Local Agriculture Grants

This program provides financial support to licensed childcare providers to improve the quality of their services through equipment upgrades, technology investments, and facility enhancements.

This funding opportunity supports developers in California who are creating affordable housing projects, providing guidance and financial assistance to promote sustainable and innovative solutions.

The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District is inviting applications for its Community Spaces Matching Grant Program, which aligns with its core mission of protecting land and fostering open spaces within urban and community settings. This program is rooted in the understanding that access to natural resources and open areas is vital for community well-being, ecological health, and agricultural preservation. Through strategic partnerships with local public agencies, non-profit organizations, and federally recognized tribal organizations, the District aims to implement projects that resonate with its broader conservation and community development goals. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the residents of Sonoma County, who will gain access to enhanced recreational opportunities, places for quiet reflection, venues for public gatherings, and spaces for growing local food. The program specifically targets collaborations with eligible public agencies, federally recognized tribes, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, leveraging their capacity to execute impactful projects. The overarching impact goal is to transform neighborhoods by creating vibrant and accessible open spaces that connect communities with nature and promote a deeper understanding of natural resources and agriculture. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined by its three categories of eligible project types: acquisition, improvement, and a combination of acquisition and improvement. This structured approach ensures that funding is directed towards projects that directly contribute to the creation or enhancement of open spaces. The District's strategic priority is to facilitate projects that not only preserve land but also create tangible community assets, thereby addressing both environmental and social needs. The theory of change behind this program is that by investing in accessible open spaces, communities will experience improved quality of life, increased environmental stewardship, and a stronger connection to their local agricultural heritage. Expected outcomes include an increase in protected and accessible open spaces within cities and communities, a greater number of opportunities for recreation and community engagement, and a strengthened local food system through community gardens and agricultural education initiatives. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the program's success would likely be evaluated by metrics such as the acreage of land acquired and improved, the number of community members utilizing new or enhanced open spaces, and the development of new programs related to natural resources and agriculture within these spaces. The annual budget of $3,000,000 for the Matching Grant Program underscores the District's significant commitment to achieving these outcomes and realizing its vision for a more connected and sustainable Sonoma County.

This program provides funding to community groups and nonprofits in Lexington to support projects that expand and maintain the city's urban tree canopy while promoting education about the importance of trees in urban environments.

The Food Safety Education Fund grants program, administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), is designed to enhance food safety throughout Michigan. Funded by assessments on licensed food establishments, the program aligns with a mission to protect public health by providing critical food safety training and education. This initiative directly supports the broader goal of ensuring a safe food supply for all Michigan residents. The foundation's strategic priority is to prevent foodborne illness through proactive education and the empowerment of various stakeholders within the food system. The program primarily targets two key beneficiary groups: Michigan consumers and food service establishment employees, as well as agents of the director who enforce food regulations (e.g., local health department sanitarians and MDARD food safety inspectors). The impact goal is to improve food safety knowledge and practices among these groups, ultimately reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses. Eligibility is restricted to Michigan governmental and non-profit organizations and entities, ensuring that the grants support organizations deeply embedded in community health and public service. Producers, marketers, processors, and growers are explicitly excluded to maintain the program's focus on education and training. For the 2024-2025 grant cycle, up to $365,600 is available, with a specific allocation of $242,500 for consumer food safety education and $114,100 for food service establishment employees and regulatory agents. This demonstrates a clear prioritization of widespread public education while also fortifying the knowledge base of those directly involved in food handling and enforcement. The grant duration is typically one year, though multi-year proposals are considered on an individual basis, contingent on future funding availability. Proposals should specifically avoid requesting funding for routine or required training, such as HACCP or ServSafe certification, emphasizing a focus on innovative and supplementary educational initiatives. Proposals are evaluated based on several key criteria, including goals and objectives to improve food safety, assessment of statewide need and audience, measurable outcomes, potential for partnering with other organizations, inclusion of matching funds, and opportunities to build upon previously funded projects. These selection criteria reflect the program's theory of change, which posits that strategic partnerships, evidence-based interventions, and quantifiable results are essential for achieving sustainable improvements in food safety. The expected outcomes include a more informed public, better-trained food service professionals, and more effective enforcement of food safety regulations, all contributing to a safer food environment across Michigan.

