Private Agriculture Grants

This program provides funding to Montana communities to develop sustainable tourism initiatives that enhance local economies while preserving their unique character and culture.

The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) Education Grants program is designed to fund education and outreach activities that benefit the sustainable agriculture community. This grant directly aligns with SSARE's mission to promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. The core objective is to support projects that develop sustainable agriculture systems or move existing systems towards sustainability. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are farmers and farming communities, including those involved in indigenous agriculture producing for community food systems. Academic institutions, non-profits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators, 1862 land-grant universities, other colleges and universities, and government agencies are eligible to apply, acting as facilitators for these educational initiatives. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more sustainable, resilient, and economically viable agricultural sector through knowledge dissemination and practical application. Education Grants prioritize projects that clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom, and how the goals will be accomplished. Focus areas include experiential learning (demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops), integrative approaches (conferences, seminars, course curriculum), and reinforcement methods (fact sheets, bulletins, videos, online technologies). SSARE also encourages proposals on quality of life topics, such as heirs property, farmers’ markets, food hubs, local/regional processing, and urban agriculture systems, emphasizing the social health of farming systems. Expected outcomes include the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices, enhanced farmer innovation, increased community resilience, improved business success for agricultural enterprises, and greater agricultural diversification. Projects should yield results that are realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to tangible actions and benefits described in the proposal. The grant projects are strictly focused on education and outreach, with no research component, and are paid by reimbursement of allowable expenses. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the grant requirements, which mandate that project outcomes focus on sustainable agriculture systems and clearly demonstrate how education and outreach efforts will be implemented and evaluated. The theory of change underpinning this program is that by providing targeted education and outreach, knowledge and best practices will be transferred to farmers and communities, leading to the development and widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural methods and improved quality of life within farming systems. Project maximums are $50,000, with a duration limited to two years. Applicants from the Southern region, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are eligible. Farmers involved in these projects must have farming/ranching as their primary occupation or part-time farming with at least $1,000 of documented annual income from their operation, with exceptions for indigenous agriculture.

This program recognizes and honors influential leaders in Colorado's agriculture industry who have made significant contributions to various agricultural fields and community involvement.

This grant provides financial support to artists in Franklin County, Ohio, for creating public exterior murals, requiring a secured location and partial funding from a commissioning organization.

Propeller’s Impact Accelerator is a 5-month program designed to support mission-driven entrepreneurs in growing their businesses through coaching, community building, curriculum, and technical assistance. The program aims to catalyze transformational growth by connecting entrepreneurs with contract opportunities, markets, and customers. It is sponsored by the Clif Family Foundation, Capital One, Nasdaq, RosaMary Foundation, WK Kellogg Foundation, and Baptist Community Ministries, aligning with their missions to foster economic development, education, and community well-being by empowering local businesses. The Impact Accelerator targets growth-stage entrepreneurs in five key areas: community economic development, education, food, health, and water. Specifically, it supports BIPOC entrepreneurs operating brick-and-mortar establishments in underserved New Orleans corridors for economic development; early childhood education and care providers for education; CPG brands emphasizing sustainable, healthy, and affordable products for food; direct health and wellness service providers, especially those serving BIPOC clients, for health; and entrepreneurs in green infrastructure, stormwater management, native plant cultivation, and coastal restoration for water. The program's overarching impact goal is to facilitate the scaling of revenues and teams, while also embedding racial equity, social, and environmental impact goals into business operations. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated within each sector. For community economic development, the focus is on Black-owned brick-and-mortar storefronts in specific New Orleans neighborhoods, aiming for job creation and community ties. In education, the priority is on increasing enrollment, growing staff, and expanding business locations for early childhood education providers. For food, the emphasis is on CPG brands that are environmentally sound, locally sourced, healthy, or have compelling social/environmental impacts, with a prioritization of BIPOC-led companies. Health focuses on direct clinical care and services impacting social and physical determinants of health, especially for BIPOC client bases, striving for increased accessibility and staff growth. The water sector prioritizes green infrastructure, urban stormwater management, native plants, and coastal restoration, seeking to increase the supply of native plants for green infrastructure. Expected outcomes and measurable results include participants setting ambitious yet achievable goals for growth and long-term sustainability, an increase in business revenues and staff, and the successful attainment of social/environmental impact goals. Entrepreneurs receive over 16 hours of lead mentor office hours for goal setting, 12+ hours of business development curriculum during meetups, and 20+ hours with subject matter experts for project assistance. Additional benefits include a detailed work plan, coaching on racial equity and impact goals, introductions to stakeholders, free coworking space, and membership in a network of over 250 alumni. These structured interventions are designed to remove growth barriers and accelerate the development of entrepreneurial ventures, leading to tangible economic and social improvements within the targeted communities and sectors.

