Grants for City or township governments - Agriculture

The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) offers Irrigation Modernization Funding to enhance water use efficiency in existing agricultural irrigation systems. This initiative focuses on improving the operational efficiency of irrigation methods and infrastructure on currently irrigated agricultural lands. Eligible projects include piping, lining, installing sprinkler or microirrigation systems, upgrading existing infrastructure such as flumes or pipes, and integrating technology like SCADA systems and irrigation scheduling software. Projects are required to meet public economic, environmental, and social/cultural benefits to be eligible for funding.

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program provides funding for a broad range of land conservation efforts, from conserving natural areas near big cities to protecting the most pristine and unique collections of plants in the state, including some of last remaining plant species in the world. Donor Name: Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program was envisioned as a way for the state to accomplish two goals: acquire valuable recreation and habitat lands before they were lost to other uses and develop recreation areas for a growing population. This landmark legislation passed in 1990 and the grant program’s continued funding have come about through the support of governors, the Legislature, and groups such as the many organizations comprising the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition. Funding Information Critical Habitat: None Natural Areas: None Riparian Protection: Minimum request of $25,000, no cap. State Lands Restoration and Enhancement: Minimum request of $25,000. Maximum request of $1 million for a single-site project and $500,000 for a multi-site project. Urban Wildlife Habitat: None. Eligible Projects Land Acquisition Acquisition includes the purchase of perpetual interest in real property or non-perpetual interests such as leases and easements. Acquisition of non-perpetual interests must be for at least 50 years and may not be revocable at will. Incidental costs related to acquisition are eligible. The Riparian Protection Category provides funds for acquisition of lease extensions under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, which must be for a minimum of 25 years. Development Benches, tables Interpretive kiosks, signs Paths, roads, parking Restrooms Viewing shelters The Critical Habitat, State Lands Restoration and Enhancement, and Urban Wildlife Habitat Categories also allow for habitat creation and enhancement. The Riparian Protection Category allows for site stewardship plans. Restoration and Enhancement Animal watering stations Ecological restoration Estuary and shoreline restoration Fencing, gates,and signs In-stream habitat such as bank stabilization, channel reconfiguration, and woody materials placement In-stream passage improvements Habitat enhancement such as native plantings and invasive plant removal Removal of structures like bulkheads, dikes, levees, tide gates, and impervious surfaces Site augmentation to establish restoration elements Transplanting and re-vegetation Upland stewardship. Who May Apply? Critical Habitat, Riparian Protection, and Urban Wildlife Habitat Categories Cities, counties, towns Federally recognized Indian tribes Nonprofit nature conservancies Special purpose districts, port districts, or other political subdivisions of the state that provide services to less than the entire state State agencies (Department of Enterprise Services, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission) Natural Areas Category Nonprofit nature conservancies State agencies (Department of Enterprise Services, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission) State Lands Restoration and Enhancement Category State agencies (Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission). For more information, visit WSRCO.

The Farmland Preservation Grant program provides funding to buy development rights on farmlands to ensure they remain available for farming in the future. Donor Name: Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grant recipients also may use some of the funding to restore natural functions to improve the land’s viability for farming. The program is part of the larger Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, which was created in 1990 to buy land for outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation, to keep pace with a growing population. In 2005, the state Legislature expanded the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program to include preservation of significant farmland. Typical Projects Buying a conservation easement on farmland threatened with development. Funding Information No grant limits, except for the following: Enhancement and restoration elements may not exceed more than half of the total acquisition costs, including match toward acquisition. Farm stewardship plans may not exceed $10,000. Eligible Projects Land acquisition through easements and leases (required for all projects). Public access is not required. Enhancement or restoration, such as installing fences to keep livestock out of streams, replanting riverbanks, restoring historic water runoff patterns, improving irrigation, and installing solar well pumps. These activities must further the ecological functions of the farmland. Combination of land acquisition and either restoration or enhancement Stewardship plans. Who May Apply? Cities Counties Nonprofit nature conservancy corporations or associations State Conservation Commission. Ineligible Projects Acquisition of rights for less than 25 years, of land already owned by the government, or of property acquired via a condemnation Consumable supplies such as fuel, fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, except as a one-time application in an otherwise eligible restoration activity Elements that cannot be defined as fixtures or capital items Environmental cleanup of illegal activities, such as meth labs Indoor facilities Organizational operating expenses or overhead Purchase of maintenance equipment, tools, or supplies Restoration work done before a grant agreement is signed Transfer of development rights. For more information, visit WSRCO.