Grant Name: Technology Industry Grant Donor: City of Peoria, Illinois Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: $10,000 - $25,000 Description: The Technology Industry Grant offers funding to technology-related businesses looking to establish or expand within the city of Peoria. Eligible industries include Agricultural Technology (AgTech), Biological Medical Technology (BioTech), Medical Technology (MedTech), and other technological advancements. Applicants should demonstrate established seed funding, a proof of function prototype, and a plan for further product development. The program aims to attract technology businesses, stimulate public and private investment, introduce new technology to the area, and support commercial space activity in business districts. Priority locations for funding include the Medical District, Central Business District, and West Main Street within the city boundaries. Eligible uses of the grant include lease or mortgage assistance, operational expense support, and other business costs related to the newly opened location. Small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees are eligible to apply if they meet all criteria outlined by the City of Peoria. For more information and application details, visit City of Peoria website.

This grant provides financial support to various agricultural entities in Howard County, Maryland, for projects that enhance, sustain, or educate about agricultural practices.

The Montgomery County Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR), in partnership with the Office of Grants Management (OGM), is seeking grant applications for its 2025 Community Food Assistance Program. This program aims to support and strengthen the local food system by providing direct funding and/or shopping credits to organizations that distribute shelf-stable, fresh food, and/or prepared meals to Montgomery County residents. The initiative aligns with a broader mission to ensure continuity of existing critical community food assistance services while also addressing service gaps within the county. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Montgomery County residents, particularly those in need of food assistance. The program's impact goals are multifaceted: to enhance program effectiveness, standardize data collection practices among food assistance providers, offer greater flexibility and transparency in funding, and ultimately boost the capacity of the provider network. By achieving these goals, the program intends to improve the resilience of the local food system, ensuring that more residents have access to nutritious food. The grant program emphasizes flexibility in programming, supporting a range of project models. Funding priorities include choice pantry models that offer culturally relevant, healthy shelf-stable and fresh food options (such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and eggs); pre-packed box/bag distributions that feature healthy, locally sourced produce; and the delivery and/or distribution of nutritious, medically and/or preference-tailored prepared meals to households with unique needs. This flexible approach is designed to cater to the diverse needs of the community and the varying capacities of food assistance providers. Expected outcomes include a more robust and responsive food assistance network in Montgomery County, capable of delivering consistent and high-quality services. The standardization of data collection will lead to better understanding of service gaps and program impact, allowing for more strategic resource allocation. Measurable results will likely include increased access to healthy and culturally appropriate food for residents, a stronger network of food assistance providers, and improved resilience of the local food system in the face of challenges. The overall strategic priority is to create a more equitable and sustainable food system that can effectively serve all residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Placer County that focus on preventing domestic violence and human trafficking or assisting survivors with essential services.

Albemarle County is offering the second round of Agribusiness Resiliency Grants to support direct-market agribusinesses impacted by the pandemic, including local farms, food businesses, orchards, wineries, and cideries. The program aims to mitigate the effects of higher operating costs and difficulties in accessing capital by providing financial aid. The grants can be used for new capital investments, sustainable agricultural practices, public health and safety enhancements, and compliance with regulations. The application period is from April 19 to May 10, 2024, and applicants must be in good standing with a County business license.

This program provides training, mentorship, and resources to support early-stage food entrepreneurs in Connecticut, particularly those from communities of color and immigrant backgrounds, helping them launch and grow their food businesses.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit and for-profit developers to create or improve affordable rental housing for low-income families in Tucson and Pima County.

