MAXIMIZING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS – GRANT PROGRAM SEEKS TO EQUIP COMMUNITY RESILIENCE CENTERS

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Sacramento, December 21, 2022 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting grant applications for the Community Resilience Centers (CRC) program administered by the Fairs and Expositions Branch. The application period is set to open on December 27, 2022, and close on February 27, 2023, at 5 p.m. PT.

Appropriated through the Budget Act of 2021, the $38 million available for the CRC program will focus on improving community facilities to enhance the state’s emergency preparedness capabilities, particularly in response to climate response. This funding will be used to support infrastructure for emergency evacuation, shelter, base camps during emergency events, and critical deferred maintenance.

Elements for this infrastructure may include cooling and heating centers, clean air centers, and extended emergency evacuation response centers with community kitchens, shower facilities, broadband, backup power, and other community needs due to wildfires, floods, and other emergencies or climate events.

Eligible entities can apply for a minimum of $5 million in CRC funds. Funds awarded through this competitive grant process will be distributed to eligible entities for implementation projects over a maximum three-year period. Up to one year from the grant award date will be allowed for pre-development activities, if necessary, and two years for implementation/construction activities.

The following entities are eligible to apply for this program: tribal governments, non-governmental organizations, community development corporations, non-profit organizations, and local and state public entities such as, public libraries, city police departments, community colleges, public schools, and county governments. Fairgrounds within the Network of California Fairs are not eligible applicants in this round of funding. Entities applying must include a plan to advance workforce development programs, as well as assist disadvantaged communities.

CDFA is working with a third-party consultant to provide technical assistance throughout the application process. Additional information, including program guidelines, Technical Assistance Provider’s contact information, and a link to the application will be found on the program website once the application period begins and the web portal opens on December 27: www.cdfa.ca.gov/FairsAndExpositions/fcrcp/.

Only electronic applications will be accepted. Applications will not be accepted after February 27, 2023. For more information, please contact Sofia Goss at crcprogram@cdfa.ca.gov.