Private Agriculture Grants

This grant provides funding for youth programs focused on health, education, and life experiences in Lake, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties in West Michigan.

The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation is seeking grant applications for its Heal Mini-Grants. Donor Name: BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation State: South Carolina County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/17/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The HEAL Mini-Grant is a funding opportunity designed to support healthy eating or active living projects focused on policy, systems, and environmental change in community health. The grants can serve as seed money for new projects, help progress existing ones, or provide the final push to complete ongoing initiatives. The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, awarded Wholespire a grant to promote the health of South Carolina’s economically challenged population.  Focus Areas All grant proposals must be related to healthy eating and/or active living and implement or support a policy, systems, or environmental change project. Grant Period The project ideas must be ready to be implemented and completed within 9 months of receiving funding. Types of Projects They support communities by offering them tools and resources to create opportunities for equitable access to healthy food and safe places to be active because the choices they make are influenced by the choices that they have. Examples of the types of PSE projects they fund are: Increase opportunities for community members, students, employees, or devout individuals to make healthy choices. Examples include establishing or promoting SNAP/Healthy Bucks at the farmers market and creating a sustainable food-gleaning station at the local recreation center. Increase opportunities for community members, students, employees, or devout individuals to engage in physical activity and spend more time outdoors. Examples include installing water bottle refill stations and improving playgrounds at school or in community parks, supporting active communities with bike racks and crosswalks in destination areas, and supporting community trails by adding signage, benches, trash cans, and extra features like a Story Walk or Born Learning Trail. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Municipalities, coalitions, or schools are also eligible to apply. If the applicant is not a 501(c)(3), they can use a fiscal agent that qualifies.  For more information, visit BBSCF.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals for projects that voluntarily conserve, restore, and improve habitat in the Intermountain West. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Idaho, Utah County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | In-Kind Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The objective of the Rocky Mountain Rangelands Program (RMR) is to work in focal landscapes in the region to restore and conserve wildlife species associated with sagebrush, irrigated meadows and aquatic systems while conserving the phenomenon of large mammal migration. Competitive proposals submitted under this RFP will support voluntary strategic projects that accelerate and implement conservation practices as identified in the Rocky Mountain Rangelands Business Plan. The following practices will be given priority consideration during this funding cycle: Projects that promote innovations in grazing management that result in sustainable livestock production, enhanced wildlife habitat and improved ecosystem services including increasing carbon sequestration Innovative and strategic management of annual invasive grasses Habitat enhancement through mesic area/wet meadow, sagebrush restoration and strategic conifer removal on Bureau of Land Management lands that may also include cross jurisdictional ownership Promote the removal or modification of fence or other anthropogenic obstructions to increase landscape permeability for wildlife Provide ranchers and community-led organizations with technical assistance to accelerate on-the-ground delivery and implementation of conservation and improved grassland management practices Building capacity through boots-on-the-ground positions which provide technical assistance to landowners that aligns with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) priorities and increase landowner enrollment in Farm Bill programs Idaho Focus: There is dedicated funding available to support two positions in Idaho to work with NRCS staff and partners engaged in the Big Game Migration Initiative to develop an approach where existing Farm Bill programs could be strategically implemented in a way that maximizes benefits to both migrating animals and the working lands that support them. Utah Focus: There is dedicated funding available in Utah to facilitate implementation of conservation practices on working lands that will benefit wildlife and habitat by restoring, enhancing and/or managing rangeland habitats. Funding is available to support positions which will increase the pace and scale of voluntary perpetual conservation easements through Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE) delivery and support technical assistance pertaining to Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) delivery on existing RCPPs in Utah. Preference will be given to projects that accelerate adoption of the most cost effective and sustainable approaches that exhibit a high likelihood of success. Projects with clear and direct benefits to sagebrush sparrow, sage thrasher, mule deer, pronghorn, Greater and/or Gunnison sage-grouse will be prioritized.  The Rocky Mountain Rangelands Program will award approximately $5 million. Major private funding provided by Cargill, Taco Bell, Nestlé, Capri Holding Ltd., with federal funding from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Funding Information The Rocky Mountain Rangelands Program has approximately $5 million available in funding for the 2024 RFP. NFWF anticipates awarding between 10-20 grants with a suggested minimum requested amount of $100,000. Project duration may extend one to three years. For this cycle 1:1 non-federal match is encouraged as in-kind or cash contributions Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, U.S. Federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal governments, educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include for-profit entities and unincorporated individuals. For more information, visit NFWF.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund to advance pollinator conservation. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The goal of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators.  The most competitive projects will demonstrate clear benefits to both monarch butterfly and additional at-risk native insect pollinator species (i.e., federally listed, candidate, or proposed native insect pollinator species). Special consideration will be given to projects benefiting rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. Categories Grants will be awarded in two categories:  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands Funding in this category will support implementation of technical assistance to increase the number of private landowners voluntarily engaged in monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation practices on private working lands. Up to $2 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to three years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. This category aims to support conservation planning and practice design with private landowners to advance voluntary conservation efforts on working lands that align with NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife frameworks or initiatives, and especially increase Working Lands for Wildlife participation among farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. The 2024 Pollinator Fund RFP will support projects that: Direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices. Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Hiring additional staff or contractors, based on demonstrated need, including staff to assist private landowners and NRCS with developing pollinator habitat management plans and implementation of new and existing NRCS financial assistance contracts. Targeting outreach to landowners and other partners to prioritize, plan, and deliver financial assistance available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other Farm Bill programs to improve pollinator habitat and support at-risk pollinator species. Habitat Improvement Funding in this category will support on-the-ground work to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. Up to $3.1 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to two years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. Applicants in this category should define a step-by-step restoration plan including site preparation, equipment used, planting techniques, size of the project area, description of target native plant community, and maintenance plan (e.g., prescribed burning, mowing, grazing schedules). Projects proposed to benefit other at-risk native insect pollinators should specify habitat needs for those species and how the proposed work will support their breeding, nectaring, nesting, or other habitat needs. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Restore and enhance pollinator habitat, with an emphasis on regionally appropriate milkweed and a diversity of native nectar plants. Increase native seed and seedling supply, with an emphasis on improving the sustainability and affordability of regionally appropriate, local ecotypes. Program Priorities  All proposals must specifically address how the proposed project will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of the Pollinator Fund’s goals as outlined in NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly Business Plan. As such, all proposals must provide the number of acres restored or enhanced as a result of the project. Proposals must include plans to restore or enhance a minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states. Acres may be counted from multiple sites; the sites do not need to be contiguous. Since 2015, successful proposals have included a median of 960 acres and an average of 2,120 acres restored or enhanced.  Funding Information The Pollinator Fund will award up to $5.1 million in grants in 2024: up to $2 million for Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands and up to $3.1 million for Habitat Improvement. Funding is provided by Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).  Geographical Areas  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands  Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. Projects are restricted to private working lands. Habitat Improvement Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. West of the Rocky Mountains, priority will be given to projects on or adjacent to the following: monarch butterfly overwintering sites, BLM lands, and USFS lands. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

The Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) is seeking research and development proposals to address issues related to wastewater, drinking water, water resource management, solid waste management and energy resource development in Ohio. Donor Name: Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) State: Ohio County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Pursuant to its power to engage in research and development with respect to wastewater, water management facilities, solid waste facilities, and energy resource development facilities, OWDA has established a grant program for qualifying research and development programs. The eligible participants are Local Government Agencies (Cities, Villages, and Counties), Water/Sewer Districts, Conservancy Districts, State agencies or Institutions of higher learning that perform research and/or development. Projects for which grants are awarded must be of such a nature that the benefits to be derived fulfill a general need in the State of Ohio that is within the scope of the powers of the Authority. Grants are subject to available funds. Priority will be given to projects that have statewide environmental and/or natural resource applications, and grantees must submit a final report. Since the development of the Research and Development Grant Program, OWDA has awarded grants in the areas of surface water, wastewater, drinking water, solid waste, agriculture, and public health. Funding Information $200,000, dependent upon available funds. Eligible Project Costs Eligible project costs include start‐up and research. Indirect/overhead costs may not exceed 35% of the grant amount. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible grantees include departments, divisions, or other units of state government, watershed districts, soil and water conversation districts, municipal corporations, counties, special water districts, including county and regional sewer and water districts, conservancy districts, sanitary districts, sewer districts, or institutions of higher learning. For more information, visit OWDA.

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) provides the Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Cleanup and Abatement Grant Program to help clean up and prevent illegal dumping on farm or ranch property. Donor Name: California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Farm or ranch property need not have active sales or production, but shall be appropriately zoned, or otherwise authorized for agricultural activities. Farm or ranch property includes appurtenant easements or right-of-ways such as, but not limited to, public roads and utilities. Funding Information $1,000,000 available for each fiscal year. Up to $200,000 is the maximum available per applicant per fiscal year (FY). $50,000 is the maximum available per cleanup site. Eligibility Criteria  Cities Counties Resource Conservation Districts Federally Recognized Tribes. For more information, visit CalRecycle.

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.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations for innovative dairy-related events and educational programs that enhance the skills of dairy producers and foster public trust in the dairy industry.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public entities in the Berkshire Taconic region to promote and sustain small, community-based agricultural initiatives.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are requesting applications for its Step Up for School Wellness grant. Donor Name: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan State: Michigan County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Building Healthy Communities: Step Up for School Wellness, or BHC: SUFSW, program is recognized by health and education leaders as a successful and innovative program that empowers school health leaders, educators, administrators, families and communities to improve the health and well-being of students and staff. The program focuses on creating a healthier school environment and building a culture of wellness that supports physical activity, healthier food choices, mental health and overall well-being. The program is available to schools through a collaboration between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association, Michigan Fitness Foundation, Michigan Recreation and Park Association, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Virtual, SHAPE Michigan, United Dairy Industry of Michigan and University of Michigan. Collaborating organizations have aligned under BHC: SUFSW for greater collective impact. Program Goals Creating healthier environments can lead to the development of lifelong healthy behaviors that reduce the incidence of obesity and undernourishment, combat absenteeism, address trauma, and nurture a more productive teaching and learning atmosphere. The program’s fivestep model translates into program goals that drive impacts focused on improved knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. Empower students to be more physically active every day. Empower students to make healthy choices that include fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains and lean protein every day. Empower students to learn and practice social and emotional skills. Empower staff to implement and participate in well-being initiatives that support a culture of wellness at school for all employees. Encourage staff to make changes in policies, systems and environments that support the well-being of students and staff. Focus Areas Focus Area 1: Physical Activity and Physical Education Resources. Focus Area 2: Healthy Eating and Nutrition Education Resources. Focus Area 3: Well-Being Resources. Eligibility Criteria  All public, charter or private nonprofit schools in Michigan, serving any grade level K-12, can apply each year regardless of their economic status, geographic location or participation in other school wellness grants, programs or initiatives. School awards are based on need, readiness, alignment with grade requirements and prerequisites, and available funding. For more information, visit BCBSM.