This program provides financial assistance to farmers in Howard County, Maryland, who have suffered losses due to the extreme heat and drought conditions of 2024.

The Centennial Park Conservancy is offering Nashville Earth Day grants to support local environmental initiatives, utilizing $60,000 in proceeds from the 2024 Nashville Earth Day festival. This funding is dedicated to underwriting environmental projects in public spaces throughout Nashville, aligning with the Conservancy's broader mission of sustaining Centennial Park's vibrancy and promoting positive environmental change across the city. The program emphasizes community engagement and direct action to address environmental concerns. The grant program targets a wide range of beneficiaries, including community members who benefit from improved public spaces, those involved in community gardens, and individuals participating in environmental education. The impact goals are ambitious and directly address critical environmental issues within Nashville. These include increasing urban tree canopy, supporting pollinator populations, enhancing local food systems through community gardens, improving water quality, and promoting environmental literacy among both adults and children. The priorities and focuses of this grant program are clearly defined through the types of activities that have been previously funded and are expected to continue. These include the planting of trees, care for bee populations, development and improvement of community gardens and pollinator habitats, waterway cleanups, and invasive plant removal. A significant focus is also placed on environmental education, reaching thousands of individuals in parks and classrooms, thereby fostering a more environmentally conscious community. Expected outcomes and measurable results are evident in the program's past successes and future objectives. The program has already facilitated the planting of 240 trees, cared for 160,000 bees, established or improved 11 community gardens and pollinator habitats, cleaned up 15 waterways, and donated 2,300 trees. Future grants will aim to continue and expand upon these measurable impacts, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment across Nashville. The Centennial Park Conservancy's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that direct investment in local environmental projects, combined with community education and engagement, leads to lasting positive change. By funding initiatives that enhance public spaces and educate the populace, the Conservancy aims to create a ripple effect of environmental stewardship. Their approach demonstrates a commitment to practical, on-the-ground interventions that yield tangible environmental benefits and foster a deeper connection between residents and their natural surroundings.

The Middle South Georgia Conservation District, a legal subdivision of the state of Georgia established in 1945, offers the Environmental and Agricultural Education Grant to promote education related to agriculture and natural resources within its nine-county service area. The grant supports educators from Pre-K to 12th grade and agricultural or natural resources-based entities in Ben Hill, Brooks, Colquitt, Crisp, Irwin, Thomas, Tift, Turner, and Worth counties. Applicants can request up to $1,000 for projects including tools, books, software, lab equipment, field trips, and the development of natural resource areas. Applications are due by September 30, 2024.

The Alachua County Small Farmer Grant Program is a mini-grant initiative funded by the County Commission, designed to support Alachua County-based small farms and ranches. The program aims to promote local food system economic resilience and equity, particularly for marginalized communities. This grant differs from traditional reimbursement models by offering an immediate infusion of funds upon award, recognizing that small producers may lack the immediate cash flow for capital equipment. The total funding available for this mini-grant is approximately $100,000, with individual grant requests not exceeding $5,000. The primary target beneficiaries are small producers (farms, ranches, or other agricultural operations) within Alachua County that produce foodstuffs for human consumption and have annual gross cash income between $1,000 and $250,000. There is a strong prioritization for small producers with an annual gross cash income of no more than $75,000. Furthermore, the program specifically prioritizes black, women, indigenous, and persons-of-color owned agricultural operations, aligning with broader goals of economic equity and community support. The program's key priorities and focuses include assisting Alachua County residents and supporting the immediate acquisition of capital infrastructure and equipment. This direct funding approach is intended to enhance the farm's productive capability and financial expansion, addressing a critical need for small producers who may struggle with upfront costs. The grant is not a cost reimbursement grant, emphasizing its role in providing immediate financial support. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around improving the economic viability of these small producers and increasing the resiliency of local food production. The program also aims to expand the production of related value-added farm products. Ultimately, these efforts are designed to achieve the Board's policies related to economic development, specifically by increasing economic prosperity, economic equity, and fostering a diverse tax base within Alachua County.

