Grants for For profit organizations other than small businesses - Agriculture

Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: Kentucky NRCS Easement Restoration and Management AssistanceNotice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-KY-EASE-24NOFO0001320Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under 10.072 Wetlands ReserveProgram and 10.931 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, 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 Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is seeking support from natural resource conservation partners to work together to help enhance conservation delivery in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The overall intent of this announcement is to solicit partnerships to help enhance the implementation of key conservation objectives and priorities outlined further in this document.Proposals will be accepted from eligible entities as identified in Section C.1. of this announcement for competitive consideration of awards for projects between one (1) and (5) years in duration to deliver conservation programs and services in Kentucky. NRCS anticipates the amount of funding available for this announcement will be approximately $2,000,000 annually over a five year period (up to $10,000,000), which will be awarded to multiple recipients. All applicants must be capable of providing support throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Entities may use this opportunity to request additional funding for existing Kentucky cooperative agreements.This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions for projects. Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete and/or noncompliant applications may be eliminated from competition and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant. The Kentucky State Conservationist reserves the right not to fund any or all applications. NRCS will accept applications under this notice for single or multiyear applications submitted by eligible entities.2For 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 June 30, 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.The agency anticipates making selections by August 1, 2024 and expects to execute awards by September 30,2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change

Grant funds for this program are for small agricultural businesses that have been financially impacted by severe drought and/or flooding in the State of California and will be disbursed in the following groups for awards of up to $100,000. Drought Groups: • Drought Group 3 funds will be allocated to qualified small agricultural businesses that do not file their 2022 tax returns until 2024 (application opens in 2024).     Previous funding groups (Drought Groups 1 and 2, and Flood Group 1) are closed and funds are no longer available. The current allocation of funds is only applicable for agricultural businesses that meet the definition above for Drought Group 3.

The Research and Education Grant program funds projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The focus on farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $250,000. Grant Period Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligible Applicants Research and Education Grants are open to anyone who works with farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, for-profit business entities (such as private consultants, farmers and veterinary practices), etc. Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program funds projects that develop the knowledge, awareness, skills and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers about sustainable agriculture practices to teach, advise or assist farmers. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: An agricultural service provider is a professional who assists farmers. Projects that develop the ability of other service providers (for example, real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys) to work with farmers are also eligible. These service providers then use what they’ve learned through participation in project activities in their work with farmers. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000. Project Duration Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligibility Criteria  Professional Development Grants are open to anyone who works with service providers and farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, and for-profit business entities (such as farms, private consultants, veterinary practices and other businesses that serve the farming community). Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

The Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF) is the administrator for a portion of New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program with a focus on enhancing, growing and improving the mid-channel of the food supply chain. Donor Name: Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF) State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funded under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) of 2021, and with allocations made to all 50 states plus districts and commonwealths, the goals are to expand each state’s middle-chain capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural food products. Meat, poultry, cannabis, animal food and forage, fiber, and wild caught seafood products are not considered under this program. The RFSI program will make infrastructure awards to businesses and organizations operating in the middle-of-the-supply chain. Successful projects will focus on increasing the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York markets. Competitive project applications must benefit multiple producers and multiple markets, and may be collaborative applications. The grant program is to fund projects that expand statewide capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural food products (excluding meat and poultry products). Successful projects will focus on increasing the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York and regional markets. Competitive project applications will benefit multiple producers and multiple markets. Priorities and Objectives Support infrastructure development to expand business’ capacity for processing, aggregation, storage and distribution. Target development of infrastructure projects to the dairy, fruit and vegetable, and organic industries to support the development of new value-added products. Create greater market access to intermediaries such as food hubs, aggregators, wholesalers, and distributors with the goal of increasing local food sales to institutions such as schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities. Funding Information Infrastructure Grants: This competitive opportunity is focused on funding infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of locally produced agricultural food products (excluding meat and poultry products). Applications may be submitted for projects ranging from $100,000 – $3,000,000. Applications must include match funds of 50% or 25% for historically underserved groups. Eligible Activities  Construction Hiring term-limited personnel to assist with project implementation activities. Purchasing special purpose equipment to benefit multiple producers through middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution or targeted agricultural product. Analyzing potential facility upgrades and changes to meet regulatory requirements, obtaining design and/or architecture services. Planning for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) or other food safety or worker safety measures or equipment recommendations. Upgrades to new facilities for processing specific agricultural products, such as: On-farm post-harvest processing, preservation, and storage/cold storage. Post-harvest cleaning and grading. Aggregator warehouse and storage, including cooperatives. Purchase of freezing equipment, freezer, or cold storage. Processing, canning, preserving and pasteurization. Preparation and packing. Drying, hulling, shelling and milling. Cooking, baking, juicing, distilling, fermenting Retail related activities can include creating distribution channels to new retail opportunities, or expanding processing and packaging capacities, including adding product types, increasing production volumes, and supporting new retail product lines. Eligibility Criteria  Who is eligible? New York State agricultural producers or processors, or groups of agricultural producers and processors Nonprofit organizations Local government entities Tribal governments Institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals bringing producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or invest in equipment that will benefit multiple producers middle-of-the-supply-chain activities. What is eligible? Projects that expand processing capacity, including product type, increased production volume, and supporting new wholesale/retail product lines, modernize equipment or facilities through upgrades, repairs or retooling, purchase installation of specialized equipment, modernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems, enhance worker safety through adoption of new technologies or investment in equipment or facility improvements, construct new facilities, increase packaging and labeling capacities, increase storage space, develop, customize, or install climate-smart equipment, modernize equipment or facilities to ensure food safety, and train on the use of new equipment and new processes. Some examples include: Expanding processing capacities, including adding product types, increasing production volumes, and supporting new wholesale/retail product lines; Modernizing equipment or facilities through upgrades, repairs, or retooling; (e.g., adapting product lines for institutional procurement or adding parallel processing capacity); Purchase installation of specialized equipment, such as processing components, sorting equipment, packing, and labeling equipment, or delivery vehicles; Modernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems; Enhance worker safety through adoption of new technologies or investment in equipment or facility improvements; Increasing packaging and labeling capacities that meet compliance requirements under applicable laws; (e.g. sealing, bagging, boxing, labeling, conveying, and product moving equipment); Increasing storage space, including cold storage; Develop, customize, or install climate-smart equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases efficiency in water use, improves air and/or water quality, and/or meets one or more of USDA’s climate action goals; Modernize equipment or facilities to ensure food safety, including associated Hazard, Analysis, and Critical Control Points (HACCP) consultation, plan development and employee training; Training on the use of all equipment purchased under the grant and associated new processes. For more information, visit FFGF.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (the “Department”) is pleased to announce the availability of funds for the 2024 Farm- to-School Competitive Grants Program. Donor Name: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/27/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Farm-to-School is the promotion and use of foods produced by New York State farmers in meals served in cafeterias of K-12 schools. Associations between farms and schools through the cafeteria and classroom can enhance the quality of food served. With over 700 school districts in New York State, there is the opportunity to foster relationships among New York State farmers, food hubs, producers, processors, and distributors to benefit school-age children. While serving New York State produced food in school cafeterias may seem simple, developing Farm-to-School connections highlights several challenges, particularly the lack of an established infrastructure or network of stakeholders that includes all the necessary parties: farmers, food service directors, food service contract management companies, food distributors, processors, agricultural organizations, and commodity organizations. Other challenges include: Seasonality: Farmers plan their crops in January, long before schools make purchasing decisions and place bids for products in the summer. In addition, the summer growing season is when schools are not in session. Inconsistent quality, quantity, and sizing: schools require produce to be served in standard units and meet specifications. Processing and packaging: schools require vegetables and fruits to be processed and packaged in standard units. Bidding: sending and reviewing bids from individual farmers can be time-consuming and complex for school procurement and fiscal staff. Delivery/pick up: distribution can be complicated when purchasing from multiple growers. Lack of equipment and skills to store, prepare and serve fresh produce procured for school meals programs. Connecting diverse populations with their culturally appropriate foods. Lack of training and workforce development for culinary staff. The New York State Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program began in 2015 to increase school’s purchase of New York specialty crops by building relationships between schools and New York farm product suppliers. Secondary goals of the program include increasing agricultural education opportunities for students, improving nutrition and exposing students to new, local, culinary experiences. The objective of Farm to School projects must be to increase the volume and variety of New York State farm products purchased by schools/districts and served in school meal programs. Applicants are encouraged to include other objectives including agricultural and nutrition education gardening activities and relationship building with local agricultural food businesses and farmers. Projects that partner with producers or food processors are strongly encouraged. Applicants may include partners in their project budget as contractors Funding Information A total of $1,500,000 is available for the Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program. This year, $300,000 will be set aside for first-time recipients. Grant awards may range from $50,000 to $100,000. Applicants may apply for only one grant per funding period. Applicants must apply for $50,000 to $100,000. Project Duration Proposed projects must be completed within two years of the contract start date. Contract term will be 9/1/2024 to 8/31/2026. Eligible Applicants  Eligible applicants include: K-12 School Food Authorities Charter schools Not-for-profit organizations Indian tribal organizations. For more information, visit NYSDAM.