The Dr. Richard W. Adams Charitable Foundation supports educational and environmental causes with preferences for medical science education, promotion of agriculture and conservation, and preservation of wildlife. The foundation primarily supports the Piedmont region of North Carolina while considering requests from a broader geography. Priority is given to requests from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, especially for long time Piedmont residents intending to practice medicine in the region; to organizations offering scholarships or support to employees of Davis Regional Medical Center or their families pursuing medical science training; to programs promoting agriculture and conservation; and to efforts focused on preserving wildlife. Eligible applicants are exempt governmental units or charitable organizations under Section 501(c)(3). Applications are submitted through an online grant application form or an alternative accessible application. The foundation does not make grants directly to individuals and notes that while no geographic limits apply, giving is focused on the Piedmont region. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant size and duration are not stated. Official details and procedures are available through the trustee information referenced by Wells Fargo.

This program provides financial support to new farmers in New York State to help them establish and grow sustainable agricultural businesses.

The 2024 General Grants Program, managed by The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, offers general operating support (unrestricted grants) to eligible nonprofits. This program directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to support charitable organizations whose programs primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents, thereby improving the overall quality of life in the community. The flexibility of general operating support allows recipient organizations to allocate funds where they are most needed, supporting their foundational work and ensuring the sustained delivery of critical services within the county. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries across San Luis Obispo County, focusing on direct services for those in need. Specifically, the grants aim to impact individuals benefiting from services related to arts, environment, health & human services, and seniors and people with disabilities. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the local nonprofit ecosystem, enabling these organizations to more effectively address key community challenges and enhance the well-being of the county's residents. The program prioritizes several key focus areas. In the arts, it supports organizations that promote the creation, engagement, and appreciation of diverse art forms and local history. Environmental grants concentrate on education and sustainability, including efforts in climate mitigation, sustainable agriculture and forestry, and water and land conservation. Health & Human Services funding is directed towards improving the quality of life through basic needs provision and social service programs. Finally, a dedicated focus area supports organizations providing direct services for individuals with disabilities and/or seniors. Organizations can apply for either a one- or two-year grant, with maximum amounts of $12,000 and $24,000 respectively, and a clear preference for these durations. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the expected outcomes are tied to the successful implementation of programs within the focus areas, leading to improved community engagement in the arts, enhanced environmental sustainability, better access to basic needs and social services, and improved quality of life for seniors and people with disabilities. The Foundation's strategic priority is clearly to invest in organizations that directly serve and benefit San Luis Obispo County residents, fostering a healthier and more vibrant community.

The First Nations Development Institute is offering the Stewarding Native Lands program, specifically the Advancing Tribal Nature-Based Solutions project, to support climate action in Native communities. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to empower Native peoples to control their assets and future, recognizing that Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by climate change due to their remote and coastal locations and reliance on healthy ecosystems for subsistence and cultural practices. The program seeks to build tribal capacity and programming that utilizes community-, culture-, and nature-based approaches to address climate adaptation and disaster preparation. The target beneficiaries for this grant are Tribes, Tribal 7871 entities, Native-controlled nonprofits, and Native-controlled community organizations across the United States and U.S. territories. "Native-controlled" is defined as organizations where a majority of the Board of Directors and leadership team are Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the ability of these Native entities to implement nature-based solutions rooted in Native knowledge, thereby increasing their resilience to climate change impacts such as wildfires, flooding, and drought. The program prioritizes projects that employ nature-based solutions, which leverage animals, plants, and the environment to protect ecosystems, support human well-being, and enhance local biodiversity. Examples of focused activities include clam bed restoration for flooding and erosion, reintroduction of ecocultural plants, beaver restoration for water retention and carbon sequestration, cultural burning for biodiversity, and grass farming for desertification. Allowable activities are diverse, encompassing emergency response planning, climate-proofing infrastructure, climate risk governance, wildlife management, workforce development, organizational capacity building, and updating climate adaptation plans. First Nations expects to award 6 grants, each up to $200,000, with a grant period from September 1, 2024, to July 1, 2026. The expected outcomes include enhanced tribal capacity in climate adaptation and disaster preparation, the successful implementation of nature-based solutions based on Native knowledge, and improved ecosystem health and community well-being in the face of climate change. The foundation's strategic priority is to advance climate action that is culturally appropriate and community-led, demonstrating a theory of change where empowering Native communities with resources and knowledge leads to more effective and sustainable climate resilience.

This grant provides funding and resources to early-stage ag-tech businesses in Kentucky to develop and market innovative solutions that enhance the agricultural industry.

This program provides funding to organizations in the US Virgin Islands to improve food system infrastructure, such as processing and storage facilities, to enhance local food resilience.

This funding opportunity supports qualified educational organizations in Idaho by providing financial assistance for environmental education, classroom resources, and necessary repairs to ensure safe learning environments.

