Lunch at the Library Summer 2026

Applications are non-competitive. All libraries participating in Lunch at the Library and submitting approved applications will receive funds. These funds can support the following Lunch at the Library activities: Library Meal Sites: Establish and serve USDA summer meals at library site(s) and provide learning and enrichment programming at those meal sites. Lunch at the Library meal sites should include programming. Programs can include — but are not limited to — farm to summer, literacy, health and wellness, nutrition education, and arts and culture-based activities, as well as books provided to help families build home libraries. Pop-Up Libraries at Community Meal Sites: Take pop-up libraries — including programming, resources, and books — to other community-based USDA summer meal sites, such as local parks and schools. Program Details CA State Library is a state agency that offers the Lunch at the Library Summer 2026 grant program to support arts and cultural programs, food security, and social services. This funding opportunity is available statewide and is administered by CA State Library through California Grants Portal. Organizations seeking funding for arts and cultural programs, food security, and social services should review the details below and confirm their eligibility before preparing an application. Eligibility Eligible applicants should review the full program requirements on California Grants Portal for specific eligibility restrictions. Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply and to review the full program guidelines before submission. Because eligibility rules and funding priorities can change between cycles, applicants should always confirm the current requirements with CA State Library or on California Grants Portal before investing time in an application. Funding and Timeline Applications are due by November 5, 2025. Applicants should allow sufficient time to gather required documentation, including organizational information, project descriptions, budgets, and supporting materials as specified in the program guidelines. Submitting a complete application well ahead of the deadline reduces the risk of disqualification on technical or administrative grounds. Program Focus This grant supports arts and cultural programs, food security, and social services. This grant is associated with NAICS industry classifications: 111, 112, 519120. Organizations operating in these sectors are encouraged to review eligibility. Funded projects are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes aligned with the program's stated objectives. Grant recipients may be required to submit progress reports and final evaluations as a condition of the award, and to retain records for audit and compliance purposes. How to Apply Eligible organizations can apply through California Grants Portal. Create a free organization profile on GrantRegister to see whether this grant matches your organization's NAICS code, entity type, location, and focus area, and to receive a weekly digest of every open grant you qualify for. GrantRegister maintains a complete, authoritative registry of US federal, state, and foundation grant opportunities — matched automatically to your organization profile and delivered every Monday.

Eligibility

• Programs related to agriculture
• Programs related to library

Award details

Applications close on November 5, 2025.

Categories

Arts Culture · Food Security · Social Services