Roger Fahr has a wealth of grant fund development experience, including twelve years as a one-person "grants department" with the West Contra Unified School District (WCCUSD), which encompasses six cities in the San Francisco East Bay Area. During his tenure with WCCUSD, Roger succeeded in raising over $70 million in federal, state and private foundation grants for sixty elementary, six middle, and six comprehensive high schools serving a student population of over 30,000.

He retired from the WCCUSD in 2008 and started his own consulting company, through which he raised over $30 million for the WCCUSD as well as other clients, including the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD), a high-performing district that is not eligible for much grant funding; West Contra Costa Adult Education; the Marin County Office of Education; the San Francisco Department of Mental Health; individual public schools in Oakland; two charter schools in Richmond; and a number of community-based non-profit organizations such as Girls, Inc., Bay Area Community Resources, the East Bay Center for Performing Arts, the Richmond Art Center, and other local non-profits.

Roger's success rate is approximately 85%, with over 210 grant proposals fully funded out of about 250 developed and submitted. He has participated in policy development, strategic planning, and program and resource development for a multitude of educational efforts-from early learning to career technical education-including: school readiness; core academics and enrichment; STEM education; professional development; educational reform; educational technology; arts education; wellness and nutrition; parent, community and business involvement; mental health; counseling; service learning; human relations (conflict mediation, cultural awareness); school safety; after-school and enrichment programs; and more. His latest achievements include a successful re-write of a School Improvement Grant (SIG), which resulted in $12 million in funding, and participation with a grant writing team that developed and submitted a Race To The Top federal grant proposal which was fully funded and ranked second best nationally.

Grant Opportunities 

The following grant applications are available for cities and school districts.  If you are a California Consulting client and are interested in any of the grants listed below, please contact our office.  If you are not a California Consulting client, but would like us to draft and submit any of the following grant applications for your school district or city, please contact Steve Samuelian at steve@californiaconsulting.org.  Please click on the link to read more information on each grant opportunity:

Municipal Grants

Coca-Cola/Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grant Program

Deadline: March 3, 2014

Amount: Grant Provides Actual Bins

http://bingrant.org/

The Coca-Cola/Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grant Program supports local community recycling programs by providing bins to selected grant recipients for the collection of beverage container recyclables in public settings

U.S. Department of Justice - Technical Assistance Program Grants

Deadline: March 6, 2014

Award: $600,000

http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/docs/fy-2014-ta-solicitation.pdf

These grants are designed to build the capacity of criminal justice and victim services organizations to respond effectively to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking and fostering partnerships among organizations that have not traditionally worked together to address violence against women.

EDA FY 2014 Economic Development Assistance Programs

Deadline: March 14, 2014 for funding cycle 3 of FY 2014; June 13, 2014 for funding cycle 4 of FY 2014 ; and October 17, 2014 for funding cycle 1 of FY 2015.

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=248297

Amount: Varies

EDA supports development in economically distressed areas of the United States by fostering job creation and attracting private investment. Specifically, under the Economic Development Assistance programs (EDAP) Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) announcement, EDA will make construction, non-construction, and revolving loan fund investments under the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs.

General Mills - Champions for Healthy Kids

Deadline: March 15, 2014

Award: $10,000

http://content.generalmills.com/en/Responsibility/community_engagement/Grants/Champions_for_healthy_kids.aspx

Projects must improve nutrition and physical fitness behaviors for youth.

BJA - Second Chance Act Technology Career Training Grant Program

Deadline: March 17, 2014

Amount: Up to $750,000 per awardee

https://www.bja.gov/Funding/14SCATechCareersSol.pdf?utm_source=CSG+Justice+Center+Primary+List&utm_campaign=c72e031ead-1_16_13_Two_SCA_Solicitations_Released1_16_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_db9d88bcfb-c72e031ead-42270321

The funds can be used to establish training programs in technology-based fields for adults and juveniles in the 6-18 months prior to their release. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who:

• Propose training programs through which participants receive industry-recognized certificates demonstrating successful completion of the program;

• Provide ongoing training to employers and potential employers on successful approaches to working with trainees/employees engaged through the program; and

• Demonstrate the leveraging of private, local, state, federal, or tribal resources (cash or in-kind) to support and/or sustain the proposed project.

BJA - Second Chance Act Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders Grant Program

Deadline: March 18, 2014

https://www.bja.gov/Funding/14SCACoOccurringDisordersSol.pdf?utm_source=CSG+Justice+Center+Primary+List&utm_campaign=c72e031ead-1_16_13_Two_SCA_Solicitations_Released1_16_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_db9d88bcfb-c72e031ead-42270321

Local governments are invited to apply for this funding to improve recovery and recidivism outcomes for adults with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders through the provision of appropriate evidence-based services and treatment both during and after incarceration.

