Grants for County governments - Agriculture

This program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants for projects that protect agricultural land and support the sustainability of New York's farming industry.

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service NHQ Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP)The U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service NHQ Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) is collaborating with National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through an interagency agreement for implementation of the Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) Pilot Project Cooperative Agreement Program.Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) Pilot ProjectNotice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-NHQ-CFWR-24-NOFO0001412Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under 10.935, which can be found at: https://sam.gov/content/home.SAM is a web-based, government-wide application that collects, validates, stores, and disseminates business information about the federal government's trading partners in support of the contract awards, grants, and electronic payment processes.Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), under OUAIP, is soliciting proposals from eligible applicants to host a CFWR pilot project for fiscal year (FY) 2024For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.Key DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on September 4, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.A webinar has been pre-recorded and is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvexAMyuY2o.The presentation and supporting information are posted in the Related Documents tab of this opportunity. The recorded webinar is also available on https://www.usda.gov/topics/urban/coop-agreements.The agency anticipates making selections by November 2024 and expects to execute awards by January 2025. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.Federal Funding Floor and Ceiling AmountsThe estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $75,000, and the estimated funding ceiling is $400,000. The funding floor means the minimum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. The funding ceiling is the maximum agreement funding amount for the Federal share per agreement awarded. These numbers refer to the total agreement amount, not any specific budget period.Federal Financial Assistance TrainingThe funding available through this NFO is Federal financial assistance. Grants 101 Training is highly recommended for those seeking knowledge about Federal financial assistance. The training is free and available to the public via https://www.cfo.gov/resources/federal-financial-assistance-training/.It consists of five modules covering each of the following topics:1) laws, regulations, and guidance; 2) financial assistance mechanisms; 3) uniform guidance administrative requirements; 4) cost principles; and 5) risk management and single audit. FPAC agencies also apply Federal financial assistance regulations to certain non-assistance awards (e.g., non-assistance cooperative agreements).

Education Grants allow applicants to conduct education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, ag diversification, and best management practices. Donor Name: Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Education Grants are open to academic institutions and organizations, such as non-profits and non-governmental organizations, who are interested in conducting education and outreach activities for the benefit of the greater sustainable ag community, and promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators are especially encouraged to apply for this grant for their education and outreach activities. SSARE also considers proposals from organizations/institutions whose projects involve farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, even if products are not sold due to cultural factors. Education Grants should focus on a topic area of sustainable agriculture relevance that meets SARE’s program goals. In addition, the proposed project should comprise education/outreach efforts/activities that support the research/education foundation of the institution/organization, and must clearly articulate how those education/outreach efforts/activities will be implemented and evaluated. Examples of Education Grant projects can include one or more of the following, but are not limited to: Experiential (Demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops, trainings, case studies); Integrative (Conferences, seminars, course curriculum) Reinforcement (Fact sheets, bulletins, books, manuals, videos, online technologies, guidebooks) SARE encourages proposals on quality of life topics that focus on the social health of a farming system. These can include, but are not limited to: Heirs property; Farmers’ markets; food hubs; locavores; CSAs; Local/regional processing/slaughter; Food sheds and food circles; Direct marketing and value-added; Beyond organics value chains; Farm to School/Institution; Civic agriculture, agritourism; Denominations of origin/geographic indications; Non-GMO movement, Slow Food, chef collaboratives; Urban ag systems; Food policy councils, governance structures; and Local/regional certification/branding. Funding Information Education Grant project maximums are $50,000, limited to two (2) years. Education Grants are paid by reimbursement of allowable project expenses. Who can apply? Researchers from public and private institutions, such as 1862 and 1890 land-grant universities or other colleges and universities; government agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service or USDA-ARS; non-governmental organizations; and community-based organizations. Education Grants strictly fund education and outreach activities related to sustainable agriculture whose outcomes are intended to benefit farmers and farming communities. There is no research involved in these grant projects. Southern SARE accepts proposals from applicants in the Southern region: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Grant Requirements  Education Grant proposals must meet the following basic requirements in order to be considered for funding: Project outcomes must focus on developing sustainable agriculture systems or moving existing systems toward sustainable agriculture. The project must clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom and how the project will accomplish those goals. The results must be realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to the actions and benefits described in the proposal. For farmers involved in your project, the primary occupation is farming/ranching or part-time farming. Producers run their farm alone or with family or partners and have a least $1,000 of documented annual income from the operation, as defined by USDA. SSARE also considers proposals with farmers from indigenous agriculture that produces products for community food systems. These enterprises may be eligible where the production activity has an annual value of less than $1,000, but products are not sold due to cultural factors. For more information, visit Southern SARE.

