Agriculture Grants

The focus of this RFP is to help growers transition away from non-selective, biologicallydisruptive pesticides, especially those of high regulatory concern. The BIFS program supportsthe demonstration, refinement, and outreach of SPM-based farming systems that areeconomically viable and protective of human health and the environment. All aspects of thefarming system may be considered as they relate to pest management, including factors such asadjacent landscapes, whether they are farmed or not. For the current solicitation, CDFA is prioritizing projects focusing on the following topic:• Dacthal (dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate, DCPA) alternatives in Brassica and onioncrops• Neonicotinoid alternatives in tomato• Lygus management in cotton• Fumigant alternatives Projects will typically include all the following elements:1. On-farm demonstration/evaluation of an innovative, biologically based farming systemthat employs SPM strategies;2. A collaborative outreach effort for sharing technical information about the farmingsystem with growers, PCAs, commodity groups, and others engaged in pestmanagement, and;3. An organized program for monitoring key biological and economic variables to informon-farm decision making and evaluate project success. The BIFS application process will occur in two stages: 1) concept proposal submission and 2) fullproposal development. This RFP is to solicit concept proposals. After concept proposal reviewand scoring is complete, OPCA will select up to three applicants to develop full proposals, whichincludes a detailed workplan, budget, budget justification, and letters of support. We anticipatefunding one proposal at the full $1 million. Prior to full proposal development, OPCA scientistswill meet with the selected applicants to discuss reviewer comments as part of a pre-projectconsultation.

The purpose of this program is to support projects that will treat invasive plant infestations that threaten forested, woodland, or rangeland areas. The theme for the FY 2024 funding cycle is grasses and grasslands. Projects may occur on state, federal, tribal, and private lands in Arizona.  This program focuses on the prevention, control/removal, and eradication of invasive plants and aims to achieve the following objectives: Target and treat invasive plants that are capable of transforming native plant communities in forests, woodlands, deserts, or rangeland Assist in preventing fire and flooding, conserving water, and restoring habitat to wildlife Use an integrated weed management (IWM) approach when treating areas infested with invasive plants through the utilization of available tools, including manual, cultural, mechanical, chemical, and biological control methods Examples of eligible projects include: Control/removal or eradication of invasive plants Replacement of invasive plants with native plants through reseeding and planting Removal of woody invasive plant slash by mulching or grinding Examples of eligible costs include those in the following categories: Administrative labor Project labor Fringe benefits Travel Equipment Supplies Contractual Financial Notes: Match Notes: Applicants must provide at least 10 percent of the total project costs via cash and/or in-kind contributions. Priority may be given to projects that provide a higher-than-required match amount, not to exceed 50 percent. Specifically allowable matching contributions include: Cash paid by award recipients In-kind expenses, including necessary costs incurred by award recipients or other organizations to support the project Volunteer hours at a reasonable rate Donated labor and/or equipment necessary to complete the specific project Physical work performed by individual landowners on their own property Funding Notes: A total of $970,000 is available to support awards ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 through this program. Funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis. Awards are expected to be issued in fall and winter 2024/2025. Specifically, award announcements are expected around October 2024. Proposed projects should be ready for implementation upon receipt of award and should be fully achievable within the prescribed award period. Projects must be considered shovel-ready. Funds may not be used for: Research and development projects Website, geographic information system (GIS), and database projects Projects that only include assessment activity and no related treatment of invasive plants Projects that include purchase of capital equipment valued at over $5,000 per item Expenses incurred prior to execution of a formal written agreement between the funding agency and the award recipient Reimbursement of physical work performed by individual landowners on their own property Food or beverage purchases

