North Carolina Agriculture Grants

This program recognizes and rewards individuals, organizations, and students in Raleigh for their outstanding efforts in environmental stewardship, sustainability, and climate action.

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.

This funding opportunity supports North Carolina-based universities and nonprofit research organizations in advancing early-stage life sciences projects focused on sleep, hibernation, and the effects of space travel.

This program provides financial assistance to improve living conditions for farmworkers in North Carolina by funding essential upgrades and repairs to on-farm housing.

This grant provides funding to public entities, nonprofits, academic institutions, and tribal governments for projects that support the conservation and recovery of at-risk wildlife species in Washington State.

This funding opportunity supports economic development projects in North Carolina, particularly for government entities and nonprofits working to benefit rural and economically distressed communities through job creation, workforce training, and infrastructure development.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve water quality in North Carolina by addressing pollution from sources like stormwater and agricultural runoff, targeting both impaired and at-risk waterbodies.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to licensed dairy farms in the southeastern U.S. to improve their infrastructure and operational efficiency, enhancing profitability and sustainability in the dairy industry.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions in the southeastern U.S. to improve aquatic habitats and water quality, particularly for endangered species and key river basins.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to local governments in North Carolina for stream restoration projects that improve water quality and ecological conditions in collaboration with federal conservation efforts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to licensed dairy businesses in the Southeastern U.S. and Puerto Rico to adopt precision technologies that improve sustainability, efficiency, and profitability in dairy operations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and county governments in North Carolina for developing agricultural planning tools that help preserve farmland and promote sustainable farming practices.

This grant provides funding to local governments and nonprofit economic development organizations in North Carolina to develop agricultural manufacturing facilities that enhance processing capacity and support local farmers.

This program provides financial incentives to farmers in select U.S. states to adopt agroforestry practices that integrate trees and shrubs into their agricultural systems, promoting environmental sustainability and new revenue opportunities.

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 funding opportunity supports projects that boost the competitiveness of specialty crops in North Carolina, targeting state and local governments, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to enhance production, sustainability, and consumer awareness.

This program provides financial support to individual family farmers and community organizations in North Carolina for projects that enhance agricultural operations and promote local farming initiatives.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Forsyth County, North Carolina, that empower Black households through economic initiatives, such as career development, wealth-building, and support for Black-owned businesses.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and county governments in North Carolina to implement projects that enhance local food systems, improve agricultural productivity, and preserve farmland for the benefit of farming communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that already hold a conservation easement grant in North Carolina, helping them cover increased costs or funding shortfalls for preserving agricultural land.