The Agrivoltaics Research and Development (R&D) Grant Program supports innovation and research in the agrivoltaics industry to support agricultural producers and further Colorado’s renewable energy transition. Donor Name: Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) State: Colorado County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant encourages innovative projects, including demonstrations of agrivoltaics, research projects, and outreach campaigns to further agrivoltaics and Colorado’s agricultural economy. Funding Information Up to $500,000 is available for projects that study the potential, benefits, and tradeoffs of agrivoltaics in Colorado. The maximum grant award is $249,000 for a single project application. Eligible Expenses  All expenses must be directly related to the goals and outcomes in the grantee application. Eligible expenses include but are not limited to: Salaries Travel expenses (aligned with the rates defined by the US General Services Administration) Direct costs including but not limited to: Construction costs, including materials and labor Research supplies Payment or lease of needed equipment Marketing or outreach materials Permitting Project Assessments and feasibility studies Contractor payments Indirect costs (maximum 5% of grant award). Eligible Projects  Eligible project types include: Construction of agrivoltaics systems and agrivoltaics demonstration projects. Expansion of existing demonstration projects of agrivoltaic systems. Research projects that focus on understanding the benefits, incremental costs, and tradeoffs of agrivoltaics systems. Outreach and communication projects focused on agrivoltaics benefits and/or obstacles. Eligibility Criteria  Tribal or local government; Colleges, universities, or other institutions of higher education; Other research organizations; Energy providers, including electric cooperatives, utilities; 501(c)3s; For-profit entities; Farmers, Ranchers, other Individuals. For more information, visit CDA.

The Alabama RC&D Grants special projects that enhance the human and natural resources to improve the quality of life for local Alabama citizens. Donor Name: Alabama Association of RC&D Councils State: Alabama County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priorities The FY 2024-2025 Priorities are as follows:  General Funds Projects related to Natural Resources Conservation Community Facilities and Services Tourism and Economic Development Education Funds K-12 Outdoor Education Education to Benefit Small Farmers and/or Community Gardens, etc. K-12 Technology Workforce/ Community Training Projects that cover all nine member council regions Projects that cover more than three council regions Projects that only cover three council regions Projects submitted by an RC&D council (or multiple councils) Projects submitted by partnering organizations. Funding Information $5,000.00 – $25,000.00. Eligibility Criteria Must be a registered 501c3 not-for-profit or unit or sub-unit of government. Restrictions Operational/Administration phases of established programs Salaries or expected operational cost Endowment campaigns Religious organizations for religious purposes Individuals directly Development or public relations activities (e.g. literature, videos, etc.) Purchase of land/property Post-event or after-the-fact situations. For more information, visit AARC&DC.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is pleased to announce the opening of the Local Soil Health Workshop Grant. Donor Name: Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) State: Utah County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant is meant to increase opportunities for Utah agricultural producers and professionals to learn about regenerative farming practices and build local networks of soil health-focused individuals.  Funding will be made available for the conservation district to host local workshops/conferences focused on soil health. The funding cap will be $10,000 per application, with a focus on holding workshops in the 2025 calendar year. The grants will be reimbursement-based. Funding will be used for the rental of event facility, speaker fees, supplies, advertisements, and meals (within per diem rate). Objectives Expanding localized knowledge of soil health principles and practices across the state through smaller community-sized education and outreach events across the state.      Conferences / Workshops Provide resources to cover expenses to      Pay for expert speakers Pay for soil practitioner presenters from around the state to present Supplies, advertisements, and event rental to host the events Providing a support network for producers implementing soil health Increase implementation of soil health practices through knowledge sharing      Field days / Demonstration Events. Funding Information Grant Cycle Total Funding Available: $30,000. Award Ceiling $10,000. Award Floor $1,500. Eligible Costs  Event space rental Speaker Fees Meals (within state per diem rates) Printed Materials / Supplies Advertisements Administrative Costs (5% max). Eligibility Criteria  Organizations that work with agriculture producers in the state of Utah. Organizations with the capacity and experience to host high-quality local events. Organizations with experience in grant management, and project implementation. Must be for a new event or significantly expanding the scope of existing events. For more information, visit UDAF.