This grant provides funding for a variety of entities, including governments, educational institutions, and farmers, to research and demonstrate the integration of solar energy systems with agricultural practices in Colorado.

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.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Texas Rural Woman Grant. Donor Name: Texas Woman’s University State: Texas County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose is to create greater economic development activity in rural Texas by encouraging and enabling rural woman-owned, small businesses to undertake new and innovative projects. Funding Information A total of ten $5,000 grants for a total of $50,000 are available for this round of funding. What can the funds be used for? Purchase of machinery, equipment, or technology. Farm implements or machinery. Addition or acquisition of new inventory or raw materials. Purchase and installation of fixtures or display units. Property improvements that will result in increased sales and revenue. Marketing or advertising campaigns. Any other business-related activity that CWE deems is aligned with the stated purpose of this program. Who can apply? Eligible businesses must satisfy all of the following conditions: Existing rural, woman-owned businesses (at least 51% directly owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens). The business owner must reside in Texas. The business must currently be set up as a legal business entity. The business must be a for-profit corporation, partnership, LLP or LLC, or sole proprietorship. Not-for-profit corporations or similar nonprofit entities are not eligible. If the business or business owner owns the premises where the business operates, all property taxes must be current. All sales, payroll, and other taxes must be current. The business must be located and operated within an eligible Texas County. The business, business owner and the applicant must not be involved in any pending or current litigation. The business owner must not have any felonies or convictions for a crime of dishonesty or breach of trust. Previous grant winners cannot apply. The business must be in one of the eligible rural counties in Texas. The business, business owner and applicant are operating with all required permits and licenses and are conforming to all required laws. Grant Requirements  The successful applicant will receive two installments of the award: $2,500 after signing the grant agreement, a photo release and all required paperwork for payment. $2,500 following completion of a small business training course hosted by the Center for Women Entrepreneurs, 3 hours of small business advising/mentoring and submission and approval of a completed business plan with three years of financials. Additionally, itemized receipts or proof of purchases made with initial grant funds of $2,500 (costs must have been incurred after receiving grant funding) must be provided to CWE to receive the remaining $2,500. You need to meet with CWE staff to talk over the grant specifics and ask any questions you have. Use the spreadsheet that the CWE provides for documentation. The University will send winners a 1099 for the grant funds received. Ineligible applicants Any business that is not on the rural county list. TWU faculty/staff (or any immediate family member of the applicant’s family, including spouse, child, parent), trustee, and advisory committee member. TWU Students are not eligible to apply. Prior grant winners. Applicants who have taken part in any CWE program in the last year including AccelerateHER, TechFW or NTEEC awardees. For more information, visit TWU.

This funding opportunity supports projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution in Pennsylvania's watersheds, particularly in Environmental Justice Areas, by improving water quality through initiatives like agricultural runoff control and urban stormwater management.

