The California Table Grape Commission (commission) was established in 1967 to maintain and expand markets for fresh California grapes. A core commission purpose is communication to increase awareness of fresh table grapes and the California industry.

The Innovation in Teaching grant program is a community outreach program funded by California table grape growers, which provides up to 25 grants annually of $1,000 each to educators in California’s table grape growing regions to support innovative and enriching projects, activities, and events for students.

California table grapes are grown in the Coachella and San Joaquin valleys. Eligible counties include Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Riverside, and Tulare Counties.

Educators, including teachers, counselors, resource directors, or librarians, at the elementary, junior high, or high school level who are employed at schools located in California’s table grape growing regions are encouraged to apply.

To apply, please complete and submit the online application. Applications are always accepted and will be reviewed each November. All application materials become the property of the California Table Grape Commission.

Successful applications may demonstrate and/or include the following:

• Project design or proposed activity is creative, innovative, or provides students with a unique learning opportunity
• Funds are used to enhance student understanding of concepts in a highlighted project focus area
• Applications that incorporate agriculture or the California table grape industry score higher

Please find a list of funded project summaries here.

Projects must take place within the preferred project period selected on the application. There is currently one project periods applicants may choose from: the spring (January – May).

Applications may be submitted any time. Commission staff will review applications once annually in November.

To ensure your application is included in the November 2026 review, please submit an application by 5:00 p.m. PST on November 6, 2026.

Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by commission staff members.

Applicants included in the November review will be notified in December.

Funds must be spent within the preferred project period selected on the application.

Recipients must submit a final report to share the outcomes of their funded project. Photos are requested and may be used by the California Table Grape Commission for marketing purposes. Grant recipients must maintain approved photo releases.

Yes, previous awardees may apply for a grant in subsequent years. Educators may only submit one application for one project period per academic year.

Feel welcome to contact Jackie Nakashian at the commission office at 559-447-8350 or [email protected].