This program provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers for cleaning up and preventing illegal dumping on their properties.

The Rural Maryland Council is accepting applications for 2025 Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund Grant: Regional Planning and Development Councils. Donor Name: Rural Maryland Council State: Maryland County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The objective of the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) is to help raise the overall standard of living in rural areas to a level that meets or exceeds statewide benchmark averages by 2030 while preserving the best aspects of a cultural heritage and rural way of life. Resources provided to the Fund are designed to facilitate significant targeted investments in important economic and community development programs and promote regional and intergovernmental cooperation. These investments will also enable local and regional public and nonprofit organizations to leverage additional non-state financial and human resources to facilitate the realization of sustainable rural development objectives. The Fund will serve the interests of the entire State by: Encouraging the increase of entrepreneurial activity and commerce and a balanced economy in the State; Relieving conditions of unemployment and underemployment in rural areas; Assisting in the retention of valuable farm and forest land for productive use by present and future generations; Promoting intergovernmental cooperation and public sector/private sector partnerships in and between rural and other areas; Enhancing the deployment of housing, transportation, water, wastewater, and broadband communications infrastructure and services in rural areas; Supporting rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts; and, Generally promoting the health, happiness, safety, employment opportunity, and general welfare of the residents of each of the rural counties and municipal corporations of the State. Regional Councils: The General Assembly has established five regional planning and development councils to concentrate on the needs of specific rural regions and ensure that those areas are not overlooked in public policy discussions. Each council serves a three-county area that is geographically, culturally and socioeconomically similar. By working together and ignoring jurisdictional lines when need be, the rural regions have become stronger and more effective in finding solutions to the challenges before them. The regional councils have brought elected, civic, and business leaders in their regions together to help create economic development strategies, preserve and assist agricultural and resource-based industries, obtain federal funding for infrastructure improvements, coordinate and sometimes even manage regional transportation projects (including public transit services), and develop support for a diverse set of public policy initiatives. Rural regional planning and development assistance will provide grants specifically for projects and activities of the five rural regional planning and development councils and for other multi-county rural improvement efforts. The Councils have established strategic needs within the rural communities which will be reflected in the approved grant agreements. Funding Information Each regional council is eligible to receive $600,000 in FY2025 for rural regional planning and development assistance. Eligibility Criteria  Tri-County Council of Western Maryland, Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland, Upper Shore Regional Council, Mid-Shore Regional Council, Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, and multicounty efforts serving rural communities in areas not served by the regional councils. For more information, visit RMC.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund Grant: Rural Health. Donor Name: Rural Maryland Council State: Maryland County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The objective of the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund is to help raise the overall standard of living in rural areas to a level that meets or exceeds statewide benchmark averages by 2030 while preserving the best aspects of a pastoral cultural and rural way of life. Resources provided to the Fund are designed to facilitate significant targeted investments in important economic and community development programs and promote regional and intergovernmental cooperation. These investments will also enable local and regional public and nonprofit organizations to leverage additional non-state financial and human resources to facilitate the realization of sustainable rural development objectives. The Fund will serve the interests of the entire State by: Encouraging the increase of entrepreneurial activity and commerce and a balanced economy in the State; Relieving conditions of unemployment and underemployment in rural areas; assisting in the retention of valuable farm and forest land for productive use by present and future generations; Promoting intergovernmental cooperation and public sector/private sector partnerships in and between rural and other areas; Enhancing the deployment of housing, transportation, water, wastewater, and broadband communications infrastructure and services in rural areas; Supporting rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts; and, Generally promoting the health, happiness, safety, employment opportunity, and general welfare of the residents of each of the rural counties and municipal corporations of the State. Healthcare: Health care access and delivery is a major problem in the State’s rural areas. Residents often need to travel great distances to seek health care services due to health workforce shortages. This problem is in primary care and is particularly acute in specialty care such as surgical specialties, dentistry, mental health, and other medical specialty areas. Eligible health care projects will range from health care planning, to health program implementation and evaluation, and will include projects pertaining to the following: Improving access to health and medical/dental/behavioral health care Tele-medicine and telehealth networking Programs that focus on planning and/or coordination of health care Programs that address rural population health needs Programs that ensure health care insurance and treatment enrollment Programs that implement and measure the accomplishment of components of the state’s rural health plan Rural Nonemergency Medical Transportation: Projects could include the following components better coordination (between industries, funding sources/coverage), 2) provides interregional transportation, and 3) on-demand response. Recruitment and retention of health care and public health professionals Programs to aid recruitment of health care providers Rural residency programs in primary care and medical/surgical specialties and dentistry Housing projects to support rural rotations of medical students/ health professions students Pipeline and pathway programs for future and existing health care workers Behavioral