SUMMARY INFORMATION Federal Awarding Agency Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture NRCS Notice of Funding Opportunity Title: Kentucky NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Wetland Reserve Easement (ACEP WRE) Acquisition Services Agreement Notice of Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-KY-ACEP- 24-NOFO0001367 Assistance Listing: This program is listed in the Assistance Listings (previously referred to as the Catalog of Federal Financial Assistance) on Sam.gov under 10.931 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, which can be found at: https://sam.gove/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 Summary The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking proposals to assist with due diligence for acquiring Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE), including contracting for title exams, updates, and closing services; boundary surveys; appraisals and cultural resource investigations. ACEP WRE provides funding for the purchase of conservation easements held by NRCS, and to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible land. Proposals are requested for consideration of cooperative agreements with a period of performance not to exceed five years. For 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 Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on TBD. 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.

This grant provides funding to local governments and private entities in Michigan to replace old diesel vehicles and equipment with all-electric alternatives, promoting cleaner air and sustainable practices.

This grant invites private sector companies and organizations to collaborate with USAID on projects that address economic growth, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability, leveraging their resources and expertise to achieve shared development goals.

This grant provides funding to agricultural professionals and organizations in the Western U.S. to implement educational and demonstration projects that promote the adoption of sustainable farming practices based on previous research findings.

This program provides cost-share assistance to private and public landowners with 20 to 5,000 acres of forest land to improve forest resources, including wildlife habitat and soil and water quality, through various forestry management activities.

In 2021, the California state legislature appropriated $3 million in funding to the Department to develop a Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program to help minimize the impact of gray wolves on livestock producers. The pilot program offers compensation to eligible livestock producers specific to the following primary areas of need (prongs):  Prong 1. Direct Loss - Compensation for verified livestock losses (confirmed/probable wolf) incurred on or after September 23, 2021. Prong 2. Nonlethal Deterrents - Compensation for the use of nonlethal deterrence methods to deter wolf presence near livestock. The Department supports the use of various deterrent tools and techniques as part of a robust, integrated deterrence strategy. Technical assistance may be available through CDFW, County Agricultural Commissions, UC Cooperative Extension, USDA Wildlife Service, and other agency partners. Prong 3. Pay for Presence - Compensation for indirect losses associated with the impacts of wolf presence on livestock in known pack territory. Extenuating circumstances may exist whereby CDFW will consider eligibility for wolf presence outside of known pack territory on a case-by-case basis.

The Effectiveness Monitoring Committee (EMC) is seeking project proposals that: (1)   Address one or more of the EMC’s Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions and; (2)   Address natural resource protection issues that are important for California forestlands. The critical monitoring questions are organized under 12 Research Themes. Four prioritized critical questions were determined by vote amongst the current EMC members at the beginning of each calendar year:  Are the FPRs and associated regulations effective in...  Question 1h: managing WLPZs to reduce or minimize potential fire behavior and rate of spread? Question 6c:  managing fuel loads, vegetation patterns and fuel breaks for fire hazard reduction? Question 6d: managing forest structure and stocking standards to promote wildfire resilience? Question 12a: improving overall forest wildfire resilience and the ability of forests to respond to climate change (e.g., in response to drought or bark beetle; reducing plant water stress) and variability, and extreme weather events (evaluate ecosystem functional response to fuel reduction and forest health treatments)? I.       FUNDING AVAILABILITY. Funding available for newly proposed projects is anticipated as follows: $973,392 over three FYs beginning in 2024/25, comprising: $173,232 in FY 2024/25; $375,160 in FY 2025/26; and $425,000 in FY 2025/26. II.     AWARD LIMITATIONS. Applicants requesting more than the stated annual amount available for funding will not be considered. In the case that EMC funding for the full three years is awarded to one new project, project solicitation may not occur in the subsequent two FYs. While the EMC may choose to fund projects that span multiple FYs up to the annual funding cap, the EMC generally prefers to fund multiple research projects annually. Proposers should keep this in mind when developing their project and annual budget requests. Longer-term projects (greater than three years) may re-apply for funding for additional years through the competitive grants process advertised in the EMC’s Request for Proposals. Annual allocations are dependent upon demonstrated progress towards project completion pursuant to the project schedule and workplan.  a.      ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES. Eligible projects will test one or more specific FPRs or other rule or regulation under the Board’s jurisdiction and which addresses one or more of the EMC’s Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions. Proposed projects must clearly apply to management activities on private timberlands in California. Projects on public land may be eligible for EMC funding provided they clearly apply to the activities and systems that also exist on non-federal timberland. b.      ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS. Eligible applicants are local, state, and federal agencies including federal land management agencies; institutions of higher education; special purpose districts (e.g., public utilities districts, fire districts, conservation districts, and ports); Native American tribes; private landowners; for-profit entities; and non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations.

