Farm to CNP Education Grant

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is soliciting applications for the Farm to Child Nutrition Program (CNP) Education Grant, a competitive grant opportunity designed to support food-based, agriculture-based, and garden-based educational activities for children in public schools, charter schools, and child care programs. The grant offers two distinct tracks: a Capacity Building Mini Grant providing $2,000-$15,000 for single school or site projects, and a Capacity Sustaining Full Grant offering $15,001-$100,000 for district-wide or multi-site coordination. Key objectives include promoting healthy food activities, developing educational experiences about food production and consumption, and engaging community and parent participation. Evaluation criteria are comprehensive, covering project design (10-12 points), promotion of healthy food activities (6-13 points), educational activities (2-4 points), and community involvement (2-3 points). The grant period runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, with applications due on November 16, 2025, and award notifications expected around December 10, 2025. Applicants must demonstrate clear educational objectives, use evidence-based materials, and align activities with school nutrition procurement strategies.

Eligible applicants include school districts, education service districts, federally recognized tribes, nonprofit organizations, food producers, and child care program providers. Organizations must serve schools with at least 40% free and reduced lunch populations and be in good standing with the ODE Child Nutrition Program. The total funding available is $3,000,000 for the 2025-2027 biennium, with a first-round cap of $750,000 for mini grants. Allowable expenses encompass labor, materials, supplies, travel, and up to 25% administrative costs, with restrictions on permanent structures and capital equipment. Indirect costs are limited to 25% of the total grant award. Preference will be given to projects that are culturally relevant, involve community participation, and connect to local food procurement activities. Additional requirements include submitting a complete application, budget worksheet, and optional letters of support, with funds potentially usable retroactively to September 1st, 2023, after attending a mandatory training session.