and mental health Programs to address: Substance use disorder, including alcohol, opioids and prescription drugs Depression and counseling, suicide prevention Domestic abuse and violence Chronic disease prevention and management Health education on diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancers prevalent in rural Maryland, hypertension/high blood pressure Disease management programs Research and treatment of health impacts on minority populations, and in particular, prenatal care Oral and dental health Funding Information For Fiscal Year 2025, the RMC has budgeted $1,500,000 for health care projects in the General Funds for the health care portion of the RMPIF program. Grant Period August 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be a local government, institute of higher education, regional council, or be a 501(c)(3) IRS tax designation or similar and serve a regional or statewide rural constituency. Eligible applicants include federally qualified health centers, area health education centers, local health clinics, and other rural-serving health organizations. The applicant does not have to be located in a rural area or in the area it serves. For more information, visit RMC.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the Goat and Sheep Dairy Development Grant program. Donor Name: Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: This program will strengthen and support the growth of the Northeast goat and sheep dairy sector through projects that address one of the following: 1) business viability, 2) market development, or 3) innovative approaches to production. Projects are expected to enhance the growth and viability of individual small ruminant businesses, as well as address gaps in technical assistance, improved supply chain partnerships, market access and growth, and long-term business viability. This program will fund two types of projects: Individual Business Projects are for farmers or processors making necessary improvements to increase business viability, market development, or innovations in production. Examples of eligible topics include: Engagement with a technical assistance provider or consultant to develop and implement business viability improvements around topics areas such as grazing management, cost of production, herd/flock health, business operations, farm transitions Business diversification and marketing Research and development of innovative solutions to production or management issues Trialing new systems or technologies Purchase of specialized dairy equipment that help optimize a business Sector Enhancement Projects must directly engage multiple dairy businesses in activities which improve or expand small ruminant production practices or dairy markets. Projects should strengthen relationships across the goat/sheep dairy supply chain such as farmer-to-farmer, farmer-processor, or processor-customer relationships. Examples of eligible topics include: Development and implementation of tools, direct services, educational opportunities, or other resources for goat and/or sheep dairy farmers or processors that will support the growth of the sector. Topics areas could include grazing management, cost of production, herd/flock health, business operations, farm transitions Improving farmer access to resources Research and development of innovative solutions to production or management issues Initial investments to help buyers develop long-term methods for provide direct support or benefits to their suppliers to strengthen supply chain-relationships Development of supply chain opportunity. Projects that engage with relevant technical assistance will be prioritized. Technical assistance includes business planners, grazing specialists, marketing professionals, small ruminant veterinarian services, and other business viability services. Funding Priorities  All projects are expected to directly address a minimum of two (2) of the following priorities: Development of resources that fill unmet technical assistance needs of goat/sheep dairy farmers Increasing pay price for goat/sheep dairy farmers Producing deliverables that can be used for new goat/sheep dairy farmers starting up, or cow dairy conversions Projects that include educational/information sharing components that will directly benefit additional farmers or processors beyond the project partners Collaborative projects that will benefit both farmers and processors Increasing profits for a dairy business (Individual Business projects only) or multiple businesses Improvements to herd/flock health, nutrition, and/or milk quality Reduction of barriers to accessing new markets Development of market channels and distribution opportunities to increase goat/sheep dairy product placement Innovative strategies to increase awareness and consumption of goat/sheep dairy products. Funding Information Individual business grants will range from $15,000 – $50,000 with a 25% cash and/or in-kind match commitment. Supply chain projects will range from $25,000 – $75,000 with a 25% cash and/or in-kind match commitment. Total funds available: $760,000. Grant Period Between 8 and 12 months. Eligible Projects  All projects should support dairy businesses to develop or expand the reach of goat and/or sheep dairy products or markets. Projects must support increased business viability, develop market access/presence, or support innovative strategies to develop the goat and sheep dairy sector. Projects that engage with relevant technical assistance will be prioritized. Technical assistance includes business planners, grazing specialists, marketing professionals, small ruminant veterinarian services, and other business viability services. Eligibility Criteria  Grants are available to applicants in all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applicants eligible for these funds must fall into at least one of the following categories: Dairy farmer (producer) that: currently produces goat or sheep milk, or will by the end of the grant if their grant project includes transitioning from cow dairy is headquartered or based in the Northeast; and produces milk within the Northeast; and is a licensed dairy operation in compliance with all required state and/federal standards Dairy processor that: currently transforms raw goat/sheep milk into an edible product; and is licensed in a way that their product can be sold across state lines; and is headquartered or based in the Northeast; and sources or produces milk that originates within the Northeast; and if a value-added processor, manufactures products within the Northeast. Dairy producer association/dairy council which represents and promotes goat and/or sheep dairy products/dairy businesses of the Northeast region. Grant projects submitted by dairy producer association applicants should meet the requirements of a Sector Enhancement project. Technical assistance provider working directly with a group of goat/sheep dairy farmers and/or processors. Grant projects submitted by technical assistance provider applicants should meet the requirements of a Sector Enhancement project. For more information, visit NE-DBIC.

