Edition 128/ September 2026

California Consulting clients have secured $9,776,945 in grant funding over the last 90 days, supporting critical projects in education, public safety, cybersecurity, community health, wildfire resilience, water infrastructure, and more.

California Consulting is proud to celebrate another strong period of grant success for our public-sector and nonprofit clients. Over the last 90 days, our team has helped clients secure nearly $9.8 million in competitive grant funding across 13 awards.

These awards demonstrate the breadth of funding opportunities available to California communities and the importance of developing strong, competitive grant applications that align local priorities with state and federal funding programs.

Investing in California Communities

Our recent grant awards include significant investments in communities throughout California.

Among the largest awards was $4.5 million awarded to the City of Cathedral City through the BSCC Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant Program. The same program also awarded $1 million to the City of Nevada City and $996,587 to the City of Firebaugh, bringing nearly $6.5 million in Proposition 64 funding to these three California communities.

In education, San Benito High School District received $490,917 through the California Department of Education's Learning Communities for School Success Program, while Waterford Unified School District received $24,988 through the Middle School Foundation Academies Planning Grant to support Career Technical Education planning for students in grades 5–8.

Public safety and emergency preparedness were also major areas of investment. The City of Newman received $44,500 through the California Office of Traffic Safety's Traffic Enforcement Program, while the City of Yucaipa received $26,000 through the OTS General Application: EMS program.

Strengthening Cybersecurity

As cybersecurity continues to be a critical priority for local governments and school districts, California Consulting helped secure $469,417 in State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program funding. The City of Carson received $219,417, while Menifee Union School District received $250,000 through Cal OES.

These funds will help strengthen cybersecurity capabilities, address vulnerabilities, improve systems, and provide training to help protect critical information and technology infrastructure.

Supporting Health, Resilience and Infrastructure

California Consulting's recent awards also include funding for community health, wildfire resilience, and water infrastructure.

Bi-Bett Corporation received $885,323 through Contra Costa Health's Opioid Settlement Funds for SUD Primary Prevention Programs to support start-up costs for a new Spanish-speaking Intensive Outpatient Program in North Contra Costa County.

The City of Grass Valley received $720,000 through the Sierra Nevada Conservancy Wildfire and Forest Resilience program, supporting efforts to strengthen community resilience and forest health.

The City of Industry was awarded $500,000 through the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART Grant program to support water-related infrastructure and conservation priorities.

The City of Fort Bragg also received $119,213 through the California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program to expand impaired-driving enforcement, officer training, and public education efforts.

A Strong Quarter of Results

Together, these awards represent $9,776,945 in new grant funding secured for California Consulting clients over the last 90 days.From small planning grants to multimillion-dollar community investments, each award represents an opportunity to move an important local project forward.

California Consulting remains committed to helping cities, counties, school districts, special districts, and nonprofit organizations identify funding opportunities and develop competitive grant applications that turn community priorities into funded projects.

Congratulations to all of our clients on these outstanding achievements! We look forward to continuing to help California communities secure the funding they need to build stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.

Congratulations to the City of Nevada City on securing $1,000,000 through the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant Program.

The grant funding will support the City’s cannabis enforcement activities and strengthen public health and safety efforts within the community. The Proposition 64 program provides funding to eligible local governments for activities designed to address the impacts of cannabis legalization and promote safer communities.

California Consulting was proud to partner with the City of Nevada City in securing this significant competitive grant award. Congratulations to Project Manager Karen Leventhal on the successful application and to the City of Nevada City for this important investment in the community.

California Consulting congratulates San Benito High School District on securing $490,917 through the California Department of Education’s Learning Communities for School Success Program (LCSSP)—a significant achievement in a highly competitive statewide grant program.

The Learning Communities for School Success Program provides funding to local educational agencies to support programs designed to improve student outcomes, including efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism and support students who may be at risk of dropping out or who have experienced victimization. The program is funded through Proposition 47 and provides competitive grant funding to eligible California school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.

For San Benito High School District, the $490,917 award will support a comprehensive range of student and family-focused initiatives. Funding will provide resources for a PLUS advisory teacher, parent workshops, professional development, wellness supplies, social work intern stipends, the Mobile Culinary Academy, and NCN staff training.

A Collaborative Success

This award represents a significant accomplishment for San Benito High School District and reflects the strong collaboration between the district’s administration and California Consulting.

Senior Statewide Project Manager Dana Leusch worked closely with San Benito High School District administration throughout the grant development process, helping the district translate its priorities into a competitive application aligned with the goals of the LCSSP program.