The Food Recovery Grant supports programs that recover surplus, edible food from businesses, organizations and/or farmer’s markets for distribution to people in need. Donor Name: BizRecycling State: Minnesota County: Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Recovery Grants are open to businesses (food donors, including food producers, distributors, grocers and cafeterias), nonprofit organizations and college food shelves in Ramsey and Washington counties. Funding Information Grant awards are up to $20,000. Uses of funds  Food Recovery & Donation Materials for food recovery activities, including collection materials (buckets, boxes, bags, etc.) and food mobility equipment (carts, pallets, etc.). Storage costs, including rental and/or equipment purchase. Transportation costs, including vehicle rental. Limited staffing costs related to food recovery/gleaning work. Infrastructure and equipment for use in food recovery and donation efforts. Education & Engagement Staff recycling training (one hour wage per employee). Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must meet the following criteria: Eligible businesses include: Businesses (food donors) Food producers Distributors Grocers Cafeterias Food shelves and banks Colleges (donation and food shelves) Farmers markets Be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State and the Minnesota Department of Revenue at time of application. All food recovery associated with this grant must take place in Ramsey or Washington counties of Minnesota. For more information, visit BizRecycling.

This funding opportunity supports grassroots initiatives that address climate change through community-driven projects focused on youth activism, Indigenous voices, sustainable visions, climate justice, and regenerative agriculture.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to schools, districts, and outdoor school providers in Oregon to create or improve outdoor school programs for fifth and sixth-grade students, ensuring all students have access to enriching outdoor experiences.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local taxing districts and governments affected by the closure of the Colstrip power plants, helping them maintain essential services and mitigate tax revenue losses.

The Emporia Community Foundation in Butler County, Kansas is offering a grant through the Flint Hills Community Fund for community and rural development, museums/historic preservation, and agriculture and conservation projects, prioritizing those with high volunteer involvement and organizations looking to expand, with applications due by 09/30/2024.

This program provides funding to support businesses and organizations involved in processing, storing, and distributing locally produced food in Michigan, helping to strengthen the state's food supply chain.

Farm Credit of the Virginias provides added support to our customer-owners and the rural communities we call home through our Charitable Contributions Fund, in which we extend grant funding to charitable organizations in our territory. The fund allows our cooperative to support the growth of agricultural programs, invest in the future of agriculture and enhance the quality of life in the rural communities we serve. Mission and Objectives Through the Charitable Contributions Fund, Farm Credit of the Virginias continues to build strong partnerships with organizations that preserve and promote farmers and families in our rural communities. Objectives we support include food security, veteran services, youth agriculture involvement and more. Applications Grant applications for the current funding cycle will be accepted May 1, 2024 through July 1, 2024. Grants will be awarded in August 2024. Grants will be awarded for up to $10,000 in funding. Please send your questions and/or concerns to Katie Frazier, Chief Brand Officer, by email to [email protected] or give us a call at 1-800-919-3276.

This summer, small farmers and ranchers have a grant opportunity through the Board of County Commissioners. The Board is funding a mini-grant to Alachua County-based farms and ranches that earn between $1,000 and $250,000 annually. Funding is for capital and equipment expenditures that will positively impact these operation’s income. The total grant request must not exceed $5,000. Only one application per farm or ranch is permitted. The total funding available for this mini-grant is approximately $100,000. To reduce inequity in marginalized communities, this grant will also prioritize small farms and ranches owned by black, women, indigenous, and persons-of-color. Applications must be in the County Manager’s Office by 5 PM June 28, 2024.​ Applicants will complete the application and submit it to Alachua County’s Office of Sustainability, Equity, and Economic Development Strategies. Applications may be submitted by email to [email protected]​

The Ohio Animal Foundation is accepting applications for its grant program. Donor Name: Ohio Animal Foundation State: Ohio County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Field of Interests  Rescue and Shelter Services. Includes services for domestic/companion/farm animals. Includes programs for feral/community cats. Wildlife Protection, Education and Rehabilitation Programs. Funding Information The typical grant range is $250-$500. Eligibility Criteria  Be an Ohio-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in good standing. Foundation does not provide funding to individuals. For more information, visit OAF.