The Pollinator Pathways grant program promotes native plantings that establish key corridors (or pathways) for at-risk pollinators such as (but not limited to) the Monarch Butterfly and Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Minnesota’s State Bee. Donor Name: Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/20/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Minnesota Pollinator Pathways program is led by local conservation partners who work with Minnesota Residents to promote and establish pollinator plantings and key corridors for at-risk pollinators such as (but not limited to) the Monarch Butterfly and Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Minnesota’s State Bee. This can be done by establishing/connecting pollinator pathways across communities with an emphasis on residences and/or community spaces. Pathways can range from a local neighborhood scale to across watersheds. Creating these pathways, by establishing deep rooted native vegetation will have climate resiliency benefits, increase biodiversity and provide other important ecosystem services. Funding Informaion A total of $1,100,000 is available for funding for the FY24/25 biennium . Only grant requests greater than $50,000 will be considered. Eligible Activities and Expenses  The primary purpose of activities funded through this program is to promote native plantings that establish key corridors for at-risk pollinators and establishing habitat for benefitting pollinators at scales from local neighborhoods to across watersheds. This will be achieved through efforts to establish habitat and educating Minnesotans about pollinators within pollinator corridors/pathways and building overall interest in ecological landscaping. This program is intended to fund pollinator plantings and to inspire and guide DIY projects. Eligible activities can consist of: Project development and public outreach actives which will directly support or supplement the goals and outcomes of the work plan such as civic engagement: public outreach; initial contacts, action, and activities with landowners/residents and/or partners; preliminary information gathering, conservation marketing or other activities. Establishment of pollinator habitat projects such as planting beneficial trees and shrubs, pollinator lawns, pollinator meadows, native pocket planting, container planting on impervious surfaces (pavement, rooftops, apartment decks etc) that are no greater than 5 ac. in size. Eligible project expense include: MN Native Plants and Seeds includes insecticide/neonicotinoid free flowers/forbs, bare root plants, grasses and sedges, trees and shrubs, and seeds. Projects should have at least three blooming plants species during spring, summer and fall with higher diversity strongly encouraged. Source native plants and seeds within 175 miles of the project location to the extent possible. Project expenses including biodegradable weed suppression mulch (non-dyed preferred), compost, fencing or other herbivores portion materials, signage, equipment rental fees, and delivery fees), contractor installation and/or maintenance of project. Program and project support- education, outreach, marketing, staff time; Education development and implementation of conservation education activities and programs such as workshops, clinics, publications, websites, presentations, fairs, etc. Supplies/Equipment acquisition of equipment (hand sod kicker, hand shovels, hand rakes and trowels, watering tree gator) or supplies. Administration/Coordination staff time for grant administration Technical and engineering assistance necessary to implement grant activities associated with technical site assessment, surveys, preliminary analysis and design, final design construction supervision, installation, inspection, and completion of projects. Eligible Lands: Projects should have a focus on residential and/or community and/or educational space garden with a maximum project size of 5 acres. Eligible expenses are those expenses solely incurred though project activities that are directly related to and necessary for producing the project outcomes described in the proposal. Grant recipients are required to account for the staff time charged to BWSR grants in order to track the expenditure of grant funds and match to ensure the use of the funds is consistent with applicable State and BWSR requirements. Costs that are unallowable to be charged to BWSR grants include but are not limited to: Bad debts, late payment fees, and investment management fees Giving donations and fundraising Entertainment, gifts, prizes, and decorations Alcohol Interest on loans not authorized under state statute. Loans of BWSR grant funds Lobbying, lobbyists, and political contributions. Eligible Organizations Academic (including but not limited to PreK through grade 12 schools and PreK through grade 12 public schools) Cities Counties Joint Powers Board Non-Profit Soil Water Conservation Districts Townships Tribal Governments Watershed Districts Watershed Management Organizations. For more information, visit BWSR.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Bureau of  Nutrition and Physical Activity (BNPA) administers funds provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the operation of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program (BFPC) for the State of Arizona. The USDA nutrition programs are discretionary, and each provides a specific service to women, infants, and children who are low-income and at nutritional risk. The overall goal of all the USDA Nutrition Programs is to increase food security and reduce hunger by providing eligible participants access to nourishing food and supportive nutrition education. ADHS is working with the counties to provide WIC services, and this opportunity is to provide additional community support as needed.  Financial Notes: N/A