The district administration’s leadership and commitment to developing meaningful programs for students and families were instrumental in bringing this funding opportunity to fruition.

A Major Achievement for San Benito

The LCSSP is a competitive statewide program, with CDE giving priority to applicants demonstrating needs related to chronic absenteeism, dropout rates, out-of-school suspensions, foster youth, and community crime rates. For the current Cohort 10, CDE reports $21.061 million in total available funding statewide, with individual LEA awards ranging from a minimum of $30,000 to a maximum of $2 million over the three-year grant period.

Against that competitive backdrop, San Benito High School District’s $490,917 award is a tremendous success and will provide meaningful resources to strengthen student support, family engagement, professional development, wellness initiatives, and innovative learning opportunities.

California Consulting is proud to have partnered with San Benito High School District administration on this successful application and congratulates the district on securing this important investment in its students, families, and school community.

Congratulations, San Benito High School District!



Congratulations to Menifee Union School District on securing $250,000 through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) State & Local Cybersecurity Grant Program.

The grant will support the development of a comprehensive cybersecurity plan for district staff, along with training designed to strengthen employees’ cybersecurity knowledge and awareness. The funding will help the district enhance its ability to protect critical systems, information, and school operations from evolving cybersecurity threats.



California Consulting was proud to partner with Menifee Union School District on this successful grant application. Program Manager Wil Flores collaborated with the district to help secure this important investment in cybersecurity and staff preparedness.

Coastal Waterways Grants

Housing Grants

Fire Grants

USBR Water Smart Grants

Library Museum

Education Grants

Municipal Grants

Police Grants

Park Grants

Battery/ EV Grants

California Department of Education (CDE):

Career Technical Education Facilities Program (CTEFP) – Eighth Funding Cycle

Grant Opens: October 15, 2026

Deadline: December 1, 2026

Amount Available: Approximately $300 million

Grant Amount: Varies by project; maximum amounts include up to $3 million for eligible new construction projects and up to $1.5 million for eligible modernization projects.

Eligible Applicants: Qualifying school districts and joint powers authorities (JPAs) serving comprehensive high schools with eligible Career Technical Education programs.

Link: Career Technical Education Facilities Program – CDE

Program Summary:

The Career Technical Education Facilities Program (CTEFP) provides funding to qualifying school districts and joint powers authorities for the construction of new Career Technical Education facilities, modernization or reconfiguration of existing facilities, and the purchase of eligible CTE equipment. The program is designed to expand and improve career-focused educational opportunities for high school students and prepare them for high-demand technical careers.

The eighth funding cycle will open October 15, 2026, with CDE accepting grant applications through December 1, 2026. Approximately $300 million in remaining funding is available for this cycle, including residual bond authority from Propositions 1D, 51 and 2.

Projects may include new CTE facilities, modernization or reconfiguration of existing facilities, and qualifying equipment with an average useful life expectancy of at least 10 years. Applicants will first submit their CTEFP Grant Application to CDE for review and scoring.

Applicants receiving a passing score will then submit the required funding application to the Office of Public School Construction (OPSC), with the next-stage application deadline set for June 30, 2027.

Important: The CDE application deadline is December 1, 2026; the subsequent OPSC funding application deadline is June 30, 2027. 

CDE: College and Career Access Pathways Grant

Deadline: October 30, 2026

Amount: Up to $100,000

Match: No

Eligibility: Local Educational Agencies for grades 9, 10, 11, 12

If your LEA received funding in a previous round of the MCEC or CCAP grant, the LEA is not eligible for round three funding unless it is for a high school that has not previously received funding.

Link: https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=6338

CA Dept of Education: Specialized Secondary Programs (SSP) Grant 2024-25

Deadline: January 27, 2027

Amount: Up to $100,000

Match: No

Eligibility: The proposed SSP must be new to the identified school site(s) and will provide students with advanced instruction and training in high technology fields and in the performing arts in grades nine through twelve. All California public high schools, county offices of education, consortium of local educational agencies (LEAs), and direct-funded charter schools are eligible to apply.

Link: https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=7497&utm_source=chatgpt.com

JJ Watt Foundation

Deadline: Rolling, apply based on sport start season

Sports Starting in:                              Apply during:

Fall (Aug, Sep, Oct)                             Jan 16 – Apr 15, 5pm CST

Winter (Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb)*               Apr 16 – Sep 15, 5pm CST

Spring (Mar, Apr, May)                       Sep 16 – Jan 15, 5pm CST

Amount: Varies depending on ask (reimbursement for equipment)

Match: No

Eligibility: 6-8 grade

Link: https://jjwfoundation.org/request-funds/

California Natural Resources Agency: Youth Community Access Grant Program

Deadline: Final Guidelines and the Concept Proposal Solicitation (Step 1) will be released September 2026. 

