Local Agriculture Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profits and government entities in Harris County to implement projects that combat homelessness through services like outreach, emergency shelter, and rapid re-housing.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local governments in Erie County to improve community centers that serve as vital hubs for social, educational, and recreational services.

This program provides reimbursement funds to farmers in Benton County, Oregon, for implementing non-lethal methods to prevent wildlife conflicts and protect their crops and livestock.

This funding initiative provides financial support for urban agriculture projects in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, aimed at enhancing local food systems and promoting environmental sustainability.

This program provides up to $2,000 in professional services to support small farms and agribusinesses in Chester County, Pennsylvania, particularly those facing financial barriers and led by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Decatur County, Indiana, that focus on agricultural education, youth programming, and the preservation of farming history.

The Orange County Business Investment Grant Program in North Carolina is seeking applications to provide financial support ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to stimulate non-farm business development and expansion within the county, with eligibility criteria including the business's physical location, operational duration, tax status, and connection with business counseling services.

The 2025 Agriculture Farm Expansion Grant, offered by the Kauai County Office of Economic Development (OED), seeks to support the growth of Kauai’s agricultural industry. The program provides targeted funding to projects that aim to expand farming operations across the island. The funding period spans from March 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, and proposals must be submitted via the Amplifund system by Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM Kauai Standard Time. Late submissions or proposals sent via mail, email, or fax will not be considered. The grant is open to organizations proposing projects or programs that advance the agricultural sector. Proposals will be reviewed, and funding recommendations will be made, with recipients notified during the week of February 3, 2025. Applicants must ensure their proposals align with the program’s goals and meet all submission requirements outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP). The full RFP can be accessed through the Kauai County OED website, and the Amplifund system provides the portal for proposal submissions. Questions about the grant must be submitted in writing to [email protected] by November 21, 2024, at 4:00 PM. Applicants requiring auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations due to disabilities must contact Therilynn Martin-Haumea at 808-241-4299 or [email protected] by November 23, 2023, to ensure adequate time for requests to be fulfilled. Alternate formats for notices, such as large print or Braille, are available upon request. This grant provides a strategic opportunity to invest in Kauai’s agricultural infrastructure, promote industry growth, and foster sustainable farming practices. Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the RFP and submit detailed proposals that align with the program’s objectives before the deadline.

The District’s Clean Air Grant (CAG) Program provides monetary grants to private companies and public agencies to clean up their heavy-duty engines beyond that which is required by law or regulation through repowering, replacing, or retrofitting their engines, vehicles, or equipment. Donor Name: Placer County Air Pollution Control District State: California County: Placer County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grants may also fund infrastructure projects to support California’s transformation toward zero and near-zero emission technologies. A portion of Clean Air Grant Program funds is reserved for projects located within or benefitting low-income communities. Project Categories  Agricultural Portable and Stationary Engine Repower and Infrastructure Only Tier 3 diesel engines are eligible to apply. Engines must be in full compliance with State regulations prior to applying. Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Eligible project types include battery charging stations, natural gas, and hydrogen fueling. Infrastructure projects will be subject to a competitive bid process. Individual and Residential projects not eligible for funds Heavy-Duty On- and Off-Road Equipment Replacement, Repower, and Retrofit Only Small Fleets, as defined by ARB’s Off-Road Regulation, are eligible to apply for off-road funding. Large and Medium off-road fleets are no longer eligible for grant funds. School Bus Replacement Fleets must be in full compliance with State regulations prior to applying. Types of Projects that Qualify for Clean Air Grants Infrastructure projects that enable emission reductions and projects that reduce surplus emissions from heavy-duty on-road and off-road equipment qualify, including on-road trucks over 14,000 gross vehicle weight. Examples of potential projects include: Off-Road Equipment Construction and Farm Equipment Forklifts Locomotives Stationary Agricultural Equipment Other Agricultural Sources On-Road Vehicles Emergency Vehicles Public Agency/Utility Vehicles School Buses Solid Waste Collection Vehicles Transit Fleet Vehicles Infrastructure Battery Charging Stations Alternative Fueling Stations Stationary Agricultural Pump Electrification. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles subject to a compliance deadline within two years and off-road diesel equipment subject to a compliance deadline within four years are not eligible to apply. Guiding Principles The District will apply the following guiding principles to their local CAP Incentives Program: Reduce emissions through investments that benefit impacted communities Projects will consider air toxics, criteria air pollutants, and greenhouse gas benefits Community outreach and support are essential Ensure emissions reductions are in excess of laws or regulations Prioritize zero-emission technology and infrastructure Consider special projects for sensitive receptors Transparency in project selections and reporting Consider both cost-effectiveness and exposure reduction in funding. For more information, visit Placer County Air Pollution Control District.

This program provides financial support to non-farm businesses in Orange County, particularly those owned by women and BIPOC, to help them grow, hire staff, and make a positive economic impact.

This program provides funding to Detroit-based community groups, including block clubs and nonprofits, to enhance neighborhood spaces through projects like gardens and clean-up efforts.

