Agriculture Grants

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering a competitive grant of over $1 million for California dairy and livestock operations to implement non-digester manure management practices and technologies that reduce long-term methane emissions and maximize environmental benefits, with applications due by October 18, 2024.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering a grant of over $1 million through its Dairy Plus Program to California dairy farms for implementing advanced manure management practices that reduce methane emissions and manage nitrogen and salt surplus, with a focus on climate-smart practices and product markets.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering a grant of over $1 million for the implementation of dairy digesters on California dairy farms, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting methane into renewable energy, with a focus on projects that use at least 80% dairy livestock manure as feedstock.

The 2024 AMMP and DDRDP grants, funded by the California State Budget and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, aim to provide financial support for projects that reduce methane emissions from dairy and livestock operations, with a focus on alternative manure management and dairy digester research and development.

This program provides financial assistance to farmers, producer groups, and local governments in Minnesota to help cover the costs of purchasing or retrofitting equipment that improves soil health and promotes sustainable agriculture.

The 2024 Dairy Plus Program is a $58 million grant initiative aimed at supporting advanced manure management practices in dairy farming, offering up to $1,250,000 per project that proposes innovative methods for reducing methane emissions and nitrogen and salt surplus, with the funding being provided on a reimbursement basis after project completion.

This funding opportunity supports projects that enhance Oklahoma's grape and wine industry through research, education, product development, outreach, and marketing, specifically for higher education institutions, government agencies, and trade groups.

The Resilient Futures Technology Grant Program by DroneDeploy is dedicated to fostering radical inclusion in urgent solutions. Donor Name: DroneDeploy State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The mission is to enhance outcomes for underresourced populations by prioritizing advocacy, safety, and efficiency through reality capture technology. They envision a future where all communities have the necessary resources to build a resilient future. The Fund invests in organizations exploring innovative and novel approaches to build resilient futures. They seek to support organizations that improve the built and natural environment, where reality capture technology is inherent in the solution. Grantees’ support will include: Funding dollars (unrestricted) Product donation Product training, product support and employee expertise Thought leadership and amplification Examples of the work they might fund: Disaster preparedness or recovery Climate resilience and adaptation  Food security and sustainable agriculture Environmental pollution monitoring Indigenous land rights and safety Additional solutions they’ve not thought of Funding Information The grants range in size from $10,000 to $20,000 and are given as unrestricted funding. Eligibility Criteria Eligible organizations include tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charities (or the equivalent if outside the U.S.), 501(c)(3) private foundations. They want to fund both larger established organizations and younger emerging organizations that meet these criteria. For more information, visit DroneDeploy.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is currently applications for the 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program. Donor Name: Rural Advancement Foundation International State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: RAFI provides support to Historically Underserved farmers and ranchers  for projects that demonstrate an ability to increase farm viability; establish new markets for local products and services; develop new uses for existing structures and equipment; add value to existing farm products through processing, packaging or marketing; make optimal use of on-farm and natural resources; and Cultural/Heritage projects which are focused on preserving and continuing a specific agrarian tradition.  Funding priority will be given to proposals with: High expected impact on farm viability and sustainability Strong project feasibility and planning: a clear plan, detailed budget and timeline, and all supporting documentation included.  Farmers who earn a significant amount of their household income from the farm operation.  Individual financial need, or location in an economically disadvantaged area Project tangibly benefits the surrounding community Farm uses agroecological and/or or ancestral farming practices  Funding Information Applicants may request up to $10,000 in funding.  Eligibility Criteria You are a historically underserved farmer or rancher, as defined by NRCS.  You are applying as either an individual farmer owner/co-owner or as a farm cooperative If applying as a cooperative or collaborative, at least 50% of the cooperative or collaborative must meet eligibility criteria.  You are in at least your fourth full growing season of farming and have worked at least two years in your current farming operation and location.  You are a “livelihood” farmer/rancher or are seeking a long term career that financially supports you through agriculture  You complete and submit an application by the deadline. You submit only one application (as an individual or a collective). If you submit more than one application, neither will be considered. You have NOT received a RAFI infrastructure grant before (2020-2023).  Your farm is located in one of the following states AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. For more information, visit RAFI.