Amount: $25,000 to $500,000

Eligibility: Local, state, and federal agencies; nonprofit organizations; and federally recognized Native American tribes. Eligible projects must serve youth and directly support access to either natural or cultural resources AND meet the criteria for both low-income AND disadvantaged (not one or the other) communities. (See guidelines for criteria details)

URL: https://resources.ca.gov/grants/youth?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

CA Dept. of Education Funding: Middle College and Early College Grant

Deadline: October 30, 2026

Amount: $250,000

Match: No

Eligibility: All LEAs interested in starting a new, autonomous middle college high school or new early college high school, in expanding an existing middle college high school or early college high school or in starting a new early college high school within an existing school are encouraged to apply. LEA must show evidence of an existing or planned partnership with an institution of higher education for the creation of a dual enrollment program.

If your LEA received funding in a previous round of the MCEC or CCAP grant, the LEA is not eligible for round three funding unless it is for a high school that has not previously received funding.

Link: https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=7489

Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation: Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program (EHCRP)

Deadline: 

• Step 1: Submit a Pre-Application Interest Form via Submittable. Window 2 opens on July 1, 2026, and closes on August 11 at 2:00 PM PST. 
• Step 2: Submit the Full Application Form via Submittable. The Full Application Form is only available to applicants who have completed a Pre-Application Interest Form. The Full Application Form must be submitted by October 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM PST. 

Amount: $27.5M available through Prop 4. 

Early Transformative Infrastructure: $750,000 - $1.2M

Advanced Transformative Infrastructure: $3M - $4.5M

Eligibility: Local and Regional Public Entities; California Native American tribes, community-based organizations; and coalitions, collaboratives, or associations of nonprofit organizations that a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or academic institution sponsors.

**Cities must partner with a CBO or a Public Academic Institution on this

Match: None

LINK: https://opr.ca.gov/climate/icarp/grants/extreme-heat-community-resilience.html

Caltrans: Sustainable Transportation Grant

Deadline: October 9th, 2026

Match: 11.47% minimum* (in cash or an in-kind contribution). OR 20% match for strategic partnership grants.

Amount: 

Sustainable Communities Grants:

• Minimum: $50,000 for under-resourced communities; $100,000 for others.
• Maximum: $700,000.

Strategic Partnerships Grants:

• Minimum: $100,000.
• Maximum: $500,000.

LINK: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/transportation-planning/division-of-transportation-planning/regional-and-community-planning/sustainable-transportation-planning-grants

CalTrans: Local Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) 

Due: Monday, November 2, 2026 

Amount: min $100k - max $10 m

Match: No

Eligibility: Must be a city, a county, or a tribal government federally recognized within the State of California. 

LINK:https://dot.ca.gov/programs/local-assistance/fed-and-state-programs/highway-safety-improvement-program

California Parks: Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP)

Deadline: December 17th, 2026

Amount: up to $8.5m

Match: No

LINK:https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29939

CPUC: Cal Advanced Services Broadband Adoption Account

Deadline: January 1, 2027

Amount: The CASF Adoption Account is authorized $20.024 million for fiscal year 2023-2024 to provide grants to increase publicly available or after-school broadband access and digital inclusion.

Match: Yes, 15%

LINK: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-advanced-services-fund/casf-adoption-account

California Department of Parks and Recreation: Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

Deadline: January 14th, 2027

Amount: Up to $6 million. $27.5M total available Statewide.

Match: Yes - 50%

Eligibility: Cities, counties, tribal governments, JPAs, park districts, and special districts with authority to acquire, operate and maintain public park and recreation areas 

LINK: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=21360

California Consulting is looking forward to connecting with city leaders from across California at the 2026 Cal Cities Annual Conference, taking place September 23–25 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Our team will be at Booth 531, where attendees can meet with California Consulting professionals to discuss current and upcoming grant opportunities and explore funding strategies that can help move local priorities forward.

Representing California Consulting at the conference will be:

• Steve Samuelian, CEO
• Karen Herrera, Senior Client Relations Associate
• Griselda Ramírez, Strategic Partnership Consultant
• Janine Heft, Senior Associate
• Scott Carpenter, Senior Associate
• Clay Owens, Associate

The conference provides an important opportunity for our team to connect directly with city leaders, learn more about the projects and priorities shaping communities throughout California, and discuss potential funding opportunities.