The objective of the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) is to help raise the overall standard of living in rural areas to a level that meets or exceeds statewide benchmark averages by 2030 while preserving the best aspects of cultural heritage and rural way of life. Donor Name: Rural Maryland Council State: Maryland County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Resources provided to RMPIF are designed to facilitate significant targeted investments in important economic and community development programs and promote regional and intergovernmental cooperation. These investments will also enable local and regional public and nonprofit organizations to leverage additional non-state financial and human resources to facilitate the realization of sustainable rural development objectives. The Fund will serve the interests of the entire State by: Encouraging the increase of entrepreneurial activity and commerce and a balanced economy in the State; Relieving conditions of unemployment and underemployment in rural areas; Assisting in the retention of valuable farm and forest land for productive use by present and future generations; Promoting intergovernmental cooperation and public sector/private sector partnerships in and between rural and other areas; Enhancing the deployment of housing, transportation, water, wastewater, and broadband communications infrastructure and services in rural areas; Supporting rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts; and, Generally promoting the health, happiness, safety, employment opportunity, and general welfare of the residents of each of the rural counties and municipal corporations of the State. Funding Information For Fiscal Year 2025, the State has budgeted $1,500,000 in General Funds for the entrepreneurship portion of the RMPIF program. Eligible Expenditures Salaries and Wages are allowable expenses. It is strongly encouraged to include a statement on sustainability for future years. Administrative costs including construction, leasing, and renovation of buildings are eligible expenses Acquisition of land is not. The purchase or rental of vehicles are eligible expenses. The purchase of equipment is an eligible expense. These administrative expenses should not exceed more than 25% of the grant request. Quotes for purchases and construction work should be included. Meals are allowable if the costs are reasonable and a justification is provided that such activity maintains the continuity of the meeting and to do otherwise will impose arduous conditions on the meeting participants. Indirect administrative costs are capped at 10%. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be a local government, institute of higher education, regional council, or be a 501(c)(3) IRS tax designation or similar and serve a regional or statewide rural constituency. Community Colleges, Career Technology Centers, Regional Councils, and Libraries are eligible applicants. The applicant does not have to be located in a rural area or in the area it serves. For more information, visit RMC.

