State Agriculture Grants

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.

Youth Service America's (YSA) "We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants" program is designed to empower young changemakers aged 5 to 25. This initiative directly aligns with YSA's mission of engaging youth in service and fostering active citizenship. The grants support organizations, schools, and youth changemakers in planning and implementing service activities that honor and pay tribute to those affected by 9/11. The program emphasizes youth leadership, ensuring that projects are driven by the young participants themselves, thereby developing their leadership skills and sense of community responsibility. The program's target beneficiaries are primarily youth, with a strong focus on engaging those who are not typically asked to serve and face systemic barriers to participation. This includes young people of color, youth from underserved low-income families and neighborhoods, and youth who are often beneficiaries of service rather than participants. Specific groups identified include youth in rural communities, those experiencing homelessness, youth in foster care, youth with disabilities, youth in the juvenile justice system, immigrants or refugees, youth from military families, LGBTQ+ youth, and English language learners. The impact goal is to create a more inclusive service environment and empower a diverse group of young people to contribute to their communities. A key priority of this grant program is the engagement of at least 100 youth volunteers per project, with 80% of these volunteers identifying as youth facing systemic barriers to participation. Projects must include elements to honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, and those who responded in service. All activities must take place on or around September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance (September 11, 2024). This specific timing reinforces the program's focus on remembrance and national service. YSA expects to award up to 100 grants of $1,000 each. The expected outcomes include a significant increase in youth engagement in service, particularly among marginalized groups, and the successful execution of service activities that commemorate 9/11. Measurable results will include the number of grants awarded, the number of youth volunteers engaged, and the percentage of those volunteers who identify as facing systemic barriers. The program also aims to foster a sense of civic duty and historical awareness among participants. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on youth empowerment and inclusive participation in service. YSA's theory of change posits that by providing resources and opportunities, particularly to underserved youth, they can develop leadership skills, strengthen communities, and create a lasting impact. By focusing on youth-led projects and ensuring diverse representation, YSA aims to build a generation of civically engaged individuals who are committed to addressing community needs and remembering significant historical events. Applicants must be based in the United States, with activities benefiting people in the U.S., including its territories. This geographical focus ensures that the grants support local communities across the nation. The emphasis on reaching youth who face systemic barriers aligns with a broader strategic goal of promoting equity and inclusion within the service sector, demonstrating YSA's commitment to a more representative and impactful youth service movement.

The BARN grant program aims to preserve Kansas barns, reviving underutilized, vacant, or dilapidated structures while fostering new economic activity through agritourism ventures. These building grants are specifically designed to rescue barns from likely demolition or collapse and rehabilitate them into spaces conducive for new or expanding agritourism businesses. The types of projects we are looking for with the BARN grant are those that will encourage people, particularly from out of state, to visit agritourism locations in Kansas. All projects should have an accountable tie to the tourism industry. The future uses of the barn, transformed through the BARN program, are not solely about preserving historical structures. Rather, they are about repurposing these spaces into vibrant hubs for agritourism activities, thereby injecting new life and economic opportunities into communities. Agritourism ventures capitalize on the appeal of agricultural experiences, offering visitors opportunities to engage with farming, local food production, and rural culture in immersive and educational ways.

This funding opportunity supports California-based organizations in developing and demonstrating innovative farming practices that reduce chemical pesticide use while promoting sustainable pest management.

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 Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture offers Simplified Equipment-Only Grants under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, aimed at strengthening food system infrastructure. These grants provide financial support solely for equipment purchases necessary for food production and processing. Each grant ranges from $10,000 to $100,000 and does not require cost-sharing or matching. Recipients must substantiate equipment costs through documentation such as contracts or quotes. The program emphasizes enhancing the capabilities of small and mid-size producers and benefits diverse groups including underserved and veteran farmers. Projects must be completed between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources offers the Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program, now in its sixth year, to enhance the efficiency and environmental sustainability of cranberry bogs. This competitive grant program provides funds to renovate existing bogs, increasing yields and improving methods of production. The grants aim to minimize environmental impacts, focusing on water quality, efficient water use, and other conservation practices. The application deadline is May 24, 2024, with a maximum funding of $125,000 per applicant and a required 25% cost match. Grant renewed every year.

The Underserved Farmer to Farmer grant program, managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico division, is a $3 million, 5-year initiative. This program aligns with the mission of addressing critical environmental challenges by empowering historically underserved farming communities. The DNR's strategic priority is to enhance the capacity of these communities to combat nutrient pollution and frequent flooding, thereby fostering environmental resilience and sustainable agricultural practices. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are "underserved farmers" as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture. This includes beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, veteran farmers, and those with limited resources. Other classifications may also be supported through negotiation. The program aims to increase the ability of these farmers to implement practices that mitigate nutrient pollution and reduce the impact of frequent flooding, leading to improved water quality and land management. The grant prioritizes projects that directly address nutrient pollution and flooding. The expected outcomes include a reduction in nutrient runoff into waterways and enhanced flood resilience within historically underserved farm communities. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of projects funded, the types of conservation practices implemented, and the environmental improvements achieved in the targeted areas. The theory of change suggests that by providing financial resources and support to underserved farmers, the program will lead to widespread adoption of environmentally beneficial farming practices. Projects funded through this grant can receive up to $250,000, with $700,000 currently remaining for subawards. Eligibility for subawards extends to a broad range of entities, including conservation districts, institutions of higher learning, local or state government entities (such as Watershed Management Authorities), NGOs and nonprofits, Tribal nations, beginning farmer groups, and U.S. military veteran farmer groups. This inclusive approach ensures that various stakeholders can contribute to the program's overarching goals and amplify its impact across Iowa's agricultural landscape.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Vermont businesses and organizations involved in agriculture, food production, and forest products, helping them improve their sustainability and viability.