The Community Foundation of Frederick County is offering grants to support agriculture in Frederick County, Maryland. These grants are specifically for nonprofit organizations that provide agriculture education, support the renovation, construction, and/or maintenance of buildings promoting agricultural activities, and/or promote agriculture as an industry and way of life. This aligns with the Foundation's mission to foster community well-being by investing in local initiatives. The available funding for this grant cycle totals $45,000, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. The target beneficiaries for this program include existing nonprofit 501c3 organizations, existing government/quasi-governmental agencies applying for extraordinary projects not funded by tax revenue, faith-based organizations requesting funding for non-sectarian activities, and civic groups that are not 501c3 organizations requesting funding for a community cause. The impact goals are to strengthen agricultural education, improve infrastructure for agricultural activities, and elevate the profile of agriculture within the community. The program prioritizes initiatives that directly contribute to the vitality of the agricultural sector in Frederick County. This includes educational programs that inform the public about agriculture, projects that enhance facilities used for agricultural promotion, and efforts to celebrate and sustain agriculture as a core industry and lifestyle. The expected outcomes are an increase in agricultural literacy, improved resources for agricultural activities, and a stronger community appreciation for the agricultural sector. While specific measurable results are not detailed, successful projects would likely demonstrate an increase in participation in agricultural education programs, an improvement in the condition or accessibility of agricultural facilities, and enhanced public engagement with agricultural events and initiatives. The Foundation's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, include supporting local economic drivers and cultural heritage. By investing in agriculture, the Foundation operates on a theory of change that by strengthening key community pillars, overall community health and prosperity are enhanced. This grant specifically aims to contribute to a thriving agricultural community, which in turn supports local businesses, preserves local heritage, and provides educational opportunities for residents.

This program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants for projects that protect agricultural land and support the sustainability of New York's farming industry.

This program provides funding to Soil and Water Conservation Districts to help farms manage nutrient runoff and reduce methane emissions through various conservation practices.

This funding opportunity provides $10,000 to agricultural and horticultural organizations, as well as county extension service associations, to enhance advertising, promotion, and educational efforts for annual fairs and expositions, ultimately boosting public engagement and awareness of agriculture and domestic arts.

This program provides funding to Soil and Water Conservation Districts to help CAFO-permitted farmers improve manure management practices, reduce methane emissions, and enhance nutrient conservation.

This program provides free soil testing for community gardens in New York State to ensure food safety and promote healthy growth, targeting garden organizers and community groups.

The FreshConnect CSA for SNAP program, managed by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, aims to increase access to fresh, locally grown produce for SNAP participants by partially subsidizing the cost of CSA shares. The program supports New York farmers and strengthens community bonds. A total of $250,000 in funding is available, with each project receiving up to $50,000. Applications are accepted until August 27, 2024, and awards are announced on a rolling basis.

This program provides funding to support the establishment of protective vegetated buffers on farmland near critical water sources in New York State, helping to safeguard public drinking water and improve water quality.

The Open Data Framework program will build a framework needed to create a neutral and secure data repository and cooperative where producers, universities and nonprofit entities can store and share data in ways that will foster agricultural innovation and will support technological progress, production efciencies, and environmental stewardship.

The Batchelor Foundation Grant Program primarily supports programmatic grants, with occasional consideration for capital grants, focusing on aligning with the foundation's mission of community improvement in South Florida. The foundation prioritizes projects and programs with clearly defined, targeted outcomes, indicating a strategic approach to philanthropy that seeks measurable impact rather than broad support. This structured approach suggests a theory of change where targeted interventions in key areas lead to demonstrable positive changes within the community. The target beneficiaries of the Batchelor Foundation's grants are diverse, encompassing children, animals, and the natural environment. Specifically, the foundation supports programs that assist children in education, health, and general well-being. Additionally, it funds programs providing shelter, food, and medicine to animals, and initiatives protecting or educating the public about the natural environment. Some consideration is also given to charitable work for homeless programs and veteran services. These diverse areas of focus highlight the foundation's broad commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable populations and the environment within its designated geographic region. The foundation's priorities and focuses are clearly articulated, emphasizing projects with well-defined outcomes. This strategic priority reflects a desire for accountability and demonstrable results from the grants awarded. The Batchelor Foundation places the highest priority on nonprofits located and providing charitable work in the South Florida counties of Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe. This geographic focus underscores a commitment to local impact and a deep understanding of the specific needs within these communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to the Batchelor Foundation's grant-making philosophy, as evidenced by its emphasis on proposals with "clearly defined, targeted outcomes." While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on "targeted outcomes" implies that successful proposals will articulate how their programs will lead to tangible and quantifiable improvements in the lives of beneficiaries or the health of the environment. The grant period is generally one year, suggesting a focus on short to medium-term impacts that can be assessed within that timeframe. The foundation's overall strategic priorities and theory of change appear to center on investing in well-managed, outcome-oriented programs that address critical needs in the South Florida community, thereby fostering a more educated, healthy, and protected environment for its residents and wildlife.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants (AFIG) with approximately $5 million in funding. This program aims to support school districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in Pennsylvania in their transition to cleaner fuel transportation. The grant's mission aligns with environmental protection efforts by promoting the adoption of alternative fuels such as electricity, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, hydrogen, hythane, biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, and other advanced biofuels, ultimately working towards reducing emissions and improving air quality. The AFIG program targets a broad range of beneficiaries across Pennsylvania, including public and private entities. Specific eligible organizations include counties, townships, municipalities, municipal authorities, public school districts (including charter schools), 501(c)3 organizations providing services to vulnerable populations (seniors, low-income individuals and families, individuals with disabilities, veterans, or medical services), businesses registered as Small Diverse Businesses with the Commonwealth, and county/local government-supported or contracted organizations providing similar services. The program intends to impact environmental health and economic development by fostering a cleaner transportation infrastructure and supporting diverse businesses. The program prioritizes businesses headquartered or with principal operations in Pennsylvania, zero-emission vehicle projects, medium-duty and light-duty fleet refueling infrastructure projects, renewable natural gas vehicle and infrastructure projects, and projects located in or predominantly serving environmental justice areas. Additionally, minority-, veteran-, or woman-owned businesses are also prioritized. These priorities reflect a strategic approach to maximize environmental benefits, support local economies, and promote equity in the transition to alternative fuels. Expected outcomes of the AFIG program include a significant increase in the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles and associated refueling infrastructure across Pennsylvania. Measurable results will include the number of vehicles retrofitted or purchased to operate on alternative fuels, the installation of new fleet- or home-refueling equipment, and the advancement of research and development in alternative fuel technology. The program's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on catalyzing a widespread shift towards cleaner transportation options, driven by financial incentives and targeted support for innovative projects and underserved communities, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and healthier Pennsylvania.