SAMHSA - System of Care Expansion Planning Grants

Deadline: March 19, 2014

Award: $800,000

http://beta.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sm-14-001

The purpose of this program is to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for improving, expanding and sustaining services provided through a system of care (SOC) approach for children and youth with serious emotional disturbances and their families.

FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant
Deadline: March 21, 2014
Amount: $1.5 million
The Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant program is part of the AFG Program. FP&S Grants are offered to support projects in two activities: 1) Fire Prevention and Safety Activity: Activities designed to reach high-risk target groups and mitigate the incidence of death and injuries caused by fire and fire-related hazards; 2) Research and Development Activity: Projects aimed at improving firefighter safety, health, and wellness through research and development that reduces firefighter fatalities and injuries

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services - Drug-free Communities (DFC) Support Program

Deadline: March 21, 2014

Award: $125,000

http://beta.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sp-14-002

This program has two goals: (1) establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, public and private non-profit agencies; as well as federal, state, local, and tribal governments to support the efforts of community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance use among youth and (2) reduce substance use among youth and, over time, reduce substance abuse among adults by addressing the factors in a community that increase the risk of substance abuse and promoting the factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse.

SAMHSA - System of Care Expansion Implementation Cooperative Agreements

Deadline: March 21, 2014

Award: $1,000,000

http://beta.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sm-14-002

This program supports the operation, expansion, and integration of SOC through the creation of sustainable infrastructure which allows for the provision of and access to required services and supports that adhere to the values, principles, and practices comprising the system of care approach to become the primary way in which children mental health services are delivered throughout the nation.

Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Planning Grant

Deadline: March 24, 2014

http://www.cdph.ca.gov/services/funding/Pages/SRFApplication.aspx

The Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended in 1996, established the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) to make funds available to drinking water systems to finance infrastructure improvements. The program also emphasizes providing funds to small and disadvantaged communities and to programs that encourage pollution prevention as a tool for ensuring safe drinking water.

U.S. Department of Justice - Smart Supervision: Reducing Prison Populations, Saving Money, and Creating Safer Communities Grant

Deadline: April 7, 2014

Award: $750,000

https://www.bja.gov/Funding/14SmartSupervisionSol.pdf

Provides resources to states, units of local government, and federally recognized Indian tribes to develop more effective and evidence-based probation and parole practices that effectively address individuals' needs and reduce recidivism.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

Deadline: April 11, 2014

http://www.hcd.ca.gov/fa/cdbg/index.html

Amount:Up to $2,000,000 per applicant ($27,540,278 Allocated)

The primary federal objective of the CDBG program is the development of viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and through expanding economic opportunities, principally, for persons of low- and moderate-income. "Persons of low and moderate income" are defined as families, households, and individuals whose incomes do not exceed 80 percent of the county median income, adjusted for family or household size.

U.S HHS - Teenage Pregnancy Prevention: Research and Demonstration Grants

Deadline: April 24, 2014; Letter of intent deadline: March 21, 2014

Award: $890,000

https://www.grantsolutions.gov/gs/preaward/previewPublicAnnouncement.do?id=47924

The purpose of this program is to work with 3-5 communities with high teen pregnancy rates to develop innovative strategies for preventing teen pregnancy. These could include high-risk, vulnerable, and culturally under-represented youth populations, and/or youth residing in areas with high birth or teen pregnancy rates. The successful applicant is expected to bring together a team in each selected community made up of representatives from various sectors to develop a strategy or prevention framework to address teen pregnancy prevention in their individual community.

California Department of Parks and Recreation: Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF) Program
Deadline: October 31, 2014 

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?Page_id=2136

Brief Summary: Provides funds to local entities to protect threatened species, to address wildlife corridors, to create trails, and to provide for nature interpretation programs which bring urban residents into park and wildlife areas.

Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SDWSRF)

Deadline: Pre-application, requires annual invitation

Grant Size: $ 500,000-$5,000,000

Brief Summary:This program provides support to engage in the demonstration of innovative technologies, methods, practices, and techniques in three areas: operational safety, infrastructure or equipment resiliency, and all-hazards emergency response and recovery methods.

