CDFA
Farm to Early Learning
The Home Run has been awarded the CDFA Farm to School Incubator grant! Through this funding, we’ll be supporting early learning providers with mini-grants to bring fresh, California-grown foods and hands-on food education into their programs. Participating providers will have the opportunity to strengthen children’s connection to healthy eating, local agriculture, and nature — right from the start.
Minor Grants
Minor Grants of up to $3,000 are being distributed to early learning providers beginning in October, 2025. These grants will help introduce young children to gardening, composting, healthy eating, and food education. These grants will be used to purchase tools, materials, and resources—like child-sized gardening equipment, compost bins, planters, or educational supplies—that support fun, hands-on learning experiences and encourage healthy habits from an early age.
Although Minor Grant applications have closed, additional funding may be available. Check back in Spring of 2026!
Major Grants
Major Grants of up to $20,000 are being distributed to early learning providers beginning in October, 2025. These grants will help to create engaging, hands-on environments that teach young children about gardening, composting, healthy eating, and where food comes from. Funding will be used for larger improvement projects such as building greenhouses, installing shade structures, adding fences, or developing outdoor learning spaces that inspire curiosity and foster lifelong healthy habits.
Although Major Grant applications have closed, additional funding may be available. Check back in Spring of 2026!
Frequently Asked Questions
1
If my program’s grant is approved, will I receive the full amount of money requested?
Possibly. Your program’s grant request may be fully or partially funded. The amount of funds available is limited, and the amount of funds requested always exceeds the available dollars. The application includes an opportunity for you to explain how you would address your full request if we were able to fund only a part of your request.
2
How many grants will be awarded?
Based on available funding, up to $145,000 will be disbursed through the Homerun CDFA Farm to ECE 2025-2026 Grant Program, via both mini and major grants. The number of grants funded depends on the number of proposals received and the amounts awarded to successful proposals. We reserve the right to award full or partial funding.
3
If awarded funding, how will my program receive the funds?
The City of West Sacramento Home Run Program will fund what the award letter specifies. Minor Grant: Purchases will be made DIRECTLY by Home Run staff and distributed to recipients. Major Grant: Half of the awarded funds will be distributed directly to the recipient upon awarding. The latter half of the awarded funding will be distributed upon completion of the project or earlier if needed and approved.
4
Is this a grant or a loan? Do I have to repay it?
This is a grant program, not a loan, which means the funds do not generally need to be repaid. However, the grant funds are provided by the State of California, and specific policies and procedures must be followed. The following policies apply: - You will have to return items/equipment purchased with grant funds if you go out of business within two (2) years of the date of your award. The amount due will be prorated based on the number of months you remained in business after purchasing the items/equipment. This also applies if you lose your licence during the life of the grant. - If awarded funds, programs cannot substitute items that are not listed in the budget or award letter. You must seek prior approval. - You will not be reimbursed for items purchased before the date of the award letter, even if the items were requested in your proposal.
5
Do I need to report the grant as income?
Grant funds may need to be reported as income. If awarded grant funds, a completed W-9 form will be required. Items purchased with grant money may be eligible for business deductions. Please consult an accountant for further information. City of West Sacramento does not take responsibility for individual and program tax requirements.
6
When are applications due?
Applications are due to the City of West Sacramento Home Run Division by August 1, 2025, no later than 5 PM. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Be sure to keep a copy of everything that is submitted. Any incomplete application will not be considered for funding. Applications must be received in our office by the day/time stated above.
7
How do I submit the application? ONLY submit in PERSON
When you submit the application in person, we will provide you with written verification of the date and time you turned it in. You must include the original and one copy of your application and attachments. Be sure to keep a copy of everything that is submitted. Each COMPLETE application packet must include: 1. Grant Application Information 2. Grant Budget/Budget Explanation 3. Grant Narrative 4. ONE Copy of the total application with all components above NO FAXES or EMAILS will be accepted.
8
When will I know if my program has been awarded funding?
All applicants will be notified whether their grant proposal has been funded. The review committee should have awards notifications by mid-August. If you are awarded funding, the Home Run staff may conduct an on-site visit to verify the appropriate use of grant funds.
What Does it Mean to be Engaged in the Home Run?
This is what expected ENGAGEMENT looks like:
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Complete Coaching Companion Kick Off cycle
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Create QIP related to WSHR Matrix, in collaboration with coach.
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Engage with Early Learning Specialist monthly (email, text, visit)
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Engage in four site visit observations during program hours
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Engage in four 1-hour coaching sessions related to QIP goals
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Display participating or certified Home Run poster at your site.
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If funded, remain meaningfully engaged with coach for three years to retain funding (as outlined above).