Program Overview
The California Underserved and Small Producers Program (CUSP) is designed to facilitate support for small and medium scale California agricultural producers, or small and medium scale socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers through direct relief grants. Direct Assistance Providers act as administrators of the CUSP Direct Relief Grant Program and distribute relief grants to aid in addressing specific financial needs due to drought, extreme weather, and other climate impacts in California.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through an approved Direct Assistance Provider.
Official Program Website: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/cusp/
Note: Funding for this program is limited. Meeting eligibility requirements and submitting an application does not guarantee funding. The number of qualified applicants may exceed available resources.
Eligibility Criteria
Direct Relief Recipients are made up of the following:
Small and medium scale California agricultural producers. “Small and medium scale” California producers are defined by this program as any farmer making up to $400,000 or any dairy operation making up to $1,000,000 in annual gross sales.
Small and medium scale socially disadvantaged California farmers and ranchers. “Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher” means a farmer or rancher who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group. “Socially disadvantaged group” means a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities. These groups include all of the following: (1) African Americans, (2) Native American Indians, (3) Alaskan Natives, (4) Hispanics, (5) Asian Americans, and (6) Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
Grant Amounts
Eligible producers may receive up to $20,000 in CUSP Drought Relief funds as well as up to $20,000 in CUSP Extreme Weather Relief funds (for a total of up to $40,000) within a 12-month period.
Application Window
Each Direct Assistance Provider sets its own application deadlines. Please refer to the program website for specific timelines.
Need help?
If you need help confirming your eligibility or require one-on-one guidance throughout the application process, please contact us at:
Fun Young Inc has extensive experience in grant application support, including successful cases under the CUSP program. We are committed to providing one-on-one assistance to help you maximize your opportunity to secure this important grant.