The Summer Meals Capacity-Building Mini-Grants program seeks to increase the number of children and youth in the City of Rochester receiving summer meals and the number of days meals are served. Donor Name: Rochester Area Community Foundation State: New York City: Rochester Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Summer Meals program is federally funded and designed to provide food to youth when the regular school year is not in session. The program serves youth 18 and under who are in programs that serve, or are located near, a school with at least 50% free and reduced meals eligibility rates. The City of Rochester is designated a high-need area, making all youth in the city eligible for summer meals. The Summer Meals program (officially the Summer Food Service Program) is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service. Proposals may include requests for one or more of the following: A Summer Meals Volunteer Coordinator or supplemental staff to increase the Summer Meals site’s capacity to serve additional children and/or to extend the number of days of meal service. One-time capital purchases to increase the capacity of the Summer Meals site to serve additional children and/or extend the number of days of meal service. Examples include purchase of tables, chairs, and coolers. Examples can be found here: Refrigeration and dining, Equipment One-time capital purchase of equipment or supplies that will encourage physical activity and fun, thus increasing the capacity of the provider to serve additional summer meals as more youth may be enticed to participate. Categories  Children  Equity  Youth  Funding Information Up to $15,000. Eligibility Criteria All applicants must be an approved partner of one of the three main Summer Meals sponsors in Rochester (the City of Rochester, Rochester City School District, or Foodlink) for meal delivery, or maintains its own LEA status with NYSED for Summer Meal sponsorship; AND An organization, church, or government entity that has previously provided reimbursable Summer Meals through the New York State Department of Education under the Summer Food Service Program in the City of Rochester; OR A 501(c)(3) organization or 509(a)(1) public organization Previous Summer Meals Mini-Grant recipients are eligible to reapply, but priority may be given to organizations that have not received Summer Meals Mini-Grants in the past. For more information, visit RACF.

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

The Community Foundation’s Impact Grant program provides grants for any purpose, including a wide range of field of interest and special purpose funds, and support for individuals served by nonprofits or government agencies. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of Frederick County State: Maryland County: Frederick County (MD) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Nonprofit organizations providing programs that impact health and human services, historic preservation, the arts, agriculture, civic causes, animal well-being, education, youth programs, and more should apply. Funding Information Minimum request: $500 Grant Period Grants must be used during the period of January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria The Community Foundation administers grants to organizations providing direct benefits to Frederick County, Maryland. All applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered for a grant. The applicant must be: An already existing nonprofit, 501c3 organization in good standing with the IRS, A government/quasi-governmental agency applying for an extraordinary project that is not funded by tax revenue, A religious organization requesting funding for non-sectarian activities, or A civic group that is not a 501c3 organization requesting funding for a community cause. For more information, visit CFFC.

This funding opportunity supports urban youth agricultural education and community development initiatives in Minnesota's urban and peri-urban areas, benefiting a range of organizations including nonprofits, schools, and local governments.

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 Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is offering a Starter Fund Grant Program, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, for small community organizations and groups focusing on advancing an equitable and sustainable local food system within Seattle, with eligible activities including food justice initiatives, community organizing, food-related job training, and more.

Tourism Capital grants support significant investments in visitor-generating projects such as theaters, museums, trails, and other major cultural and recreational attractions. Donor Name: Tompkins County State: New York County: Tompkins County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000. Uses of Funds The funds can be used for design, renovation, and new building projects; investments in unique permanent installations such as exhibits; and feasibility studies of potential capital projects. Supported Activities Past projects funded include the Dryden Rail Trail Stewart Park Inclusive Playground renovation of Discover Cayuga Lake’s charter boat for eco-cruises; Tompkins Center for History and Culture buildout visitor amenities for the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. What is Eligible for Funding? Capital Investment Projects New construction and renovation projects are eligible. The project may provide expansion or renovation to existing facilities or may be a new facility. Project will typically be valued at $75,000 or higher. Grant funds may contribute up to one-third (33%) of eligible costs that include: Acquisition of land Acquisition, construction, and renovation of buildings Acquisition of furnishings, equipment, permanent exhibitions, and other capital improvements designed to serve or promote tourism over a minimum of five years Design services for the project Feasibility Studies Studies should lead to a capital investment as described above. Eligible projects include: Concept-level design and determination of cost estimates Tourism plan for a capital project Business plan for a capital project. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit organizations designated as 501(c)3. Municipalities within Tompkins County. Farmers Markets. For more information, visit Tompkins County.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for small-scale marketing projects that promote tourism in the Manzanita area during the off-season, helping local businesses attract visitors when traffic is typically lower.

The James City County is seeking applications for its Good Neighbor Grant Program to enhance the sense of community and environmental wellness of the neighborhoods through sustainable community planning. Donor Name: James City County State: Virginia County: James City County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/16/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of this grant is to encourage community members to take pride in and responsibility for their communal space. Projects will focus on the physical aspects of common areas through the installation of native plants, erosion control methods, place making for community members and other methods to improve environmental quality and minimize negative impacts. Examples: community garden, entryway landscaping, trail improvements, communal compost, playground and pool area landscaping, energy saving techniques and litter prevention measures. Funding Information  Matching grant awards up to $500. For more information, visit James City County.