From infrastructure and public safety to transportation, water, community programs, and other local priorities, California Consulting works with cities to identify competitive grant opportunities and secure funding to support their communities.

If you're attending the Cal Cities Annual Conference, stop by Booth 531 and say hello!

We look forward to meeting with city leaders, discussing your community's priorities, and exploring how California Consulting can help you pursue funding opportunities.

See you in Anaheim!

From the Desk of Caitlin Williams

Federal Grants Coordinator | California Consulting, Inc. | Washington, D.C.

Federal grant opportunities continue to move forward in Washington, D.C., creating new possibilities for California communities across water infrastructure, economic development, disaster recovery, and other critical local priorities.

Recently, I met with staff from U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s office to discuss the current federal grant landscape and opportunities available to California communities. Senator Padilla’s office continues to be available to provide letters of support for federal grant applications, with approximately two weeks of lead time recommended.

Their office is eager to assist with federal grant applications, making early coordination an important part of the grant development process.

I continue to work on the ground in Washington, D.C., meeting with federal agencies, congressional offices, and D.C.-based associations. These conversations provide valuable insight into the federal funding landscape and help California Consulting keep our clients informed about emerging opportunities.

Federal Funding Opportunities to Watch

USBR – Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects

Deadline: August 26, 2026 and August 26, 2027

Funding: Varies based on project scope

Match: Typically 75% non-federal cost share

Eligible Applicants: States, Indian tribes, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority

The WaterSMART Title XVI program supports the planning, design, and construction of water reclamation and reuse projects. Projects can help communities develop new sources of clean water, improve water supply reliability, and increase flexibility during periods of water shortage.

USBR Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects

USBR – WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects

Deadline: September 9, 2026

Funding: $50,000–$3 million

Match: 25%

Eligible Applicants: States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority in the Western United States

This program supports projects that benefit water resource management for multiple uses, including water conservation and efficiency, water infrastructure improvements, and river and watershed restoration. Projects that balance multiple community interests and provide significant watershed benefits will be prioritized.

USBR WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects

EDA – FY 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant

Deadline: Rolling basis for most applications

Funding:

• Readiness Path: $250,000–$500,000
• Implementation Path: $2 million–$20 million for construction projects and $100,000–$5 million for non-construction projects
• Industry Transformation Path: $20 million–$50 million

The EDA Disaster Supplemental program provides funding to communities affected by major disasters occurring in 2023 and 2024. Funding is available through three pathways: Readiness, Implementation, and Industry Transformation.

Projects may support disaster recovery, economic growth, strategic planning, infrastructure, and regional economic transformation.

EDA FY 2025 Disaster Supplemental Program

EDA – Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (PWEAA)

Deadline: Rolling basis

Funding: $100,000–$3 million

Match: 0%–20%

PWEAA funding can support a broad range of economic development needs, from planning and technical assistance to infrastructure construction. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, special districts, states, tribal governments, institutions of higher education, and eligible nonprofit organizations.

EDA Funding Opportunities

Keeping California Connected to Washington

With federal funding opportunities continuing to evolve, maintaining relationships with federal agencies, congressional offices, and national organizations is more important than ever.

From Washington, D.C., California Consulting continues to monitor the federal landscape, identify emerging opportunities, and bring that information directly to our clients.

California Consulting was proud to be represented by Senior Associate Dale Sumersille at the recent League of California Cities Sacramento Valley Division meeting in Grass Valley, which brought together local government leaders to discuss issues and priorities affecting communities throughout the region.

The meeting provided an opportunity for California Consulting to connect with city leaders, strengthen relationships, and hear directly about the challenges communities face, including wildfire preparedness and resilience.

Events like these are an important part of California Consulting's ongoing commitment to staying connected with California's cities and understanding the priorities that matter most to local communities. By engaging directly with municipal leaders, our team is better positioned to identify potential funding opportunities and help communities match their priorities with available grant programs.

The Grass Valley visit was particularly timely. California Consulting recently helped the City of Grass Valley secure $720,000 through the Sierra Nevada Conservancy's Wildfire and Forest Resilience Grant Program, demonstrating how conversations about local priorities can ultimately connect to meaningful funding opportunities.

California Consulting is proud to be part of the conversation and looks forward to continuing to build relationships with local leaders throughout California.

Michelle Ferguson: $18.6 Million in Grant Success Across California Communities



With more than $18.6 million in grant funding secured, Senior Project Manager Michelle Ferguson has delivered outstanding results for California Consulting clients across a wide range of competitive state and federal funding programs.