This program provides funding to U.S. organizations to supply agricultural product samples to foreign buyers, helping to showcase the quality of U.S. goods and boost export sales.

This grant provides funding to U.S. organizations to help overcome barriers that hinder the export of specialty crops like fruits and vegetables, ensuring better market access for American farmers.

This funding opportunity supports various water-related projects in Colorado, such as conservation, water supply, and watershed health, aimed at enhancing the state's water management and sustainability efforts.

The Colorado Water Plan Grant Program, directed by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), aims to support the implementation of the Colorado Water Plan through various project types outlined in Partner Actions. The program offers funding in categories like Water Storage & Supply, Water Sharing Agreements, Conservation & Land Use Planning, Engagement & Innovation, Agricultural, and Watershed Health & Recreation. Eligible applicants include governmental entities, private entities, and others as defined, with projects evaluated based on their alignment with Water Plan goals and available funds. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Summer deadline: July 1st

The Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) Program seeks to ensure that farmers, commercial fishermen, and other local food producers are better engaged with a strong, resilient food system to help mitigate food supply and distribution disruptions, as well as to ensure that individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth have equitable access to food, with a focus on food that is produced locally. Donor Name: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Projects to enhance equitable access to food for individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth, with a focus on food that is produced locally. The FSIG program (“Program”) also seeks to ensure that farmers, fisherman, and other local food producers are better connected to markets in a strong, resilient food system, and that they have the infrastructure needed to produce and distribute healthy food efficiently and safely. Providing greater, more equitable access to local food and strengthening the role of local food in the Commonwealth’s food system is an important goal of the Program. Local food is defined through this Program as food which is grown/produced and distributed within the Commonwealth. The local food system is a network of consumers, workers, businesses, owners, and supporting organizations engaged in an array of activities, including fishing, farming, preparing, marketing, distributing, serving, and eating food. This network works to produce and distribute food that nourishes the communities, sustains businesses and workers, and supports responsible stewardship of the land, water, and other natural resources. Funding Information Part I: Agriculture Maximum funding per applicant $500,000. Part II: Local Food System Maximum funding per applicant $500,000. Grant Period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Eligible Projects  Eligible projects must be capital improvements including the purchase of equipment and contracted labor costs in order to implement projects, or costs associated with planning and design directly related to capital projects that will allow applicants to strengthen and improve the resiliency of the Commonwealth’s food system while allowing greater access to fresh, local food in a way that addresses systemic inequities. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants may be individuals, for-profit, or non-profit entities. Municipalities and other governmental entities may also be eligible to apply, provided all necessary requirements to submit an application can be met, the ability to utilize funding can be demonstrated, and the entity has the ability to enter into a contract with MDAR. For more information, visit MDAR.

The Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP) is designed to increase access to healthy, affordable food options and improve economic opportunities for low to moderate income communities. Donor Name: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The MFVP will provide funding through grants to support food ventures, sited primarily in or near communities of low or moderate income, including Gateway Cities and rural communities. The MFVP will help implement goals of the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan and contribute to the financing needs of local Massachusetts food enterprises.  With expanded investment, completed projects will improve access to Massachusetts grown, harvested or caught food products through the development of collaborations with local agricultural enterprises and private/public entities. Key areas for investment include: food processing infrastructure to meet the needs of the expanding local food system; improved distribution systems to support opportunities for equitable access to fresh local food; and retail outlet strategies that enhance access to healthy food. The following are examples of potential, eligible Food Ventures projects Food Processing Infrastructure – Creation of commercial food processing infrastructure to ensure availability of Massachusetts produced foods and which can benefit low and moderate income households. Non Retail: Food Commissaries – Innovative proposals by commercial food commissaries that connect local farms and partners, create new local food retail markets or improve marketing within low income communities. Proposals may include requests for support for infrastructure, distribution, processing and marketing plans that demonstrate increased access to low to moderate income communities. Food Co-Ops – Proposals for construction, renovation or build-out of existing facilities that will create new permanent jobs and/or  greater access to affordable, fresh food. Greenhouses and Farmers’ markets – Develop and build facilities designed to increase year round access of diverse food production and distribution to existing or new markets to benefit low to moderate income communities. Food Hubs – Capital for infrastructure to build or renovate sites for new or existing ventures that improve commercial food access in low to moderate income communities. Commercial Markets – Innovative projects that connect local food producers and partners in order to develop, build or renovate a large scale retail market, designed to improve commercial distribution of healthy, locally produced food. Proposals may include initiatives for new construction or the renovation of an existing building. Must clearly document a community demand and outline a marketing strategy for expansion of commercial food access and distribution in low to moderate income areas. Mobile Markets/Innovative Markets – To purchase, design, and upgrade vehicles to provide healthy Massachusetts food including meats, seafood, vegetables, and fresh or frozen produce for purchase. Must provide marketing strategy that demonstrates the expansion of commercial access and distribution in low to moderate income communities. Who May Apply? Massachusetts Municipalities. Massachusetts Non-Profit or For-Profit Organizations. Individual Residents of Massachusetts. Examples of ineligible project areas: Funding for audits, feasibility studies or design work. Operation or maintenance costs associated with the proposed grant investment. Staff or consultant time on proposals for projects that have already been completed or for which the applicant seeks reimbursement. For more information, visit MDAR.

This program provides financial assistance to Iowa cities for the redevelopment or rehabilitation of underutilized buildings to promote economic growth and community revitalization.

The Agricultural Fair Operational & Premium Reimbursement Program is designed to support Pennsylvania's certified agricultural county and community fairs by offering partial reimbursements for their annual general operating costs and premium expenses for exhibitors. This initiative is in accordance with the Pennsylvania Agricultural Fair Act of 1986 and State Premium Guidelines. Eligible fairs, which are classified into five classes based on size and scope, can receive a basic operational payment up to specified limits, ranging from $2,500 for Class E fairs to $14,000 for Class A fairs. Additionally, fairs can be reimbursed for 50% of the money paid out for agricultural premiums beyond the basic payment, with a cap of $15,000 for these additional premiums. There's also a provision for county and independent agricultural societies conducting harness horse racing during their annual fairs, with possible reimbursements up to $13,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: November 15th

This program provides funding to local governments in Virginia to foster collaboration with agriculture and forestry businesses, promoting innovative initiatives that enhance these industries' integration into the community's economic development.

The Burien Neighborhood Grants Program supports Burien community members who want to improve the quality of life in Burien. Donor Name: City of Burien State: Washington City: Burien Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Through this program, the City of Burien will provide up to $5,000 of City funding per project which the applicant group matches with local resources of volunteer labor, donated materials, donated professional services, or funds. The goal of the Burien Neighborhood Grants Program is to encourage projects that foster a sense of community and create community improvements for the benefit of all Burien residents. Project Criteria The city fund an array of projects that create community improvements such as: Tree planting – installation of trees and understory plants in community or public space Tree maintenance – watering, mulching, removal of noxious plant species around existing trees Physical improvements – minor park improvements, trailhead enhancement, bus shelter Environmental or sustainability project – composting program, community garden Public amenity—historical marker, bench Community-based public events—such as education events or celebrations to bring neighbors together It encourages people of all ages to apply, including youth groups, neighborhood groups, and informal groups of neighbors. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, projects must: Be in the city of Burien Include participation from two or more individuals from separate households living within the city limits of Burien Provide a public benefit to the community Have demonstrated neighborhood support in the area Have approval from all adjacent property owners Involve neighborhood residents directly in all phases Have goals that can be accomplished by the end of 2023 Be designed for low maintenance or neighborhood volunteers Be located on publicly accessed property (such as community organizations, public rights-of-way, or parks) Be free and open to all members of the public All projects will be required to have a Neighborhood For more information, visit City of Burien.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for a variety of water and wastewater infrastructure projects, aimed at local governments, utilities, and organizations working to improve public water supply, sewer systems, and related environmental initiatives in Arkansas.