The Alachua County is seeking applications for its Small Farmer Grant Program. Donor Name: Alachua County State: Florida County: Alachua County (FL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Small farmers and ranchers have a grant opportunity through the County Commission this summer. The Commission is funding a mini-grant to Alachua County-based farms and ranches that earn between $1,000 and $250,000 annually. Funding Information The total grant request must not exceed $5,000. The total funding available for this mini-grant is approximately $100,000. Criteria Promote local food system economic resilience and equity for marginalized communities that will: Assists Alachua County residents. Applicable to Alachua County based small producers (farms, ranches, or other agricultural operations) producing food stuffs for human consumption. Prioritize funding for small producers with annual gross cash income of no more than $75,000. Prioritize black, women, indigenous, and persons-of-color owned agricultural operations Support the immediate acquisition of capital infrastructure and equipment to enhance the farm’s productive capability and financial expansion. This grant recognizes that small producers may not have adequate cash flow to acquire capital equipment and then wait for reimbursement by the County. This grant offers an immediate infusion of funds at the point of award by the Board of County Commissioners. This grant is not a cost reimbursement grant. Improve the economic viability of these small producers. Increase the resiliency of local food production and expand the production of related value added farm products. Achieve Board policies related to economic development: increases economic prosperity, economic equity and diverse tax base. Achieve Board policies related to economic development: increases economic prosperity, economic equity and diverse tax base​. For more information, visit Alachua County.

The City of Milwaukee has launched a new round of grant funding for 2024 focusing on healthy food access in the communities. Donor Name: City of Milwaukee State: Wisconsin City: Milwaukee Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/27/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Fresh Food Access Fund (FFAF) provides financial support to activities that increase fresh food access in underserved communities. Goals The Milwaukee Fresh Food Access Fund (FFAF) aims to financially support activities that increase the access of underserved communities to healthy food choices, partner with community organizations, businesses, and other government entities with a fresh food component, and address the issues identified in the Milwaukee Fresh Food Access Report. Funding Information Grant applicants are required to provide a full budget for the proposed project, identifying the sources and uses of all funds. FFAF grants can cover up to 50% of the cash expenditure required to implement a project, up to a maximum of $25,000. Awards of less than $5,000 may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Eligible uses of Fresh Food Access Fund grants FFAF grants may only be used for capital expenditures related to the establishment, expansion, or improvement of a food-related business that increases access to fresh, healthy food for underserved residents. For example, the following could be considered eligible uses: Purchase of equipment to store and/or prepare healthy food Purchase of furniture, fixtures, and start-up inventory for a healthy food business Build-out of space to house or expand a food retail or production operation Purchase of vehicles to transport healthy food Improvements to the exterior and signage of a fresh food retail operation Construction or equipment activities related to community gardens Soft costs that are specifically necessary to carry out another eligible use of funds. Eligible Projects  The FFAF provides 1:1 matching grants to projects that advance one or more of the following strategies: Attract grocery stores and mobile market stops to underserved neighborhoods Develop other retail outlets in underserved neighborhoods as sources of fresh foods Increase the stock of fresh foods in corner stores Increase the amount of locally grown food that is available to Milwaukee consumers Meet the fresh food needs of populations with special dietary requirements Improve transportation to grocery stores and farmer’s markets for individuals who live in underserved areas. Eligibility Criteria  Applications will be accepted from not-for-profit organizations with current 501(c)3 registration with the US Internal Revenue Service, and for-profit businesses. Other types of entities may be considered on a case-by-case basis. For more information, visit City of Milwaukee.