Georgia Infrastructure Grants

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

The City of Savannah's 2025 Community Partnership Program aims to address key issues impacting its residents through Community Investment programs and Homelessness Services System Coordination funding. This initiative seeks to align with the city's strategic priorities of Good Government, Vibrant Neighborhoods, Health & Environment, Economic Strength/Poverty Reduction, Infrastructure Growth & Development, and Public Safety. The program operates under a theory of change that by supporting legally formed non-profit entities directly benefiting Savannah residents, it can achieve positive and measurable community outcomes across various critical sectors. The Community Investment programs target a broad range of beneficiaries, including residents experiencing challenges with economic mobility, seniors, youth, individuals facing food insecurity, and those in need of health and wellness services. The impact goal for these programs is to foster a more resilient and thriving community by addressing fundamental needs and improving quality of life. Funding for Community Investment contracts ranges from $15,000 to $50,000, with proposals evaluated by selection committees. A specific focus of the program is Homelessness Services System Coordination. This funding category, capped at $200,000, is dedicated to supporting the lead agency for the Continuum of Care (CoC). The target beneficiaries for this category are individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Savannah. The impact goal is to strengthen the coordinated entry system and other federally mandated CoC activities, leading to more efficient and effective services for the homeless population and ultimately reducing homelessness in the city. Eligible activities for participating agencies fall under two categories: Community Services and Homelessness Services System Coordination. Proposals for Community Services (ranging from $15,000 to $50,000) must demonstrate the ability to address a community need. For the Homelessness Services System Coordination category (up to $200,000), agencies must prove their capacity to provide all required Continuum of Care services. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the focus areas, with measurable results tied to the specific services provided and the number of residents impacted. For instance, an economic mobility program would measure the number of individuals gaining employment or increased income, while a food insecurity program would track the number of meals provided or individuals served. To ensure accountability and financial integrity, applying agencies must be legally formed non-profit entities located within Savannah and providing services to its residents. They are required to provide proof of legal formation and submit a Review Report of their profit and loss statement or financial statements prepared by an Independent Auditor or Certified Public Accountant. For agencies expending less than $100,000 in the prior fiscal year, a summary of the Profit and Loss Statement prepared by an independent auditor or a certified public accountant will be accepted. Any financial concerns identified will be addressed during the proposal review period in consultation with the City of Savannah’s Office of Management and Budget, ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly and effectively towards achieving the program’s strategic objectives.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations to collaborate on improving oral health care access for seniors in underserved communities across select Southern states.

This program provides financial support to rural nonprofit and governmental organizations in select Southern states for presenting touring artists across various disciplines, including film, performing arts, and visual arts.

This program provides financial assistance to small business and commercial property owners in Decatur, Georgia, to improve the exteriors of their buildings and enhance the community's aesthetic appeal.

This program provides funding to state agencies, local governments, public colleges, universities, K-12 public schools, and nonprofit organizations in Georgia to initiate and accelerate energy projects focused on efficiency, planning, workforce development, and resilience.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in underserved communities to improve local football fields, ensuring safe and accessible spaces for youth sports and community engagement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state, local, tribal, and territorial entities in Georgia to enhance their preparedness and resilience against terrorism and other catastrophic events through various activities such as planning, training, and equipment purchases.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Appalachian region for projects that promote economic diversification and workforce development in communities impacted by coal industry job losses.

This grant provides matching funds to non-profit organizations in Georgia for various historic preservation projects, such as restoring building exteriors and upgrading safety systems.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions in the Cumberland Plateau and Southern Appalachians to restore ecosystems, improve habitats, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

This program provides financial assistance to fire departments in Tennessee and select neighboring areas to enhance their emergency response capabilities through the purchase of essential equipment and training resources.

This grant provides financial support to rural hospitals in Georgia to enhance access to critical care services through remote telehealth technology, addressing challenges in recruiting and retaining specialized medical staff.

This program provides funding to urban communities in Georgia to create or improve outdoor recreational spaces, particularly in disadvantaged areas, while promoting youth engagement and job training.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative economic development projects across multiple Appalachian states, targeting local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions to drive regional transformation and growth.

This federal funding program provides substantial financial support to state governments for projects aimed at enhancing border security, including construction of barriers and detection of illegal activities, with eligible local agencies able to receive subawards.

This program provides funding to local governments and state-affiliated organizations in Georgia's coastal region for projects that promote sustainable development and protect natural resources.

This program provides financial assistance to historically underserved farmers in the southeastern U.S. for essential infrastructure improvements and support for new farming operations.

This grant provides funding to organizations that enhance educational opportunities for children in Madison County, Georgia, focusing on projects that improve academic achievement.

This funding program provides financial support to local governments and eligible entities in Georgia for improving the resilience of decentralized wastewater systems, such as septic systems, in response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.