This grant program supports: (1) training students for master's and doctoral degrees in food, agricultural and natural resource sciences; and (2) Special International Study or Thesis/Dissertation Research Travel Allowances (IRTA) for eligible USDA NNF beneficiaries.Awards are specifically intended to support traineeship programs that engage outstanding students to pursue and complete their degrees in USDA mission areas. Applicants provide clarity about the philosophy of their graduate training, and relevance to USDA mission sciences, NIFA priorities and national science education policies and statistics. Applications are being solicited from institutions that confer a graduate degree in at least one of the following Targeted Expertise Shortage Areas: 1) animal and plant production; 2) forest resources; 3) agricultural educators and communicators; 4) agricultural management and economics; 5) food science and human nutrition; 6) sciences for agricultural biosecurity; and 7) training in integrative biosciences for sustainable food and agricultural systems.

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service invites State agencies that administer the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) to apply for Direct Certification Improvement Grants to fund the costs of improving their direct certification rates with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and other assistance programs, as allowed under Federal statute and regulations. Under this request for applications (RFA), approximately $2.3 million is available for competitive grants to NSLP State agencies with the lowest direct certification rates for children who are members of households receiving SNAP benefits to fund direct certification improvement projects. However, as discussed in more detail in Section 3 of the Request for Applications, Eligibility Information, applicants who have direct certification rates at 95 percent or higher, as reported in the latest Direct Certification in the National School Lunch Program Report to Congress, must present a compelling case in their application proposals as to why additional funds are necessary for improvements in their direct certification system or processes for them to maintain rates at or above the mandated 95 percent benchmark. The legislative authority for this grant agreement announcement is Section 749(h)(1)(A) and (C)(i) of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 (Public Law 11180).

The Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans Program provides grants to non-profits to increase the number of military veterans gaining knowledge and skills through comprehensive, hands-on and immersive model farm and ranch programs offered regionally that lead to successful careers in the food and agricultural sector. The program encourages the development of training opportunities specifically designed for military veterans. AgVets projects will offer onsite, hands-on training and classroom education leading to a comprehensive understanding of successful farm and ranch operations and management practices. Projects may also offer workforce readiness and employment prospects for service-disabled veterans. Ensuring there are pathways for military veterans interested in pursuing careers in agriculture regardless of age or production choice strengthens agricultural production and rural economies across the United States. NIFA requests applications for the AgVets to provide grants to nonprofit organizations for training programs and services to establish and enhance farming and ranching opportunities for military veterans.