USDA Rural Development: Community Facilities Grants & Loans
Deadline: Rolling 

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/CA-CFPrograms.html

http://web.mlbcommunity.org/index.jsp?content=programs&program=baseball_tomorrow_fund

Brief Summary: The Baseball Tomorrow Fund is a joint initiative between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association designed to promote and enhance the growth of youth participation in baseball and softball around the world by funding programs, fields, coaches' training, uniforms, and equipment. Grants are intended to finance a new program, expand or improve an existing program, undertake a new collaborative effort, or obtain facilities or equipment necessary for youth baseball or softball programs. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund supports projects that meet the following evaluation criteria: increase the number of youth participating in baseball and softball programs; improve the quality of youth baseball and softball programs.

FedEx EarthSmart Outreach Programs

Deadline: Rolling

FedEx offers this grant program focusing on sustainable transportation solutions that reduce emissions and congestion and/or enhance safety and expand accessibility. A municipality would need to partner with a nonprofit organization to apply, and only specific program needs will be funded. Applications are accepted year round and are available online.

The Home Depot Community Impact Grants Program

Deadline: February 1-August 15, 2014

Amount: $5,000

http://homedepotfoundation.org/page/applying-for-a-grant

Grants, up to $5,000, are available to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and tax-exempt public service agencies in the U.S. that are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their community. Grants are given in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for the purchase of tools, materials, or services. As such- priority will be placed on volunteer projects that fit the following criteria: projects that serve veterans and their families, whether that's repairing homes or improving facilities; projects that involve veterans volunteering to help other veterans in the communities where they live.

US DOT FY 2014 TIGER Grants

Deadline: TBD

The government recently appropriated $600 million for Fiscal Year 2014 to the TIGER program, also known as the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Grant Program, run by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This program funnels grant money toward road, rail, transit, and port projects. This is a very competitive grant program that funds mostly multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional projects. Last year, funds from these grants were awarded to 52 capital projects in 37 states. Requests for Proposals will be issued later this year.

EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants Programs

Deadline: TBD - Grants released October 2014

Education Grants

RGK Foundation - 2014 Grants Cycle

Deadline: Letters of Inquiry are accepted all year long and are reviewed on a rolling basis ~ next review is March 7, 2014

Amount: $10,000-$100,0000

http://www.philanthropynewsdigest.org/rfps/rfp4484-rgk-foundation-accepting-proposals-for-2014-grants-cycle

The foundation's primary education interests include programs that focus on formal K-12 education (particularly math, science, and reading), teacher development, literacy, and higher education. Within its community area, the foundation supports a broad range of human services, community improvement activities, abuse prevention, and youth development programs. In the area of health and medicine, the foundation's current interests include programs that promote the health and well-being of children and access to health service.

Fresno Regional Foundation: Arts & Culture Grants

Deadline: March 7, 2014

Amount: $200,000 allocation (organizations within central San Joaquin Valley)

http://fresnoregfoundation.org/cbo/v2/programs.html

The Fresno Regional Foundation serves a dynamic and multicultural population. It is important that the Community Benefit Organizations (CBOs) we support are aware of and sensitive to the diversity of the Central Valley San Joaquin Valley. Therefore, FRF will fund programs that:

• Support culturally relevant art forms that reflect and serve the Central San Joaquin Valley's diverse population.

• Support arts and culture activities that engage underserved communities.

• Support arts and culture activities that increase academic success.

San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District - School Bus Incentives Program

Deadline: March 14, 2014

Amount: up to 50% of vehicle cost (organizations within San Joaquin Valley)

http://valleyair.org/grants/schoolbus.htm

Public school districts and Joint Power Authorities located within the San Joaquin Valley are eligible to apply for up to 50% of the cost of a new standard school bus. School buses must meet the following minimum requirements to be eligible for replacement:

-- Have an engine model year 1993 and older

-- Have been continuously certified by the California Highway Patrol for the past two years

-- Have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) greater than 14,000 pounds

CDE School Improvement Grant

Deadline: March 14, 2014

Award: $6,000,000 (max)

http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r16/regsig13rfa.asp

The School Improvement Grant (SIG) provides funding to help local educational agencies (LEAs) address the needs of schools in improvement, corrective action, and restructuring to improve student achievement. SIG funds are to be used to leverage change and improve technical assistance through LEAs targeting activities towards measurable outcomes. Expected results from the use of these funds include improving student proficiency, increasing the numbers of schools that make adequate yearly progress, using data to inform decisions, and creating a system of continuous feedback and improvement.

Champions for Healthy Kids

Deadline: March 15, 2014

Amount: $20,000

http://content.generalmills.com/en/Responsibility/community_engagement/Grants/Champions_for_healthy_kids.aspx

Through the Champions for Healthy Kids program, the General Mills Foundation will award 50 grants of $20,000 each to nonprofit organizations working to improve nutrition and physical fitness behaviors for youth.