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) is offering another round of farmer mini grants. Donor Name: Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission State: Maryland County: Anne Arundel County (MD), Calvert County (MD), Charles County (MD), Prince Georges County (MD), Saint Marys County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Farmer Mini-Grant program was established by SMADC in 2016 based on feedback heard from the farming community about their needs. SMADC’s mission is to support farms and the future of agriculture in Southern Maryland, and they are committed to expanding and promoting a viable market-driven, sustainable, and profitable agricultural farming community. Funding Information For this 11th round of grants in Spring 2024 $60,000 of funding is available. The projects should be simple in scope and must be successfully completed within one year. SMADC awards will be up to $3,000 per applicant and are a one-to-one dollar match by the farmer. Eligible Projects  Examples of Projects that would be considered: Services or equipment that help transition a farm’s sales strategy such as online sales, home delivery, on-farm sales, etc.; or for other projects that allow farm business to maintain and/or expand sales. Purchase of foundation livestock. Purchase of plant stock. Marketing and promotion of current farm operation. New fencing for enhancement, expansion, or protection. Hoop house. Materials needed for value-added production. Materials needed for on-farm upgrades to enhance food safety. Irrigation installation or upgrades in regard to GAP certification standards, Food Safety Modernization Act Standards (FSMA), chlorination systems, water testing expenses, drip irrigation, greenhouse irrigation, dedicated agricultural water supply, and overhead irrigation, as pertains to current existing wells or water sources. Washing/packing stations. Freezer/Refrigeration. Eligibility Criteria  Does not include non-profits or community organizations. Both Urban and Rural farms are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be living in the State of Maryland and actively farming in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, or St. Mary’s counties. Youth (16 years and older) who are in or have been in FFA, 4-H, agricultural related programs, or classes, or have a farming background are encouraged to apply. The applicant must match funds awarded dollar to dollar. For example, if the applicant is awarded $500, they must put $500 toward the project budget. Matching must be in dollars, not in-kind or labor. No more than one application is awarded per individual or business entity during a 12-month period. Only completed applications with all applicable supporting documentation attached will be considered. For more information, visit SMADC.

This funding supports regional planning and development councils in Maryland to enhance economic growth and infrastructure in rural areas, with each council eligible for up to $600,000 to address local challenges.

This grant provides financial support to citrus growers in select California counties to implement sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, enhance climate resilience, and promote environmental stewardship, with a focus on assisting socially disadvantaged farmers, women, and veterans.

This program provides financial assistance to counties and tribal governing bodies to enhance fish and wildlife programs. Established in 1965 by the Wisconsin Legislature as an alternative to bounty payments on coyote, foxes, and bobcats, it now supports a wide range of county-sponsored fish and wildlife habitat projects. After the state budget approval, funds are allocated based on the ratio of each county's area to the total state area. The program is designed as a cost-share initiative for projects that include development of outdoor recreation structures, habitat restoration, stocking projects, maintenance, and miscellaneous projects directly related to fish and wildlife. Grant renewed every year. Grant annual deadline: October 1st