The RFSP supports partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local or regional food systems. The RFSP focuses on building and strengthening local or regional food economy viability and resilience, and this includes pandemic response and recovery. Applicants will work with their partners to catalyze the development of local or regional food systems. Applicants will coordinate efforts within the partnership to set priorities, connect resources and services, and measure progress towards common goals. Partnerships are authorized to:Determine the size and scope of the local or regional food system in which the projects goals, outreach objectives, and eligible activities are to be carried out,Coordinate with AMS to receive technical assistance, andConduct outreach and education for potential participation in the partnership agreement and eligible activities.Partnerships must bring a variety of financial and technical capabilities, demonstrate experience or readiness to work effectively and collaboratively with public and private entities across sectors, and present innovative, sustainable, and measurable approaches to achieving the projects goals. RFSP grant recipients may apply for other LAMP programs on behalf of producers or eligible entities that desire to participate in eligible activities under the partnership agreement.

LFPP funds projects that develop, coordinate, and expand local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer to consumer marketing to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. The program focuses on: Supporting the processing, aggregation, distribution, and storage of local and regional food products that are marketed locally or regionally, including value-added agricultural products;Encouraging the development of value-added agricultural products;Assisting with business development plans and feasibility studies;Developing marketing strategies for producers of local food and value-added products;Facilitating regional food chain coordination and mid-tier value chain development;Promoting new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste;Responding to changing technology needs in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing; andCovering expenses related to cost incurred in obtaining food safety certification and improvements to food safety practices and equipment.

FMPP funds projects that develop, coordinate, and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. The program focuses on: Supporting and promoting domestic direct producer-to-consumer (including direct producer-to-retail, direct producer-to-restaurant, and direct producer-to-institutional marketing) marketing such as farmers markets, roadside stands, agritourism activities, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, or online sales; Encouraging the development of value-added agricultural products; Developing marketing strategies for producers of local food and value-added products; Facilitating regional food chain coordination development; Promoting new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste; Responding to changing technology needs in direct producer-to-consumer marketing; and Covering expenses related to costs incurred in obtaining food safety certification and improvements to food safety practices and equipment.

Applications are now being accepted for the Creating New Work Grant Program. Donor Name: Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation State: Connecticut City and Town: Selected Cities and Towns Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Initiated in 2003, the foundation offers a special grant program designed to: Foster creativity in Greater Hartford by supporting local artists in the creation of new work. Foster collaborations between artists and arts organizations that benefit the artist, the organization and the community. Further the foundation’s mission to support and encourage excellence in the arts in Hartford and the immediately surrounding community. Grant Period The artist(s) must complete their project within 24 months of the grant award. Geographical Areas CNW is designed to support local artists. To be eligible, all artists affiliated with the project must primarily live or work on their art in: Hartford, Avon, Berlin, Bloomfield, East Granby, East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington, Farmington, Glastonbury, Manchester, New Britain, Newington, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, South Windsor, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks. Who may apply? 501(c)(3) arts organizations in the foundation’s geographic giving area. The foundation gives priority to requests from organizations in the following cities and towns in Connecticut: Hartford, Bloomfield, East Hartford, Newington, West Hartford, Wethersfield and Windsor. Artists may not apply directly to the foundation but must seek out a partnering organization in the foundation’s geographic giving area. Organizations may apply for either the Creation of New Work grant or an Excellence in the Arts grant within a calendar year.  Should an organization’s Creation of New Work application be declined, it may apply for an Excellence in Arts grant in a subsequent cycle. Criteria for Selection Projects are judged on the following criteria: artistic excellence and potential of the project to advance the artist(s)’s work quality of the collaboration between the artist(s) and the organization potential impact on the benefit to the community The organization must demonstrate a clear plan for working with the artist(s) and be able to articulate the project’s benefit to the organization and the community. The sponsoring organization and artist must submit a post-grant report within six months of the close of the project. For more information, visit ECATRF.