The EQT Foundation Grant program supports nonprofits that demonstrate positive, needed, and trusted impacts throughout their community with special attention given to proposals grounded in analysis that demonstrate creative approaches to addressing critical issues. Donor Name: EQT Foundation State: Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Since its inception, the EQT Foundation has awarded more than $74 million to nonprofits throughout the operational footprint of EQT Corporation. They are committed to supporting the education and training of children and adults; the development of diverse, livable communities; and preserving our natural environments. EQT Foundation believes in meaningful engagement with the communities they call home and they take great pride in being a responsible and responsive corporate citizens. Through a practice of trust-based philanthropy, they focus their resources on areas that have a direct effect on the stability of communities and, in turn, contribute to the success of business operations in those areas. Priorities The EQT Foundation’s funding strategy endorses organizations and programs that directly impact the community and its residents. The Foundation supports nonprofits that demonstrate positive, needed, and trusted impacts throughout their community with special attention given to proposals grounded in analysis that demonstrate creative approaches to addressing critical issues. The EQT Foundation also seeks evidence of: Geographic setting that aligns with EQT Corporation’s business locations; Ability to manage available resources effectively; and Outreach that gains solid public recognition and support for the nonprofit, its programs and sponsors. Priorities The EQT Foundation’s funding strategy endorses organizations and programs that directly impact the community and its residents. The EQT Foundation also seeks evidence of: Geographic setting that aligns with EQT Corporation’s business locations; Ability to manage available resources effectively; and Outreach that gains solid public recognition and support for the nonprofit, its programs and sponsors. Community Enrichment : Encourage the development of diverse, safe, healthy, and sustainable communities, which can help to retain residential, commercial and economic growth. Examples: Food banks, libraries, farmers markets, arts & music programs, community festivals & initiatives. Education & Workforce: Promote proficiency in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) topics for youth, as well as training programs to create a future skilled workforce. Examples: In-school STEM-based curricula, computer and science camps, project-based learning, teacher professional development, career planning and preparation. Environment: Support the preservation of natural resources, and educate children, residents, and businesses to employ conservation techniques to minimize adverse impacts on the environment. Examples: community gardens, watershed conservation, environmental education, preservation and restoration of green spaces. Funding Information While grant sizes can vary greatly depending on the scope of a project, the average grant awarded by the EQT Foundation is $15,000. Geographic Areas The EQT Foundation tends to award grants in the same geographic footprint of EQT Corporation’s business operations. For the most part, that includes southwestern Pennsylvania (Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington, Westmoreland Counties), northeastern Pennsylvania (Bradford, Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, Tioga), northern West Virginia (Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Tyler, Wetzel Counties) and eastern Ohio (Belmont County). For more information, visit EQT Foundation.

Centennial Park Conservancy is excited to donate $60,000, the proceeds from Nashville Earth Day’s 2024 festival, to underwrite environmental projects in public spaces across Nashville. Donor Name: Centennial Park Conservancy State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program, which is managed by Centennial Park Conservancy, has created positive environmental change across the city by funding the planting of 240 trees, caring for 160,000 bees, planting or improving 11 community gardens and pollinator habitats, cleaning up 15 waterways, donating 2,300 trees, removing invasive plants, and providing education to thousands of adults and children in parks and classrooms. Centennial Park Conservancy, a nonprofit organization committed to sustaining Centennial Park’s vibrancy, announced today that applications are open for Nashville Earth Day grants to support local environmental initiatives. For more information, visit Centennial Park Conservancy.

The "Assisting Specialist Crop Exports: Provision of MRL Information" grant aims to help U.S. specialty crop producers overcome international trade barriers related to maximum residue limits (MRLs) of pesticides and other chemicals, which can restrict access to certain markets and impact best farming practices.

The Main Street Micro Business Startup Grant Program, funded by Main Street Oakland County and Genisys Credit Union, offers grants between $1000 to $10,000 to support the creation, relocation, or expansion of small businesses in specific Main Street Districts, covering costs such as location renovations, rent assistance, equipment purchases, and other relevant expenses.

The “Main Street Connected” Grant Program is designed to provide technology and digitally based support to complement MSOC’s other economic vitality efforts that bolster small businesses at the local community level. Donor Name: Oakland County State: Michigan City: Selected Cities Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: “Main Street Connected” Grant Program to support the attraction, retention and growth of small businesses in designated downtowns and historic neighborhood commercial corridors, Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) has partnered with MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) to create the “Main Street Connected” Grant Program. Funding Information Grants can be up to $2,500 each. Eligible Activities Eligible activities include: Development or use of data analytics software Payment processing software or equipment purchases, including Point of Sale (POS) Website creation and e-commerce support Social media or digital marketing costs Cybersecurity and data protection Customer relationship management (CRM) costs Project or inventory management software costs Creation or implementation of pop-up operations or public markets Eligibility Criteria Eligible small business may be up to 10 years old and must be in one of the Main Street Districts in Auburn Hills, Berkley, Birmingham, Clarkston, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Ortonville, Pontiac, Rochester, Royal Oak, Southfield, and Wixom. For more information, visit Oakland County.

This program provides financial assistance to individuals and organizations in Hawai’i to promote local food production and enhance food security through gardening, livestock, and apiary projects.

The Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation (IVWF) is seeking applications for its Mission Support grant for nonprofit organizations serving primarily Imperial County. Donor Name: Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation State: California County: Imperial County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation (IVWF) aims to make the Imperial Valley A Better Place to Live for All. It recognizes the importance and value of focusing on the quality of life for the residents of the Imperial County and want to support the work that many organizations are doing to address health and wellness, and community engagement in disinvested communities and especially with populations and groups that have been historically excluded from planning and decision-making. In addition, they value the importance of the nonprofits that lead this work and are committed to supporting them in building capacity to carry out their work and mission. Focus Areas  Health and Wellness Food insecurity and healthy eating Active living and physical activity Mental and emotional health Safe and healthy living neighborhoods Social health Programs that focus on the awareness and prevention of asthma, prenatal care, diabetes, and obesity Health and wellness programs that benefit children, disadvantaged students, farm workers, homeless, LGBTQ, low-income families, seniors and veterans Community Engagement Helping community members address the issues and needs they face in their communities Engaging community members to work together on community priorities Creating opportunities for community members to gather and socialize Helping community members gain awareness and become better informed Listening to the community to learn more about their priorities and helping them take actions to improve conditions Building the community’s capacity so they can create the change they want to see Nonprofit Capacity Building Strengthening the operations of the organization Strengthening the staff and team of the organization Building a strong volunteer base Attending conferences and workshops Purchasing and/or improving equipment and software Technical assistance or consulting services Funding Information IVWF’s 2024 Mission Support grant funding ranges from $1,000 to $10,000 per recipient. The total fund is $80,000. Eligibility Criteria To qualify for IVWF’s 2023 Mission Support, your organization must: be a 501(c)(3) or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor; serve regions in Imperial County; provide direct services to underserved communities, and For more information, visit IVWF.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is currently accepting applications for the popular Micro-Grant for Food Security Program (MGFSP). Donor Name: Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) State: Hawaii County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: This is the fourth year of the grant program which provides support for small-scale gardening, herding and livestock operations to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food in food-insecure communities. A total of $3,576,470 is available for this year’s program which was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the 2018 Farm Bill. Examples of the types of activities that may be funded under this grant include: Small-Scale Gardening – purchase tools or equipment, soil, seeds, plants, canning equipment, refrigeration, composting equipment, towers, hydroponic and aeroponic farming. Small-Scale Herding and Livestock Operations – purchase animals, buy, erect or repair fencing for livestock. Apiary – bees and bee boxes, education, expanding food markets. Eligibility Criteria  This year’s program is open to: Individuals, including backyard farmers – for the amount set at $5,000 per applicant. Applicants must be Hawai‘i resident, at least 18 years old and head of the household. Those previously granted awards under the MGFSP are ineligible. Organizations that are registered to do business in Hawai‘i, including Native Hawaiian, nonprofits, federally funded educational facilities – for the amount set at $10,000 per applicant. Organizations receiving awards will be required to provide matching funds of at least 10% of the grant award. The matching funds cannot be derived from other federal sources. For more information, visit Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

This program provides financial assistance to businesses and property owners in Portsmouth for improving and renovating commercial spaces to enhance the local streetscape and attract more interest in the area.

The IDEA Fund program is a state-sponsored venture capital initiative that utilizes public funding (both state and federal) to drive economic development within the state. The primary focus of this program is to foster innovation and support technology-driven entrepreneurial endeavors that contribute to the state’s overall economic development growth. MTC’s Venture Capital Program was created to accelerate private venture capital investment in Missouri-based start-up companies and to increase the overall investment impact of third-party investments. The Venture Capital Program supports technology startups through matching equity or convertible debt investments up to $2,000,000 for the purpose of scaling the business to attract additional venture capital. Since 2010, MTC has invested over $49 million in more than 150 early-stage Missouri-based high-growth technology-focused companies. Since 2018, our portfolio companies have gone on to raise over $1.6 billion in additional private capital.

The Colorado Gives Foundation is inviting applicants for its Convenient Neighborhoods Grant Program. Donor Name: Colorado Gives Foundation State: Colorado County: Jefferson County (CO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Funding to support community spaces so all Jefferson County residents can easily access parks, transportation hubs, farmers markets, recreation centers and other amenities. Having easy and safe access to public transportation, bike-friendly routes and accessible paths supports overall health and wellbeing. Funding Information Typical Grant Funding Range: $5,000-$25,000 per year. Project Period October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026. Eligibility Requirements This grant opportunity provides general operating support to community partners who are advancing work in one or more of the following: Support efforts to increase access and enrollment in public transportation benefits. Support policy and advocacy efforts to make it easier for people to access public transportation, improve neighborhood mobility and increase outdoor green spaces. Support efforts to develop and preserve outdoor green spaces, like parks and open areas, and community gathering places such as integrated community hubs and recreation centers. Your organization must also meet the following requirements to be eligible for this grant: Organization Eligibility: Your organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or an organization operating under fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.  Geographic Eligibility: Colorado Gives Foundation is focused on helping Jefferson County thrive. As such they only fund organizations who are committed to serving Jefferson County residents and can demonstrate their impact in Jeffco with number of Jeffco residents served, percentage of budget applied to Jeffco or concrete programs that are specific to or focused on Jeffco populations. For more information, visit Colorado Gives Foundation.