The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has announced the release of guidance and application periods for the fiscal year 2026 Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Grant (CTG4CTK). The program will provide $950,000 in funding to support farm-to-school initiatives that link children in Connecticut with local food sources while also supporting local agriculture and nutrition education. Full grant awards can reach up to $50,000, and Microgrants are available for up to $5,000.
“Through continued support from the Lamont-Bysiewicz administration and legislature, the CT Grown for CT Kids Grant program continues to integrate the state’s robust agriculture sector in traditionally non-agriculture communities,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “As program demand increases, we continue to refine our program guidance to ensure the funds are utilized in meaningful ways to increase access to CT Grown farm products.”
Several updates have been made for FY 2026. Colleges, universities, and their student groups are now eligible to apply. Expenses related to CT Grown for CT Kids Week are also now covered by the grant. The department has implemented stricter guidelines on personnel and capital costs to promote responsible use of funds.
Award enhancements include updated scoring rubrics that give priority to sustainability efforts, purchasing Connecticut-grown products, participation by districts involved in the 2024 Local Food for Schools Incentive Program (LFSIP), and sponsors of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
Application deadlines have been set: Microgrant applications (Tracks 1-4) are due by noon EST on September 18, 2025. Full grant applications (Tracks 2, 3 & 4) must be submitted by noon EST on October 24, 2025.
A live webinar with a Q&A session is scheduled for September 5, 2025. Afterward, virtual office hours and drop-in coaching sessions will be offered; details will be shared during the webinar and posted on the CTG4CTK grant webpage.
For more information or application materials, interested parties can visit the CT Grown for CT Kids Grant webpage or contact Hannah Carty at Hannah.Carty@ct.gov or call 860-471-1620.
The grant program supports educational entities and community organizations across Connecticut in developing sustainable farm-to-school programs. Eligible applicants include local and regional boards of education, childcare providers, educational cooperatives—and now colleges and universities along with their student groups.
This marks the fifth round of funding since CTG4CTK was launched as a two-year pilot project in 2021. In June 2025, state lawmakers approved an annual allocation of up to $1 million for both FY26 and FY27 budgets.