The "Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2024 Vermont" is a funding opportunity offering up to $1,000,000 to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in Vermont, with individual awards not exceeding $200,000, and applications are due by September 30, 2024.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce's Rural Building Reuse Program is a grant initiative designed to transform older, underutilized buildings in communities into valuable assets for economic growth. This program aligns with a broader mission to attract new businesses, support the expansion of existing North Carolina companies, and foster the development of healthcare entities, thereby creating new, full-time jobs. By revitalizing vacant or underperforming properties, the program aims to stimulate local economies and improve the overall well-being of rural areas within the state. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are local governments in North Carolina, who then act on behalf of businesses and healthcare entities. The program focuses on three main categories: the renovation of vacant buildings, the renovation or expansion of buildings occupied by existing North Carolina companies, and the renovation, expansion, or construction of licensed healthcare entities. The impact goals are centered on job creation, economic development through business attraction and expansion, and improved access to healthcare services in rural communities. Priorities for funding include vacant buildings that have been unoccupied for at least three months. For existing businesses, companies must have operated in North Carolina for at least 12 months, meet weekly wage standards, provide at least 50% employee benefits, and be represented on the Priority Industry Table. In the rural health category, eligible applicants are units of local government in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties, or rural census tracts in Tier 3 counties, with a priority for towns under 5,000 population in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties. A key requirement for all categories is a cash match equal to the grant request, with local government contributing at least 5% from local, non-state or federal resources. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in new, full-time jobs, the successful renovation and reuse of older buildings, and the expansion of business operations across the state. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of jobs created, the number of buildings renovated or expanded, the types of businesses supported, and the economic impact on local communities. The program's strategic priorities are clearly linked to fostering economic resilience and growth in rural North Carolina, with a theory of change that posits that by investing in physical infrastructure, the state can catalyze private sector investment, leading to job growth and improved community vitality.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/ Center for Food and Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) is announcing its intention to receive and consider a single source application for the award of a cooperative agreement in fiscal year 2024 to the Illinois Institute of Technology to support the Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH). The purposes of this continued support are to:1. Carry out multidisciplinary applied research projects on pre- and postharvest processing preventive control measures, on food processing and packaging technologies, on the impact of these processing strategies on the nutritional quality of food, and on laboratory method performance (including method validation) that address research needs associated with FDA-regulated products, fill knowledge gaps identified in prevention strategies, and that are consistent with the Deputy Commissioner of Foods vision for the implementation of the new Human Foods Program (HFP) Science and Research Strategic Plan;2. Maintain and facilitate the further development of the IFSH collaborative research program by leveraging resources among U.S. government agencies, universities (including other IIT components), and the food industry to achieve practical Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)-based, technology-enabled New Era of Food Safety solutions to food safety and food processing issues.3. Engage with stakeholders to develop and implement training, outreach and communication programs, to identify research needs, and to facilitate the use of the information produced by the research program; and4. Support the implementation of the new unified HFP FSMA-based New Era of Food Safety priorities through research, education, and outreach, with emphasis on the development of strategies for prevention, exploration of opportunities for data sharing, and adoption of root cause analysis (RCA) into agency post-response efforts associated with the safe and sustained manufacturing, processing, packing, and holding of food.

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service NHQ Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP)The U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service NHQ Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) is collaborating with National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through an interagency agreement for implementation of the Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) Pilot Project Cooperative Agreement Program.Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) Pilot ProjectNotice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-NHQ-CFWR-24-NOFO0001412Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under 10.935, which can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/home.SAM is a web-based, government-wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates business information about the federal government's trading partners in support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment processes.Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), under OUAIP, is soliciting proposals from eligible applicants to host a CFWR pilot project for fiscal year (FY) 2024For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.Key DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on September 4, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.A webinar has been pre-recorded and is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvexAMyuY2o.The presentation and supporting information are posted in the Related Documents tab of this opportunity. The recorded webinar is also available on https://www.usda.gov/topics/urban/coop-agreements.The agency anticipates making selections by November 2024 and expects to execute awards by January 2025. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.Federal Funding Floor and Ceiling AmountsThe estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $75,000, and the estimated funding ceiling is $400,000. The funding floor means the minimum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. The funding ceiling is the maximum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. These numbers refer to the total agreement amount, not any specific budget period.Federal Financial Assistance TrainingThe funding available through this NFO is Federal financial assistance. Grants 101 Training is highly recommended for those seeking knowledge about Federal financial assistance. The training is free and available to the public via https://www.cfo.gov/resources/federal-financial-assistance-training/.It consists of five modules covering each of the following topics:1) laws, regulations, and guidance; 2) financial assistance mechanisms; 3) uniform guidance administrative requirements; 4) cost principles; and 5) risk management and single audit. FPAC agencies also apply Federal financial assistance regulations to certain non-assistance awards (e.g., non-assistance cooperative agreements).