The Small Grants Program administered by the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) provides targeted funding to support local agriculturalists in Marin County, California. With awards of up to $50,000 per project, the program seeks to preserve agriculture, protect biodiversity, strengthen community ties, and build climate resilience. This initiative complements MALT’s broader efforts, including the Stewardship Assistance Program and the Drought Resilience and Water Security (DRAWS) initiative, which have collectively distributed over $3 million to support Marin’s farming and ranching communities.
Projects funded through the Small Grants Program are expected to align with MALT’s mission of protecting and stewarding agricultural land in Marin County for the benefit of all. Eligible project proposals should demonstrate how they contribute to a healthy local food system, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. Specifically, projects that help maintain or enhance agricultural productivity while offering ecological benefits—such as improving soil health or water quality—are strongly encouraged.
The upcoming application window for Round 5 of the Small Grants Program opens on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and closes on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Although additional details for this round are pending, the program maintains a recurring, biannual schedule, alternating between themes like climate resilience and biodiversity in agricultural lands.
Applicants must operate within Marin County, and project proposals should clearly articulate both agricultural and environmental objectives. MALT emphasizes practical, on-the-ground understanding of best management practices and seeks proposals that balance economic viability with environmental stewardship.
Prospective applicants are invited to reach out for additional guidance or support. Questions may be directed to Scott Dunbar at sdunbar@malt.org or by phone at (415) 663-1158 Ext: 313. MALT's conservation team is available to provide further assistance and help ensure that applications meet the program’s objectives and requirements.
Align your proposal with MALT’s themes of climate resilience, biodiversity, and food system health for greater impact.
