Microgrants Program

The Livestock Conservancy Microgrant Program is administered by The Livestock Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting endangered livestock and poultry breeds in the United States. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) entity and focuses on preserving genetic diversity within agriculture to ensure long-term sustainability of food and fiber systems. Since 2019, the program has distributed over $150,000 to farmers, youth, and breed associations working with animals listed on the Conservation Priority List (CPL), reinforcing its mission to support active stewards of rare and heritage breeds. The primary purpose of the Microgrant Program is to provide targeted financial assistance to individuals and organizations already engaged in conservation work with heritage livestock and poultry. The funding is designed to strengthen existing breeding programs and conservation efforts rather than to initiate new involvement in rare breeds. The program is divided into several categories, including National, Youth, Breed Association, and Emergency Response Microgrants, each tailored to different applicant groups and conservation needs. Projects supported may include infrastructure improvements, acquisition of new genetics, marketing initiatives, and organizational capacity building. Funding through the program is relatively small but impactful, with most awards ranging from $500 to $2,000 for National and Youth categories, and similar discretionary amounts for Breed Associations. Emergency Response Microgrants typically range from $500 to $1,000 and are reserved for urgent situations where genetically important animals are at risk due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters or owner incapacity. Allowable uses of funds include infrastructure, transportation, veterinary care, marketing materials, and conservation-related services, while all expenditures must directly support breeds listed on the CPL. Eligibility requirements emphasize active involvement in conservation work. Applicants must currently work with livestock or poultry listed on the CPL and demonstrate a clear plan for how funds will enhance their conservation impact. Additional requirements include submission of a detailed project plan, timeline, budget, and evaluation strategy. Applicants must also provide two letters of recommendation, and youth applicants must include parental or guardian support. Organizations applying under the Breed Association category must meet operational criteria such as legal business status and board approval for the proposed project. The application process is conducted primarily through an online system, though alternative submission via email request is available. Applicants are encouraged to review instructional materials, including a guidance video, before submission. Completed applications must be submitted by the stated deadline, and late submissions are not considered. Due to high demand and limited funding, the program is highly competitive, and not all qualified applicants will receive awards. The program follows a structured annual timeline. For the 2026–2027 cycle, applications open on May 15, 2026, and close on August 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applications are reviewed between September and October, with award notifications and contract processing occurring from November through December. Public announcements of recipients are made in January. Grant recipients are required to submit a final report, including documentation such as photos or videos, within one year of receiving funding. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly formalized but emphasize conservation impact, feasibility of the project plan, and alignment with the organization’s mission. Preference is given to applicants who are already actively raising the specified breeds, involved in breed associations, and engaged in their agricultural communities. Additional consideration is given to those who will promote heritage breeds through outreach and public engagement activities. For questions or support, applicants may contact program staff via email or phone, ensuring accessibility throughout the application process.

Watch the “How to Apply” video and read all instructions carefully before beginning the application.