CCOF Foundation Hardship Assistance Fund

CCOF FOUNDATION GRANTS Hardship Assistance Fund Direct financial support for organic producers Grants & Education Opportunities Giving direct financial assistance to organic producers The Hardship Assistance Fund gives $5,000 – $20,000 direct financial disaster assistance grants for hardship related to extreme weather or climate impacts to organic farmers and ranchers. CCOF has partnered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to administer extreme weather and climate impact grants through the CUSP . These are reimbursement grants for expenses incurred as a result of extreme weather and climate impacts. Extreme weather and climate impact relief funding is open to organic producers in California.* Grant amounts range between $5,000 to $20,000. *Extreme weather and climate impact grants: applications accepted from non-certified organic operations, but organic operations will be prioritized. Currently Open: Extreme Weather and Climate Impact Relief for Farmers and Ranchers in California About the Grant Eligibility Requirements How to Apply Eligibility Hardship Assistance Fund applicant requirements: Be a certified organic operation with a valid organic certificate from any third-party USDA-accredited certifier (CDFA registration alone is not sufficient).* Be a small or medium scale California agricultural producer, defined by this program as any farmer making up to $400,000 or dairy operation making up to $1,000,000 in annual gross sales. Must be an organic farming or ranching business in California* Submit a complete and detailed description of hardship endured Submit supporting financial documentation of economic loss (Ex:  Profit and Loss Statements Grant funds cannot be used for organic certification fees Submit receipts and/or verification of loss Submit a final progress report six months after grant is awarded (for grant recipients only) *Extreme weather and climate impact grants: applications accepted from non-certified organic operations, but organic operations will be prioritized. Timeline and Details: Applications must be completed online Click   here to review a sample application Applications periods are on a quarterly basis Granting rounds will open on the first Monday, and close the last Friday of each quarter January 5 – March 27, 2026 April 6 – June 26, 2026 July 6 – September 25, 2026 October 5 – December 11, 2026 Awards granted the following quarter *Extreme weather and climate impact grants: applications accepted from non-certified organic operations, but organic operations will be prioritized. Applications accepted quarterly. Review Sample Application Extreme Weather and Climate Impact Relief Examples of covered expenses can include but are not limited to: Infrastructure damage/loss Equipment damage/loss Expenses associated with soil erosion/mud or water damage and/or clean-up/debris removal Purchase or rental of flood control equipment Replacement of livestock other farm inputs or soil inputs (including compost and cover crop) Livestock mortality/beehive loss/livestock veterinary expenses or transportation/moving costs Water/soil testing Replacement of crops: trees, nursery stock, perennial plant losses or payments to services for tree removal or replacement Crop Loss/Replacement: Annual vegetable production, perennial crops, and cover crops due to extreme weather (flooding, extreme heat/sunburn, wildfire) Labor Land Tenure *Extreme weather and climate impact grants: applications accepted from non-certified organic operations, but organic operations will be prioritized. Examples of covered expenses can include but are not limited to: Infrastructure damage/loss Equipment damage/loss Expenses associated with soil erosion/mud or water damage and/or clean-up/debris removal Purchase or rental of flood control equipment

Small/medium-scale California organic (or transitioning) agricultural producers — up to $400,000 annual gross sales, or dairy operations up to $1,000,000 — experiencing hardship from extreme weather and climate impacts (infrastructure/equipment loss, crop loss, livestock mortality, cleanup). Certified organic operations are prioritized; non-certified may apply.

Apply online (English or Spanish) during an open quarterly window with a hardship description and supporting financial documentation. Questions: [email protected] or 831-346-6324.