Farm Credit East recognizes the significance of farmers’ markets for both producers and consumers. In support of this vital marketing channel, we are offering Farmers' Market Grants of up to $500 to eligible applicants. These grants can be utilized to support participating farmers, enhance markets, improve marketing efforts, and implement programs aimed at aiding disadvantaged communities or enhancing access to fresh, local food. Please note that these grants are intended for public markets where multiple farms sell products, not for individual farm markets. Eligibility: Farmers' markets must be located within Farm Credit East’s eight-state territory: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Preference will be given to first-time applicants and markets serving underserved communities with limited access to fresh, local food. Awards will be granted at the sole discretion of Farm Credit East. How to Apply/Application Requirements: The 2024 application cycle is currently open. Please submit the Farmers' Market Grant Application by 4:00 PM on May 31. Recipients will be notified by late June.

The Arts & Cultural Organizations General Operating Support grant program, offered by the California Arts Council, provides direct funding to arts and cultural organizations for their ongoing operations. This grant is designed to support the overall well-being of California's cultural vitality by sustaining a robust and diverse arts workforce and infrastructure. The funding is intended to support the applicant organization in carrying out its mission, rather than a specific project, aligning with a strategic priority to foster a stable and thriving arts ecosystem across the state. The target beneficiaries are arts and cultural organizations within California, specifically those with total revenue between $250,000 and $1.5 million. This focus aims to support a crucial segment of the cultural sector, enabling them to continue their work. The impact goals include enhancing the sustainability and resilience of these organizations, ensuring they can contribute to California's cultural landscape. The program prioritizes eligible expenses associated with general operations, such as rent, utilities, and staff salaries. This focus on operational support allows organizations to maintain their core functions, which is critical for long-term stability. The expected outcomes include the sustained operation of arts and cultural organizations, the retention of a diverse arts workforce, and the continued delivery of cultural services to communities throughout California. Measurable results for this one-year funding cycle could include the number of organizations sustained, the range of eligible expenses covered, and the continued employment of arts professionals. The grant activity period is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. This grant indirectly supports the California Arts Council's broader theory of change, which posits that investing in the operational capacity of arts organizations leads to a more vibrant, accessible, and equitable cultural environment for all Californians.

The Historical Society of Michigan's U.P. Centennial Farms grant opportunity is available for Upper Peninsula farming families who have owned and operated a working farm of 10 or more acres continuously for at least 100 years. This program aims to recognize the historical significance of these farms and their contribution to the culture and development of Michigan. Once certified through the Michigan Centennial Farm Program, owners will receive a certificate and a display marker for their farm. The green-and-yellow markers are sponsored by UPPCO in their Upper Peninsula service area. The following Centennial Farms have been recognized by UPPCO: - Augustus Schaffer Farm (1857) in Ontonagon, certified on 02/01/1962 - James Daniels Farm (1865) in Ontonagon, certified on 01/18/1966 - Jermiah Penegor Farm (1850) in Ontonagon, certified on 06/16/1966 - Alex Rheault Farm (1866) in Houghton, certified on 9/22/1969 - Patrick DeLoughary Farm (1882) in Menominee, certified on 04/15/1982 - August and Sophia Krans Farm (1882) in Iron, certified on 03/08/1985 - Joel David and Anna Millard Farm (1857) in Ontonagon, certified on 05/10/1985 - Peder Olaus Olsen Farm (1884) in Iron, certified on 09/23/1985 - Fred A. and Regina Hall Farm (1889) in Iron, certified on 05/20/1986 - Carl Kunde Farm (1881) in Marquette, certified on 11/24/1986 And many more farms have been recognized.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Idaho that focus on environmental protection, conservation, and education initiatives.

This funding opportunity supports arts education projects in public schools and community settings within Fulton, Montgomery, and Saratoga Counties, aimed at enhancing hands-on learning experiences for students through collaborative artistic initiatives.

Launched in 2024, the TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation's Working Grant Program aims to support individuals in the beef industry, including ranching, beef production, or related areas supporting the beef value chain, who wish to start or grow their businesses. Financial assistance is provided to overcome barriers like equipment purchase, operational expenses, infrastructure building, or labor hiring. Eligibility is determined based on operation in economically depressed areas in Texas or Oklahoma, disadvantaged status, and difficulty in obtaining conventional financing. Grants are not guaranteed even if all eligibility requirements are met, and the foundation retains the discretion in funding decisions. Grant renewed every year. Grant Spring annual opening/closing deadline: May 1st to May 31st

This funding opportunity provides financial support to dairy farms and processing facilities in select Midwestern states to promote product development, diversification, and value-added dairy innovations.

This funding opportunity is designed for small dairy producers in Iowa to enhance their processing capabilities through modernization and efficiency improvements.