Grant success is about more than finding an available funding opportunity. It requires understanding a client's priorities, developing a compelling project, navigating complex grant requirements, and building an application that clearly demonstrates why an investment will make a difference in the community.

Senior Project Manager Michelle Ferguson has demonstrated that expertise time and again, helping clients secure a combined $18,678,071 in grant funding.

Big Awards. Diverse Projects. Multiple Communities.

Michelle's grant portfolio reflects both the scale and diversity of the projects she has helped fund.

Among her largest successes is a $2 million federal earmarked request for the City of Carson to support a Safe Routes to School project. The project will help connect traffic signals and other public safety assets to the City's Emergency Operations Center, supporting improved traffic monitoring, circulation, and safety for students traveling to and from Carson schools.

In Santa Paula, Michelle helped secure $1.48 million through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program to support transportation and community connectivity priorities. The City also received $1.48 million through a combined CMAQ and TDA Article 3 call for projects to advance a Community Bike/Trail Connectivity Project focused on safer bicycle and pedestrian routes.

Another major achievement was helping the City of Carson secure $1 million through the USDA Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program. The funding will support long-term urban forest planning, assessment, and management while helping build capacity among professionals involved in recreation, education, engineering, and urban planning.

Michelle's work has also resulted in significant awards for the County of Nevada, including $937,000 through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets for All program to support development of the County's first Road Safety Action Plan.

$18.6 Million and Counting

With $18,678,071 in grant funding secured, Michelle's results represent more than an impressive number. Each award translates into a tangible investment in a California community — from safer routes for students and improved transportation infrastructure to stronger cybersecurity, expanded broadband access, environmental improvements, and enhanced public safety.

California Consulting is proud to recognize Senior Project Manager Michelle Ferguson for her continued success and commitment to helping clients turn important community priorities into funded projects.

Congratulations, Michelle, on an outstanding record of grant success — and on the $18.6 million in new opportunities you've helped bring to California communities!

Please join us in welcoming Victoria Porter to the California Consulting team as our newest Project Manager!

Victoria brings more than 25 years of experience working with cities, local government agencies, and public safety departments, with extensive experience in grant writing, grant management, and project development.

A retired Juvenile Correctional Officer and Paralegal from Kings County, Victoria brings a unique combination of public-sector, legal, and public safety experience to her new role. She is currently completing her Master of Legal Studies in Human Resources at Trinity Law School and is expected to graduate at the end of this year.

Victoria is passionate about supporting communities and helping public agencies pursue funding opportunities that can make a meaningful difference.

Outside of work, Victoria is a proud grandmother to a 10-year-old granddaughter and a 4-year-old grandson. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Welcome to California Consulting, Victoria! We're excited to have you on the team and look forward to all you'll accomplish with our clients and communities across California.

California Consulting is pleased to welcome Matthew Dobler to the team!

Matthew brings extensive experience in government, public policy, campaign management, coalition building, communications, and grassroots engagement, with professional experience in California, Florida, Oregon, Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Virginia.

Matthew has served as Chief of Staff to members of the California Legislature and has managed legislative, congressional, and statewide campaigns across the country. His experience has given him a strong background in developing coalitions, communicating complex issues, and working with diverse stakeholders.

In 2016, Matthew served as a Political Director in Michigan, where he helped lead statewide political strategy, coalition building, and grassroots engagement during a pivotal election year. Matthew is also passionate about community service and California water policy. In 2024, he was elected to the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, where he currently serves a four-year term.

A graduate of California State University, San Marcos, Matthew holds a degree in Political Science and resides in Southern California.

We are excited to welcome Matthew to California Consulting and look forward to the experience, perspective, and expertise he brings to our team and the communities we serve.

Welcome to the team, Matthew!

Cal Consulting is excited to welcome the City of Glendale, the Moulton Niguel Water District, the Orange Unified School District, the County of Shasta, Junction Elementary School District, Irvine Valley College, City of Hermosa Beach, and City of San Joaquin for grant-writing services. We are excited to secure funding for your projects.  

California Consulting is proud that the City of Ontario, City of Azusa, City of Dana Point, the Whittier Union High School District, and the Kern High School District have renewed their contract for grant writing services. We greatly appreciate your continued trust in our services and look forward to building on the successes we’ve achieved together.

Thank you to all of the media outlets that feature California Consulting in their publications.

California Consulting Featured Municipal Grants

California Consulting Releases Education Grant Opportunties

Cal Consulting Publishes Municipal Grant Opportunities



California Consulting is proud of our Business Development Associates across the state.

The State's Premiere Grant Writing Company