STEM-C Partnerships: Computing Education for the 21st Century (STEM-CP: CE21)

Deadline: March 18, 2014

Amount: Varies

http://nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503582

The STEM-C Partnerships program supports Partnerships that promote effective K-12 STEM education, building knowledge of teaching and learning in ways that deepen understanding and stimulate further exploration of STEM education in both in- and out-of-school settings. The Partnerships' cross-disciplinary teams call upon the expertise and research perspectives of learning scientists, including cognitive scientists, educational, developmental and social psychologists, social scientists and education researchers, as well as STEM, discipline-specific teachers, faculty, researchers, and scientists. The Partnerships provide the context and environment for the effective preparation, professional development, and ongoing support of K-12 teachers.

School Breakfast Program and Summer Food Service Program Start-up or Expansion

Deadline: March 24, 2014

Amount: $15,000 per school

http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=3514

Funding is for nonrecurring expenses incurred in initiating or expanding a (1) School Breakfast Program (SBP), serving students in kindergarten through grade twelve or (2) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), serving children and youth eighteen years of age and under during school breaks. School districts, direct-funded charter schools, and COEs may apply for one or both types of grants; however, only one type of grant may be awarded per school site. Private schools, residential child care institutions, and juvenile detention centers are not eligible to receive these funds.

California Career Pathways Trust (CCPT)

Application Deadline: March 28, 2014

Amount: Funding in the amount of $249,750,000 has been appropriated

http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=3505

The California Department of Education (CDE) in partnership with CPEC and Chancellor's Office of California Community Colleges is developing a Request for Application (RFA) for the $250 million California Career Pathways Trust (CCPT). The CCPT will fund grants for career technical education in K-12 districts, charter schools and community colleges that will seed and/or build upon regionally transformational career technical education (CTE) programs that supports regional economies while putting students on promising career pathways.

Fansler Foundation - California Children Grants

Deadline: March 31, 2014

Amount: $150,000

http://fanslerfoundation.com/GrantGuidelines-i-6-6.html

Grants are provided to support programs that directly benefit developmentally challenged or socioeconomically disadvantaged children at the infant stage through age eighteen.

U.S. Dept. of Education - Classroom Challenge Grants Program - Secondary Education, Two-Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in K-12

Deadline: April 3, 2014

Award: $300,000

http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/rfas/sec_challenge.html

Projects should (a) promote and strengthen secondary education and two-year postsecondary education in agriscience and agribusiness in order to help ensure the existence in the United States of a qualified workforce to serve the food and agricultural sciences system; and (b) promote complementary and synergistic linkages among secondary, two-year postsecondary, and higher education programs in the food and agricultural sciences in order to advance excellence in education and encourage more young Americans to pursue and complete a baccalaureate or higher degree in the food and agricultural sciences.

Monsanto Fund - America's Farmers Help Farmers Grow Rural Education

Deadline: April 21, 2014; Farmer nomination deadline: April 6, 2014

Award: $10,000 (regional); $25,000 (statewide)

http://www.americasfarmers.com/recognition-programs/grow-rural-education/

Supports innovative school projects related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The ING Unsung Heroes Awards Program

Deadline: April 30, 2014

https://unsungheroes.scholarshipamerica.org/

Each year, 100 educators are selected to receive $2,000 to help fund their innovative class projects. Three of those are chosen to receive the top awards of an additional $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000.

NCTM Math Improvement and Professional Development Grant

Deadline: May 2, 2014

http://www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=22370

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is inviting proposals from pre- K teachers seeking to improve their understanding and appreciation of mathematics by completing course work in school math content and pedagogy, working toward an advanced degree, and taking an active professional approach toward teaching mathematics.

State Farm Foundation - Youth Advisory Board Service-Learning Grants

Deadline: May 3, 2014

Award: $100,000

https://www.statefarm.com/about-us/community/education-programs/grants-scholarships/partner-grants/

The State Farm Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is one of the nation's most unique philanthropic programs. Thirty youth from across the country are charged with implementing a $5 million-a-year signature philanthropic grant budget. Through two separate grant programs, the YAB addresses issues critical to communities across the U.S. and Canada by providing grants of up to $100,000 to schools and nonprofits. Grants must address an unmet community need, empower young people, be sustainable, and incorporate all of the elements of service-learning.