This funding opportunity supports not-for-profit organizations and local governments in New York to create community gardens that provide fresh food and nutrition education to low-income populations eligible for SNAP benefits.

The Bitsie Clark Fund for Artists (The Bitsie Fund), housed at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, aims to support individual artists in pursuing new work and achieving specific creative and career goals. This aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to foster a thriving community by supporting local talent and development. The fund's focus is on individual artist development, rather than community development, signifying a strategic priority to invest directly in the artistic growth of residents within the Foundation's service area in Greater New Haven. In 2024, The Bitsie Fund will award two $5,000 grants, one specifically for a Black artist and another open to all eligible artists. This targeting reflects a commitment to equitable support within the artistic community and addresses potential disparities. The grant's impact goals are centered on enabling artists to tackle major artistic development goals, take risks on new directions in their work, or advance their careers. The expected outcomes include a more vibrant artistic community with empowered individual artists. The fund prioritizes individual artists at a significant point in their personal development, encouraging both established artists with a substantial body of recent work and those emerging in their field to apply. This inclusive approach to eligibility ensures a broad reach within the artist community. The focus is on supporting a wide array of creative disciplines including dance, music, theater, visual arts, design, craft, literary arts, voice, poetry, playwriting, composition, and film. Measurable results would be evidenced by artists successfully utilizing the funds for approved uses such as purchasing materials, compensating for time spent developing projects, hiring others, covering performance or touring costs, travel for proposals, renting studio space, and production expenses. Ultimately, the Bitsie Fund's theory of change posits that by directly supporting individual artists in these ways, it will contribute to their personal and professional growth, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Greater New Haven.

This program provides funding to agricultural and rural electric cooperatives in Minnesota to develop facilities that produce eco-friendly nitrogen fertilizers using renewable energy and green hydrogen.

The Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs (OCRA) is seeking applications for its Building Socially Connected Communities Program, a grant initiative designed to address concerning public health statistics in Indiana through a community and economic development lens. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance community resilience and foster economic growth across the state. By investing in initiatives that build social connections, strengthen community bonds, and enhance the overall quality of life for Hoosiers, OCRA aims to strategically counter social isolation and loneliness, which diminish social capital and impact individual and community well-being. The program targets all counties in Indiana and aims to benefit individuals experiencing social isolation and loneliness, local businesses affected by decreased community engagement, and communities striving for greater economic vibrancy and social cohesion. The impact goals are to improve individual health outcomes, enhance community well-being and social capital, foster community engagement, support local businesses, and contribute to the overall economic health of Indiana’s communities. The program's priorities and focus areas include Community Infrastructure Enhancement (e.g., community centers, meeting spaces), Social Clubs & Interest Groups tailored to older adults, Community Well-Being Programs (e.g., mental health awareness, loneliness stigma reduction, accessible resources), Local Business Support (e.g., creating inviting spaces for social interactions), Transportation Accessibility in rural areas, and Intergenerational Initiatives. These focus areas reflect the foundation's strategic priority to create strong, connected communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased social connections, stronger community bonds, enhanced quality of life, greater community engagement, improved economic vibrancy through local business support, and increased access to community events and essential services. The foundation's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in these areas, communities will experience a positive shift in social fabric, economic health, and overall well-being, contributing to Indiana’s statewide development goals. Funding information includes a total of $200,000 available. Applicants can apply for either Quick Action projects (maximum $5,000, minimum $1,000, 1:1 match with 30% in-kind) or Large Impact projects (maximum $50,000, minimum $5,001, 1:1 cash match). Eligible applicants are local government, non-profit organizations, and community groups. Ineligible activities range from plants and Wi-Fi to one-time use products, permanent public restrooms, taxes, food/drink, gaming, illegal/political/unsanctioned activities, demolition, salaries, administration fees, and pre-award expenses.

The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) offers Irrigation Modernization Funding to enhance water use efficiency in existing agricultural irrigation systems. This initiative focuses on improving the operational efficiency of irrigation methods and infrastructure on currently irrigated agricultural lands. Eligible projects include piping, lining, installing sprinkler or microirrigation systems, upgrading existing infrastructure such as flumes or pipes, and integrating technology like SCADA systems and irrigation scheduling software. Projects are required to meet public economic, environmental, and social/cultural benefits to be eligible for funding.

This program provides funding to Wisconsin farmers and their partners to conduct research on improving nitrogen use in agriculture through collaborative field studies.

This grant provides financial assistance to New Castle County residents for the removal of hazardous ash trees on public land, requiring a matching contribution and a commitment to replace removed trees with suitable species.

The Texas Water Development Board's Agricultural Water Conservation Program focuses on promoting water conservation in the agricultural sector through various initiatives, including Ag Conservation Loans and Grants. These efforts aim to support infrastructure improvements and innovative practices for efficient water use among political subdivisions, state agencies, and producers. The grant program offers up to $1.5 million annually, encouraging applications from political subdivisions and state agencies, with producers also eligible to participate in projects. A local match, typically 50%, is required. The program emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders to implement best management practices, education, and outreach to optimize irrigation efficiency and water conservation across Texas.

This funding program provides financial support to non-profit organizations, schools, and municipalities in New York for establishing or expanding urban farms and community gardens to promote local food production and enhance food security.

This funding opportunity supports Arizona grain producers by financing research projects that address production challenges and promote sustainable practices in the grain industry.

This funding provides financial support for municipal and nonprofit animal shelters in New York to improve their facilities for the care and containment of dogs and cats, particularly in underserved areas.