Tobacco Grant Program

About

The California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 (Proposition 56) funding helps promote a healthier California by reducing illegal retail sales and marketing of cigarettes and tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to minors. Since its inception in 2017, the Tobacco Grant Program has distributed approximately $241 million in grant funding to approximately 544 agencies across the state.

The Tobacco Grant Program is a competitive grant that is administered by the Office of the Attorney General and funds are awarded to local public agencies throughout California. This is a reimbursement-based grant that will reimburse approved expenditures upon receipt of invoices, quarterly progress reports, and other enforcement data required.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to check this page regularly for funding announcements, application requirements, and deadlines, as the program guidelines may change each year. Applicants may also subscribe to the DOJ mailing list or contact the Tobacco Grant RFP team for program updates at TobaccoGrantRFP@doj.ca.gov.

Eligibility Criteria

Any local public agency within the State of California that has authority to enforce tobacco-related state laws or local ordinances related to retail tobacco sales and marketing is eligible to apply. This may include police and sheriffs' departments, prosecuting agencies, public health departments, or city/county entities.

Funding Opportunities

DOJ's Tobacco Grant Program application process is highly competitive. In accordance with Proposition 56, funds will be awarded to applicants demonstrating strong capacity to support and/or hire enforcement officers for activities specifically aimed at reducing the illegal retail sales and/or marketing of tobacco products to minors and youth.

Funding Priorities

• Enforcing state tobacco laws and local ordinances, including the statewide flavor ban (and similar local ordinances) through retailer inspections and enforcement operations (e.g. minor decoy, shoulder tap, undercover buys in stores and online)
• Consumer protection enforcement (investigations and prosecution)
• Compliance checks and inspections of tobacco retailers and online services that deliver tobacco products
• Task force coordination among local agencies
• Retailer education and diversion for retailers violating state tobacco laws
• Education for enforcement officers regarding state tobacco laws and local ordinances
• Investigation and prosecution of tobacco related violations

2026/27 Award Timelines