California SWEEP Block Grant (SWEEP Block Grant)

Through the Block Grant model, CDFA's Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS) partners with regional organizations to implement the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) by administering local grant programs that support farmers and ranchers implementing strategies to improve irrigation systems for the purposes of water conservation, energy use reduction, and the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Block Grant Recipients work directly with producers in their region by providing outreach, technical assistance, and support throughout project implementation. These organizations manage the local application process, recommend projects for funding to CDFA, and establish agreements with producers who carry out water and energy efficient strategies on their operations.

This is a block grant awarded to regional partner organizations (Block Grant Recipients), not directly to farmers. The following organizations are eligible to apply as a Lead Applicant:

• Public agencies

• Local agencies

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations

• Special districts

• Joint Powers Authorities

• Public utilities and locally owned utilities

• Mutual water companies

• California Native American Tribes

Producers apply for funding through an awarded Block Grant Recipient in their region, not directly to CDFA.

Producers will not be able to apply for SWEEP Block Grant funding until Block Grant Recipients have been selected for award and agreements are executed with CDFA (expected January 2027). Note: OARS is not currently accepting applications for a SWEEP incentive (direct) grant and does not plan to offer future direct solicitations at this time. The Healthy Soils Program (HSP) offers a separate Tribal-specific solicitation due to differences in eligible practices.

Program Status: Closed. SWEEP has invited selected Concept Proposal Applicants to apply to the Block Grant Full Proposal. (Per the main SWEEP page, CDFA began accepting Concept Proposals from eligible organizations as of April 6, 2026.)

Estimated Block Grant Solicitation Timeline (subject to change): Concept Proposal Opens April 2026; Full Proposal Notification July 2026; Full Proposal Close August 2026; Award Notification September 2026; Award Execution January 2027.

For this funding cycle, SWEEP offers a tribal set-aside of up to $4 million for qualified Tribal governments and nonprofit organizations affiliated with a Tribal government; Tribal applicants apply through the same process.