Eligibility

California K-12 teachers and school educators may apply. Applicants must be planning a classroom project that integrates agriculture, food systems, natural resources, or environmental science into core instruction. Projects must align to California content standards and show a plan for student engagement with agricultural or environmental concepts.

Program Goals

The Literacy for Life Grants program, offered by the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (CFAITC), helps K-12 teachers create project-based learning experiences that connect students to California agriculture, food systems, and environmental science. Projects fund classroom curriculum, garden activities, field experiences, and hands-on science investigations that build agricultural and environmental literacy among California students.

Application and Distribution

Applications are submitted online through the CFAITC website. The current cycle opened May 1, 2026, and closes October 4, 2026. Applications require a project description, student learning objectives, California content standard alignment, and a budget. Awards are announced after the application deadline.

Cycle Notes

Literacy for Life Grants run on an annual cycle with applications typically opening in May and closing in early October. The current cycle closes October 4, 2026. Visit the CFAITC website at cfaitc.org for the application link and to confirm current program terms.

Grant Award Amount

Literacy for Life Grants award up to $1,000 per project. Funds can be used for curriculum materials, garden supplies, science equipment, books, and other resources directly tied to the agricultural or environmental literacy project.

Allowable Purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Literacy for Life Grants in California?

California K-12 teachers may apply. Projects must integrate agriculture, food systems, or environmental science into core classroom instruction and align to California content standards.

How much funding is available through Literacy for Life Grants?

Awards are up to $1,000 per project. This is a small grant designed to support individual classroom projects, not large-scale programs.

Can Literacy for Life Grant funds be used for STEM and coding tools?

Yes. Literacy for Life Grant funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.

How do California schools apply for Literacy for Life Grants?

Apply online through the CFAITC website at cfaitc.org by October 4, 2026. Submit a project description, student learning objectives, standard alignment, and a budget.

How can Forward Education help with Literacy for Life Grant funding?

Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for California schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes Literacy for Life Grants fund. Contact us before submitting your application.