healthier meal preparation.
How competitive is this program?
Very competitive. Priority goes to SFAs without an EAG since 2020 and those without prior state infrastructure funding. Strong emphasis on demonstrating nutrition impact and sustainability plans.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is October 10, 2024 at 4 p.m. Applications must be submitted online through the CDE website.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Prioritize demonstrating how equipment directly improves nutrition quality and supports healthier meals. Include specific meal examples.
- Document any prior state infrastructure funding gaps or years since last EAG award. SFAs without recent grants score higher.
- Build a clear sustainability plan showing how nutrition improvements will continue after equipment purchase.
- Equipment must have a per-unit cost of $1,000 or more. Bundle items if necessary to meet the threshold.
- Submit online before 4 p.m. on October 10, 2024. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to clearly connect equipment purchases to improved nutrition outcomes and healthier meal service. Requesting equipment below the $1,000 per-unit minimum cost threshold. Submitting without a concrete plan for sustaining improvements long-term.
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