CDE Summer Food Service Program (Apportionment)

Deadline: May 15, 2014

Amount: Sponsors receive reimbursement based on the number and types of meals served multiplied by the operational and administrative rate. There is $29,000,000 million in federal funds available for the Summer Food Service Program. Funding provides reimbursement for meals served to children who are on school vacation in areas where 50 percent of the children qualify for free or reduced-priced school meals. Camp sites may receive reimbursement for serving meals to children who are income eligible. Nonschool agencies may be reimbursed for snacks in afterschool settings.

Crayola Champion Creatively Alive Children

Deadline: June 23, 2014

Amount: $2,500.00

The 2014 program provides grants for innovative, creative leadership team building within elementary schools. Apply now for the opportunity to receive a grant for building your school's creative capacity.

USDA Rural Development: Community Facilities Grants & Loans
Deadline: Rolling 

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/CA-CFPrograms.html

Community Facilities Programs provides grants to assist in the development of essential community facilities in rural areas and towns of up to 20,000 in population. Grants are authorized on a graduated scale. Applicants located in small communities with low populations and low incomes will receive a higher percentage of grants. Grants are available to public entities such as municipalities, counties, parishes, boroughs, and special-purpose districts, as well as non-profit corporations and tribal governments.
 
Major League Baseball - Baseball Tomorrow Fund
Deadline: Rolling
Amount:  Varies; Typically $50,000-$100,000 

http://web.mlbcommunity.org/index.jsp?content=programs&program=baseball_tomorrow_fund

The Baseball Tomorrow Fund is a joint initiative between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association designed to promote and enhance the growth of youth participation in baseball and softball around the world by funding programs, fields, coaches' training, uniforms, and equipment. Grants are intended to finance a new program, expand or improve an existing program, undertake a new collaborative effort, or obtain facilities or equipment necessary for youth baseball or softball programs. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund supports projects that meet the following evaluation criteria: increase the number of youth participating in baseball and softball programs; improve the quality of youth baseball and softball programs.
 
Arthur Vining Davis Foundations
Deadline: Rolling
Grant Size: $100,000-$200,000
Projects may cover a wide range of initiatives intended to improve teaching. For example, projects might be designed to improve professional development for in-service and pre-service teachers, strengthen teaching skills, support practical research in teacher and high school education, or encourage innovative use of technology and new techniques for presentation of classroom materials in high schools.
 
CA Department of Education: Summer Food Service
Deadline: Rolling
Amount:  Varies based on students served 

http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=2308

To provide reimbursement for meals served to children who are on school vacation in areas where 50 percent of the children qualify for free or reduced-priced school meals.   

GTECH - After School Advantage

Deadline: Rolling

Award: $15,000

http://gtechlottery.com/our-commitment/community-involvement/

Provides qualifying non-profit community agencies and public schools with state-of-the-art computer labs. These computer centers are designed to provide urban children aged five to 15 with a meaningful, yet fun, learning experience during the critical after-school hours, in a safe environment. This initiative is meant to provide an otherwise unavailable educational experience and bridge the digital divide among at-risk children.

Annenberg Foundation
Deadline: Rolling
Amount: $10,000 - $100,000 

http://www.annenbergfoundation.org/grantmaking/how-to-apply

Awards granted in the following areas: Arts, Culture & Humanities, Civic & Community, Environment, Education, and Human Health & Wellness.
 
The Ceres Foundation Grants
Deadline: Rolling
Amount: Up to $240,000 

http://foundationcenter.org/grantmaker/ceres/

To expand opportunities for disadvantaged youth and vulnerable families to develop and make full use of their potential, so that they will be able to earn decent livings, enjoy healthy relationships, pursue their ambitions, and participate in their communities.

Dwight Stuart Youth Fund
Deadline: Rolling
Amount: Up to $50,000 (organizations within Los Angeles County) 

http://www.dsyf.org/grantmaking_areas.asp

Support for direct services and experiences to under-served children and youth to enable them to gain the skills, values, and confidence to achieve their potential.

JP Morgan Chase Grants
Deadline: Rolling
Amount: Unspecified 

http://www.jpmorganchase.com/corporate/Corporate-Responsibility/grant-programs.htm

Create Pathways to Opportunity - a holistic approach to ensure that individuals have access to the knowledge, skills, resources, and capital they need to secure their futures and compete in the global economy.

Toyota USA Foundation: STEM Grants
Deadline: Rolling
Amount: $200,000 

http://toyota.com/about/phillanthropy/guidelines/index.html

To improve k-12 education by supporting innovative programs in the areas of math, science, and environmental science.

The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts
Deadline: Rolling
Amount: Unspecified 

http://www.juliachildfoundation.org/grants.html

Provides support of its mission to foster the participation in and the
appreciation of gastronomy and the culinary arts.