CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OAG.CA.GOV/TOBACCOGRANTS [email protected] TOBACCO GRANT PROGRAM – FY 2026-27
Grant Reference: DOJ-PROP56-2026-27-1
Website: oag.ca.gov/TobaccoGrants
Email: [email protected]
PROGRAM PURPOSE
The DOJ Tobacco Grant Program promotes a healthier California by partnering and funding local agencies to reduce illegal retail sales and marketing of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to minors and youth through enforcement-focused activities.
ELIGIBILITY
Any local public agency in California with authority to enforce tobacco-related state laws or local ordinances governing retail tobacco sales and marketing is eligible to apply.
Eligible applicants may include, but are not limited to:
• Police and sheriffs’ departments
• District and city attorneys and county counsels
• Code enforcement departments
• Environmental and public health departments
• Cities and counties
FUNDING AT-A-GLANCE
TOTAL FUNDING AVAILABLE
Approximately $28.5 million is available for FY 2026-27. Funding is supported by state tobacco tax revenues (Proposition 56).
FUNDING AMOUNT
Award amounts are proposal-based and evaluated on project scope, need, and capacity.
FUNDING TYPE
This is a reimbursement grant. DOJ reimburses approved expenditures in arrears upon receipt of invoices, quarterly progress reports, and required enforcement data.
PROJECT PERIOD
Projects may be funded for 24 or 36 months.
Projects are expected to begin on or about November 1, 2026, and must end no later than June 30, 2030.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OAG.CA.GOV/TOBACCOGRANTS [email protected]
KEY DATES AND HOW TO APPLY
APPLICATION WINDOW
• Open: April 20, 2026
• Deadline: June 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM (Pacific)
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Applicants must submit proposals using DOJ’s web-based application form and upload all required attachments within the form.
FUNDING PRIORITIES
The Tobacco Grant Program is highly competitive. In accordance with Proposition 56, priority is given to applicants demonstrating strong capacity to support and/or hire enforcement officers for activities to reduce illegal retail sales and/or marketing of tobacco products to minors and youth.
ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES CONSIDERED
Priority retailer enforcement activities include, but are not limited to:
• Enforcing state tobacco laws and local ordinances, including the statewide flavor ban • Retailer inspections and enforcement operations (e.g. minor decoy, shoulder tap, undercover buys in stores and online)
• Consumer protection investigations and prosecution
• Compliance checks of tobacco retailers and online/delivery services • Task forces to coordinate and execute enforcement operations • Retailer education and retailer diversion programs
• Enforcement officer education related to tobacco laws and ordinances
ACTIVITIES NOT CONSIDERED
The following activities will not be funded:
• School- or community-based enforcement of tobacco possession or use • School Resource Officers or vape detector purchases
• School- or community-based education or media campaigns • Activities insufficiently related to reducing illegal sales or marketing to minors and youth
BACKGROUND & STATUTORY CONTEXT
Funding is provided through the California Healthcare, Research, and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016, which increased tobacco taxes beginning in April 2017. A portion of annual revenues are provided to DOJ for grants to support and/or hire enforcement officers for enforcement activities to reduce illegal retail sales and/or marketing of tobacco products to minors and youth.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OAG.CA.GOV/TOBACCOGRANTS [email protected]
MORE INFORMATION & NEXT STEPS
PRE-APPLICATION WEBINAR
Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the pre-application webinar:
• Date: May 5, 2026
• Time: 10:00–11:00 AM (Pacific)
• Format: Zoom presentation with Q&A period
• The webinar will be recorded and posted online
PROGRAM INFORMATION
To learn more, register for the webinar, or begin your application, visit: oag.ca.gov/TobaccoGrants
QUESTIONS
Email [email protected] with questions regarding the application process.