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the spring round of the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Agriculture Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Livestock Investment Grant Program. Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The AGRI Livestock Investment Grant encourages long-term industry development for Minnesota livestock farmers and ranchers by helping them improve, update, and modernize their livestock operation infrastructure and equipment. Grant funds are available for equipment purchases, physical improvements, and acquisition of facilities used to help start, improve, or expand livestock operations in the state of Minnesota. Priorities This grant will prioritize: Emerging farmers, including women; veterans; persons with disabilities; American Indian or Alaskan Natives; members of a community of color; young farmers; and farmers who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+). Generational transitions Production of livestock for Kosher or Halal markets Robotic milking equipment Funding Information It expects to award approximately $650,000 in this round using a competitive review process. Applicants may apply for up to 10% of their project’s total cost with a minimum expense of $4,000 and a maximum expense of $250,000; grant awards can range in size from $400 to $25,000. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Be the principal operator of a livestock operation in Minnesota  Be a resident of the state of Minnesota or be a business entity authorized to farm in Minnesota Hold an appropriate feedlot registration when applicable. Be in good standing with the State of Minnesota: No back taxes owed. No defaults on Minnesota state-backed financing for the last seven years. Acceptable performance on past MDA grants. Compliant with current state regulations or this project will support the organization becoming compliant. For more information, visit MDA.

About: The White-Reinhardt Fund for Education is a special funding opportunity from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture® in cooperation with the American Farm Bureau® Women’s Leadership Committee. It was established to honor two former chairs of that committee (Berta White and Linda Reinhardt, leaders in the national effort to improve agricultural literacy) by enlarging agricultural literacy efforts across the United States. The project grant is one of two components of the fund. Purpose: Grants are offered to state and county Farm Bureaus in amounts up to $1,000 for education programs for grades K-12 to initiate new programs or expand existing programs to additional grade levels or new subject areas. The purpose of the fund is to support projects that will expand agricultural literacy. Eligibility: Grants are offered to state and county Farm Bureaus on a competitive basis with priority given to those programs demonstrating a need for financial support. Grant Application Timeline: There will be one application cycle per year that will occur during the summer. Next Cycle: Applications will be due June 16. AFBFA will send applications to State Farm Bureau’s for approval on June 20. State Farm Bureaus have until June 28 to approve grants. Recipients will be notified on or around July 3. Initial funding will be issued the beginning of August. Reports will be due by June 28, 2024 and final payments processed. Application Guidelines: Grant applications must be completed and submitted via online submission. The Foundation will send applications to the state Farm Bureau administrator or agricultural literacy coordinator for approval. Applications to the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture must be approved by their respective State Farm Bureau by June 28 for this year’s program. Those projects selected for grants will receive one-half of the grant at the beginning of the project and the balance upon completion of the project and submission of a final written report to the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. Both county Farm Bureaus and state Farm Bureaus in the same state are eligible to apply. Each county Farm Bureau may submit only one application for a county project. Each state Farm Bureau may submit only one application for a statewide project in addition to any county projects (one per county). By submitting county applications, the state is verifying that the request originates with a county Farm Bureau. Funding is not available for mileage, field trips, wages and benefits, safety programs or one-time consumable products such as copying, paper, seeds or meals. The intent is to build capacity by funding items that can be used repeatedly. Grant payments can be made only to a state or county Farm Bureau. Payments cannot be made to individuals or to other organizations. Selection Criteria: All applications must be for agricultural literacy programs. This program is not to address farm safety education. Due to the large number of applications, all applications will be pre-screened for compliance with grant proposal guidelines. Any grant application not meeting guidelines will be eliminated from the judging process prior to examination by judges. The following areas will disqualify: Applicant failing to follow directions. Applications submitted after the deadline. Consumables in budget. Applications not meeting basic qualifications as an agricultural literacy program. All applications meeting guidelines will be evaluated by a panel of judges. Each evaluator will be asked to score the applications according to the following criteria:

