Lunch at the Library Summer 2027
🏛 CA State Library (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations seeking to fund watershed and ecosystem protection projects in California. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations working on water quality and restoration. Projects must align with Proposition 1 Chapter 6 purposes and California Water Action Plan. Geographic focus is the Baldwin Hills area and urban watersheds in California, with priority for disadvantaged communities.
Funded projects must deliver multiple benefits, leverage additional funding, and demonstrate community support. Applicants should have experience with similar projects or strong partnerships. Competitive projects employ innovative practices and measurable outcomes.
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Program description
Applications are non-competitive. All eligible libraries participating in Lunch at the Library and submitting approved applications will receive funds. These funds can support the following Lunch at the Library activities: Library Meal Sites: Establish and serve USDA summer meals at library site(s) and provide learning and enrichment programming at those meal sites. Lunch at the Library meal sites should include programming. Programs can include — but are not limited to — farm to summer, literacy, health and wellness, nutrition education, and arts and culture-based activities, as well as books provided to help families build home libraries. Pop-Up Libraries at Community Meal Sites: Take pop-up libraries — including programming, resources, and books — to other community-based USDA summer meal sites, such as local parks and schools.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Individuals
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Nation
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Concept Proposal
- Full Application (if Concept Proposal advances)
- Detailed scope of work
- Budget and justification
- Community support documentation
- Evaluation and reporting plan
- Evidence of experience or partnership capacity
Program contact
- 📧 Lunch@library.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-603-6716
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-2027 | 7 | — | 0% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
What types of organizations can apply?
Nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations are eligible. You must demonstrate experience or appropriate partnerships to implement your project.
What is the application process?
Applications proceed in two phases: a Concept Proposal followed by a Full Application. Attending a grant workshop is strongly recommended.
What activities are funded?
Water quality improvement, watershed restoration, ecosystem protection, and projects delivering multiple benefits to communities. Projects must align with Proposition 1 Chapter 6 and California Water Action Plan.
How competitive is this grant?
Very competitive. The program prioritizes projects with innovation, community support, leveraged funding, and demonstrated impact on disadvantaged communities. Strong partnerships increase competitiveness.
What is the funding range?
Specific award amounts are not publicly specified. The total program has $10 million available for competitive grants.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact BH UWC staff before submitting your Concept Proposal. Early consultation improves alignment with funder priorities and increases success odds.
- Emphasize multiple benefits in your proposal. Projects serving water quality, habitat, recreation, and community needs score higher than single-benefit projects.
- Demonstrate leveraged funding from private, federal, state, or local sources. Co-funding strengthens competitiveness and shows community investment.
- Center disadvantaged community needs in your narrative. Document community support through letters, surveys, or advisory group participation.
- Use measurable, trackable outcomes. Include clear metrics for monitoring project success and reporting results over time.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting without prior consultation with BH UWC staff, resulting in misaligned proposals. Proposing single-benefit projects rather than integrated approaches addressing multiple outcomes. Failing to demonstrate community support or benefit to disadvantaged populations.
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