CDA Agricultural Enhancement Grant

The Agricultural Enhancement Grant is administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DOAG) and offers matching funds to support projects that directly impact and foster agricultural viability within the state. This grant is part of an ongoing effort to bolster Connecticut’s agricultural infrastructure, improve access to farmland, and support innovative and sustainable projects in the agricultural sector. The funding is derived from Connecticut Public Act 05-228, which focuses on farmland preservation, land protection, affordable housing, and historic preservation. This grant is open to a specific subset of applicants within Connecticut: municipalities with a current Plan of Conservation and Development, regional councils of governments, groups of municipalities with established inter-local agreements, and agricultural non-profit organizations. For non-profits, there are further requirements including being registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State, filing Form 990, and maintaining operational status for at least three years. Prior grantees may reapply, but those funded in two consecutive years must wait one cycle before applying again. The program operates on a tiered structure. Tier 1 allows for a maximum award of $5,000 with a required 25% match, and Tier 2 offers up to $49,999 with a 40% match. Both cash and in-kind contributions are acceptable forms of matching, though other state grants cannot be used for the match. Projects funded under this program must align with the goal of enhancing agricultural viability, and may include activities such as urban agriculture development, food supply chain improvements, agricultural education, and support for food hubs or farmland accessibility. Projects must follow a defined scope and timeline, and must not be part of ongoing operations. All expenses must occur within the project duration, which ranges from 18 to 24 months depending on tier. Applications must be submitted through an online platform by February 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. EST. CT DOAG will not consider late or incomplete applications. Required attachments include budget justification documents (quotes, estimates, or conceptual drawings), letters of support, landlord consent (if applicable), and vendor documentation for new grantees. A webinar will be held on January 9, 2026, with additional office hours on January 20 and January 29 to support applicants. Notification of awards is expected by March 9, 2026, with contracts starting April 1 for Tier 1 and April 15 for Tier 2. No project extensions are permitted. Evaluation is based on a 100-point rubric across three categories: project proposal (50 points), target audience and community impact (25 points), and budget (25 points). Strong applications will provide a clear workplan, measurable outcomes, alignment with grant goals, and documentation of community support. Awarded applicants will be required to submit final narrative and financial reports, attend a contract training, and host a site visit before receiving the final disbursement. Up to 50% of the grant may be provided in advance, with the remainder reimbursed upon project completion.

Apply early; ensure strong supporting documentation; projects must have measurable outcomes and community support to score well.