Groundwork Grants, developed in partnership with Myriad Consulting & Training, builds upon this first step by allocating essential financial support to address the identified needs, prioritizing institutions that document the experiences of individuals, groups, and communities whose contributions to California’s history and culture have long been underrepresented in mainstream memory institutions. Donor Name: California State Library State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Groundwork Grants will also ultimately produce long-term economic benefits by reducing response and recovery costs. Most importantly, this collaborative effort will help to safeguard California’s cultural heritage, in its most inclusive form, for generations to come. For the first round of this funding opportunity, over $1 million is available for competitive funding. Awards will take the form of cash grants and/or pre-paid goods and services to address recommended needs and concerns related to emergency readiness. Matching funds are not required. Options for support include: Assistance in the development of disaster plans Disaster recovery & spill kits Preservation supplies Environmental monitoring and alert equipment Staff training opportunities Consultation with local facilities specialists (e.g. engineers, plumbers, electricians, security technicians, or others) Supplies, equipment, or hardware for minor, immediate building maintenance, repairs, storage, or security needs. Funding Priorities  Any organization that meets the eligibility requirements outlined further in this document is welcome to apply. Applications are encouraged especially from organizations that meet the following priority considerations: Highest priority will be given to organizations that represent/document historically underserved, under-represented communities, including but not limited to: African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latinx, or Native American groups; persons with disabilities; persons experiencing poverty or homelessness; veterans; farmworkers; persons identifying as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer; senior residents; immigrants and refugees; and rural communities. Priority will also be given to organizations that have received recent preservation assessments, incorporating disaster readiness, through a Ready or Not preservation consultation or from other qualified preservation consultant(s). Funding Information Maximum awards will be $15,000. Eligible Applicants  To be eligible to apply, your organization must be established in California as one of the following: Nonprofit organizations classified as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) Accredited institutions of higher education (public or nonprofit) Local governments in California and their agencies Native American Tribal governments recognized by the state of California. For more information, visit CSL.

Grant Opportunity: County Conservation Aids (CCA) Funding Organization: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Contact Information: Bobbi Winebar, Grant Program Manager, WI Dept of Natural Resources, 2984 Shawano Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54313, 920-461-2595 Program Description: The County Conservation Aids (CCA) grant program provides financial assistance to county and tribal governing bodies participating in county fish and wildlife programs. The program aims to enhance fish and wildlife resources through the funding of various projects related to outdoor recreation use, habitat restoration/enhancement, stocking projects, maintenance projects, and miscellaneous projects. The grants are funded by the revenue generated from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and state sales tax on hunting and fishing equipment. Eligibility: County and tribal governing bodies participating in county fish and wildlife programs are eligible to apply for this grant. Award Details: The statewide allocation for the current fiscal year is $148,500. Funds are allocated to each county in proportion to the ratio of the size of each county to the total area of the state. Unused funds revert to five regions available to county and tribal governments within region boundaries. Application Process: Interested applicants can download the County Conservation Aids (CCA) Application & Grant Agreement Form #8700-045A from the website. The form should be completed online and submitted via email or postmarked no later than October 1. Applicants may need to obtain permits if required or seek approval from the property manager if their project is occurring on DNR-owned land. A letter of final award notification will be sent out by October 31. Matching Requirement: If an applicant receives a grant of federal pass-through funds from the DNR, those funds can be used as a match for the 50% cost-share required by the CCA program. State funds cannot be used as a match for a CCA grant. Reimbursement Information: Expenditures made prior to the effective date of the appropriate DNR regional grant specialist approval will not be allowed. All work must be done within the project period. Local equipment rates may be used but should not exceed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) equipment rate for the year of the project activities. Re

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will accept applications for the GO TEXAN – Event (GTE) Grants under the GO TEXAN – Marketing Enhancement Grant Assistance (MEGA) Program. Donor Name: Texas Department of Agriculture State: Texas County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Event Grant program (GTE) is designed to provide grant funds to Associate GO TEXAN partners who coordinate public festivals, farmers markets, and events across the state that will promote GO TEXAN businesses, their Texas made products, and the overall GO TEXAN Program. Funding Information The Event Grant program provides $5,000 to $20,000 for Associate GO TEXAN Partners organizing public festivals, farmers markets, and events promoting GO TEXAN businesses and products. Grant Period Anticipated Start Date of Project/Grant: August 15, 2024. End Date of Project: December 31, 2025. For more information, visit TDA.