The "Main Street Connected" Grant Program, a collaboration between Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) and MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), is designed to bolster small businesses in designated downtowns and historic neighborhood commercial corridors within Oakland County, Michigan. Its primary mission is to provide technology and digitally based support, complementing MSOC’s existing economic vitality efforts. This alignment ensures that the grant directly contributes to the broader goal of fostering economic growth and stability at the local community level, particularly within these vital commercial districts. The program specifically targets small businesses that are up to 10 years old and located within one of the Main Street Districts in participating cities, including Auburn Hills, Berkley, Birmingham, Clarkston, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Ortonville, Pontiac, Rochester, Royal Oak, Southfield, and Wixom. The impact goals are centered on supporting the attraction, retention, and growth of these small businesses by enhancing their digital capabilities and operational efficiency. By doing so, the program aims to strengthen the local economies of these selected cities. The grant prioritizes and focuses on a range of eligible activities designed to improve a small business's technological infrastructure and digital presence. These include the development or use of data analytics software, payment processing software or equipment (such as Point of Sale systems), website creation and e-commerce support, and social media or digital marketing costs. Additionally, the program supports cybersecurity and data protection, customer relationship management (CRM) costs, and project or inventory management software. The creation or implementation of pop-up operations or public markets also falls within the scope of supported activities. Expected outcomes include enhanced digital literacy and operational effectiveness for participating small businesses, leading to improved market competitiveness and sustainability. Measurable results would likely include an increase in the number of small businesses adopting new technologies, growth in online sales or customer engagement, improved data management, and a stronger presence in both physical and digital marketplaces. The grant’s theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial assistance for technology and digital support, small businesses in these corridors will be better equipped to adapt to modern commerce demands, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and resilient local economy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public and private primary and secondary schools in New York City to promote hands-on gardening and farming education for students.

This program provides funding to local nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in San Diego to address community needs related to health, safety, and sustainability through tangible items like equipment and furnishings.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants (AFIG) with approximately $5 million in funding. This program aims to support school districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in Pennsylvania in their transition to cleaner fuel transportation. The grant's mission aligns with environmental protection efforts by promoting the adoption of alternative fuels such as electricity, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, hydrogen, hythane, biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, and other advanced biofuels, ultimately working towards reducing emissions and improving air quality. The AFIG program targets a broad range of beneficiaries across Pennsylvania, including public and private entities. Specific eligible organizations include counties, townships, municipalities, municipal authorities, public school districts (including charter schools), 501(c)3 organizations providing services to vulnerable populations (seniors, low-income individuals and families, individuals with disabilities, veterans, or medical services), businesses registered as Small Diverse Businesses with the Commonwealth, and county/local government-supported or contracted organizations providing similar services. The program intends to impact environmental health and economic development by fostering a cleaner transportation infrastructure and supporting diverse businesses. The program prioritizes businesses headquartered or with principal operations in Pennsylvania, zero-emission vehicle projects, medium-duty and light-duty fleet refueling infrastructure projects, renewable natural gas vehicle and infrastructure projects, and projects located in or predominantly serving environmental justice areas. Additionally, minority-, veteran-, or woman-owned businesses are also prioritized. These priorities reflect a strategic approach to maximize environmental benefits, support local economies, and promote equity in the transition to alternative fuels. Expected outcomes of the AFIG program include a significant increase in the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles and associated refueling infrastructure across Pennsylvania. Measurable results will include the number of vehicles retrofitted or purchased to operate on alternative fuels, the installation of new fleet- or home-refueling equipment, and the advancement of research and development in alternative fuel technology. The program's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on catalyzing a widespread shift towards cleaner transportation options, driven by financial incentives and targeted support for innovative projects and underserved communities, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and healthier Pennsylvania.