California Department of Education California Serves Grant Program Request for Applications 2026
Department of Education | State of CaliforniaState · Sacramento, CA- Due
- Oct 5, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Aug 26, 2026
- Contract term
- 3 years
The 30-second brief
The California Department of Education (CDE), in collaboration with California Volunteers, is soliciting applications for the California Serves Grant Program. The program promotes access to effective service-learning for grade twelve students to expand access to the State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE). Eligible applicants are limited to California local educational agencies (LEAs), including school districts, county offices of education (COEs), and direct-funded charter schools with at least a 55% unduplicated pupil count. Grants are awarded up to $500,000 per LEA for a three-year period (July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2030). A Notice of Intent to Apply is due by September 8, 2026, and full electronic applications are due by October 5, 2026. Allowable expenses include teacher planning time, professional development, and instructional materials.
Quarterly progress and expenditure reports, Annual summary reports, Model uniform metrics reporting
Executive Summary (4 points), Theory of Action (16 points), Demonstrated Need (12 points), Proposed Activities (16 points), Proposed Metrics (16 points), Timeline (8 points), Budget and Narrative (16 points)
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Summary
The California Department of Education (CDE), in collaboration with California Volunteers, is soliciting applications for the California Serves Grant Program.
The program promotes access to effective service-learning for grade twelve students to expand access to the State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE). Eligible applicants are limited to California local educational agencies (LEAs), including school districts, county offices of education (COEs), and direct-funded charter schools with at least a 55% unduplicated pupil count. Grants are awarded up to $500,000 per LEA for a three-year period (July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2030). A Notice of Intent to Apply is due by September 8, 2026, and full electronic applications are due by October 5, 2026. Allowable expenses include teacher planning time, professional development, and instructional materials.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
3- Quarterly progress and expenditure reports
- Annual summary reports
- Model uniform metrics reporting
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
3- Project Timeline
- Proposed Budget
- Letters of Commitment (for consortia)
- Submit to
- Online via CDE portal
- Duration
- 36 months
- Scope location
- California
- Reported agency
- California Department of Education
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Department of Education | State of California?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is October 5, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: Online via CDE portal.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Department of Education | State of California in CA, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Quarterly progress and expenditure reports, Annual summary reports, Model uniform metrics reporting. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Executive Summary (4 points), Theory of Action (16 points), Demonstrated Need (12 points), Proposed Activities (16 points), Proposed Metrics (16 points), Timeline (8 points), Budget and Narrative (16..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Department of Education | State of California?
All active and historical solicitations from Department of Education | State of California are tracked and searchable. As a state agency, Department of Education | State of California regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 3 years. Contract terms may include renewal options.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Project Timeline, Proposed Budget, Letters of Commitment (for consortia). Review the full document from Department of Education | State of California for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: California. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.