Grants for Individuals - Natural Resources

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

This funding opportunity supports projects that foster cultural, educational, economic, and environmental collaboration between the United States and New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau, targeting a diverse range of applicants including individuals, non-profits, and educational institutions.

This program provides funding to individuals, businesses, and government entities in Texas for innovative projects that significantly reduce emissions from stationary sources, particularly in renewable energy and the oil and gas industry.

This grant provides funding for organizations and individuals to support land rehabilitation and maintenance activities at a military training area in Hawaii, focusing on environmental sustainability and resource management.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for states, local governments, tribes, and organizations to conduct wildlife management studies focused on minimizing human-wildlife conflicts and ensuring ecological balance at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for various conservation and resource management projects aimed at improving military training lands in Alaska, benefiting eligible organizations and individuals involved in environmental stewardship and recreational access.

This fellowship provides funding for graduate students interested in marine policy to gain hands-on experience in federal government roles related to ocean and coastal resource management.

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.

This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based nonprofit organizations, universities, and government entities in developing innovative solutions to overcome barriers to implementing Natural Climate Solutions for climate mitigation.

This program provides funding for farmers and ranchers in the North Central region to develop and share sustainable agricultural practices through research and educational projects.

This program provides financial assistance to Colorado water users, including municipalities and nonprofits, to tackle critical water supply challenges through various projects like planning, construction, and infrastructure maintenance.

This award recognizes and rewards Kansas landowners who implement outstanding conservation practices that enhance soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on their farms, ranches, or forestlands.

This program provides financial assistance to Montana livestock producers for implementing measures to prevent economic losses from predation by large carnivores like wolves and bears.

This grant provides funding to farmers in Wisconsin to develop and implement innovative methods for optimizing commercial nitrogen use in their agricultural practices, in collaboration with a University of Wisconsin institution.

This funding initiative provides financial support to graduate students conducting herpetological research focused on the conservation and management of reptiles and amphibians in the southeastern United States.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for individuals and communities in Oregon to assess the viability of water conservation, reuse, and storage projects, requiring a 50% cost match for feasibility studies.

This grant provides matching funds to states for acquiring land or conservation easements to protect habitats for endangered species, supporting efforts to reduce conflicts between conservation and land use.

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects in Teton County, Wyoming, aimed at improving land, water, wildlife, and community sustainability through various initiatives.

This fellowship provides funding for graduate students researching the conservation of rare and endangered plants in the U.S., particularly those native to the Carolinas and southeastern regions.

This program provides financial support to Vermont farms and eligible non-farm entities for capital improvements that enhance on-farm water quality and reduce nutrient runoff.