State Agriculture Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to counties, municipalities, tribal governments, and weed management entities in Minnesota for projects aimed at controlling and eradicating harmful noxious weeds.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to government entities, non-profit organizations, and universities in Michigan for projects aimed at preventing, detecting, managing, and eradicating invasive species in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.

Funding and Duration: The CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture anticipates that up to $180,000 will be awarded to projects to support agricultural education and training. Grant amounts range from $2,500-153,000. The maximum grant duration is one (1) year, six (6) months and grant funds cannot be expended before January 1, 2025, or after June 30, 2026. CDFA reserves the right to offer an award amount less than the amount requested. * NOTE: Non-profit programs administered or managed by a university, such as the 4-H Youth Development Program are exempt from this limitation. Two funding opportunities available: Tier 1 – California Adopted Agricultural Education Programs Up to 85 percent ($153,000) of total available grant award funding is reserved for the California FFA Association; the non-profit organization that represents state-adopted Agricultural Education Programs (Education Code Sections 52450-52454). These programs have proven to be effective on a statewide basis in meeting the priorities and intent of the CalAgPlate program. Tier 1 grant awards range from $10,000 to $153,000 per project. Tier 2 – Local/Community/State Agricultural Education Programs Up to 15 percent ($27,000) of available funding will be awarded to eligible Local/Community/State Agricultural Education Programs. This Tier is open to non-profit organizations, as well as state, local, and Indian tribal government agencies within California which promote and administer agricultural education and leadership programs targeting K-12, post-secondary, and adult education. Individual schools and school districts are encouraged to partner with eligible non-profit organizations. Institutes of higher learning are ineligible to directly apply*, however, they can partner with eligible organizations on a proposed CalAgPlate project. Tier 2 grant awards range from $2,500 to $10,000 per project. Funding Category I: Agricultural Education In this funding category, CDFA will consider projects that enhance and benefit agricultural education opportunities for students and educators. Examples:• Agricultural curriculum development and implementation• School/community garden enrichment programs• Interactive agriculture learning experiences, outdoor agricultural education programs (e.g., farms/ranches)• Agriculture demonstrations/activities (e.g., exhibits). Funding Category II: Agricultural Career Awareness, Development and Training In this funding category, CDFA will consider projects that advance, promote and support agricultural career development and training for high school and college students. Examples:• Interactive training experiences and mentorship programs• Practical career preparation and career advancement opportunities• Outreach programs and career expos• Informational workshops for next-generation/beginning farmers. Funding Category III: Agricultural Leadership Development In this funding category, CDFA will consider projects that provide leadership experiences and skills for participants that encourage agricultural leadership development. Examples:• Agricultural leadership conferences• Agricultural leadership training programs• Education tours focusing on agricultural policy issues/areas.

The Connecticut Grown for Connecticut Kids Grant Program, hereafter referred to as the CTG4CTK Grant, provides funds to Connecticut local or regional boards of education, regional educational service centers, cooperative arrangements pursuant to section 10-158a of the general statutes, child care centers, group child care homes and family child care homes, as such terms are described in section 19a-77 of the general statutes, or any organization or entity administering or assisting in the development of a farm to school program. Donor Name: Connecticut Department of Agriculture State: Connecticut County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The CTG4CTK Grant shall, “assist schools, school districts, childcare centers and homes, and organizations to develop farm to school programs that will increase the availability of local foods in child nutrition programs, allow educators to use hands-on educational techniques to teach students about nutrition and farm to school connections, sustain relationships with local farmers and producers, enrich the educational experience of students, improve the health of children in the state and enhance the state’s economy.”  These funds are intended to provide a combination of resources to build capacity for long-term Farm to School Programs in schools, school districts, childcare centers, and homes. Priorities To fund applicants located in alliance districts, as defined in section 10-262u of the general statutes, as amended by this act, or who are providers of school readiness programs, as defined in section 10-16p of the general statutes To fund applicants who demonstrate a broad commitment from school administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, and community stakeholders. In the grant narrative, applicants are requested to describe both the support that they have for the project and detail how input was gathered to formulate the idea Tracks The one-time Shipping Container Growing grant program has a funding cap of $250,000 and a 24-month timeline to complete. Track 1: Farm to School (K-12) Local Procurement Assistance Grant Track 2: Farm to School (K-12) Experiential Learning Grant Track 3: Producer Capacity Building Grant Track 4: Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) Grant Track 5: Shipping Container Growing Grant Funding Information The maximum amount awarded to any applicant through the CTG4CTK Grant shall not exceed $75,000 in Tracks 1, 2, & 4. Project Period 24 months Eligibility Criteria Local and regional boards of education; Regional education service centers; Private schools or institutions; Cooperative arrangements pursuant to section 10-158a of the general statutes; Childcare centers, group childcare homes and family childcare homes as such terms are described in section 19a077 of the general statutes; or  Any organization or entity, including Connecticut farmers, administering or assisting in the development of a farm-to-school program. For more information, visit Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture is offering the Resilient Food System Infrastructure grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, to support Vermont-based businesses and organizations in strengthening local and regional food systems by increasing market access, production, and product diversity, with a focus on creating new revenue streams and economic opportunities, improving job quality, and enhancing compliance with food safety requirements.

The Maryland Department of Commerce is offering the Build the Future Grant Pilot Program, providing up to $2 million per fiscal year for innovation infrastructure projects in various technology sectors, with grantees required to provide matching funds and use the grant for costs related to project development, such as construction, installation, and equipment.

This grant provides financial support for research projects that aim to improve crop yields, pest management, weed control, labor efficiency, and environmental sustainability within Oregon's nursery industry.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities, schools, nonprofits, and volunteer groups in Michigan for projects that improve urban forestry, such as tree planting, management plans, and educational initiatives.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in Illinois, provides funds to assist Illinois communities in their economic and community development efforts, particularly focusing on aiding individuals with low-to-moderate income.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Soil Health Financial Assistance Program. Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grant funds are available for purchasing and retrofitting equipment that will assist with implementing soil health farming practices. This grant program is funded through the 2023 and 2024 Legislative Sessions, which established the Soil Health Financial Assistance Program to support healthy soil management practices in Minnesota. This program is administered by the Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). Funding Information The MDA anticipates awarding approximately $2.375 Million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 using a competitive process. Applicants may apply for up to 50% of their project’s total cost with a minimum grant award of $500 and a maximum grant award of $45,000. Eligible Expenses Grant applications must be for the purchase of equipment that will be used to establish, improve, or accelerate soil health. Equipment can be new or used. Parts and materials used to retrofit existing equipment (this does not include tools that can be used again on another project) may also be eligible. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must:  Be an owner or lessee of farmland in Minnesota or a LGU, including cities, towns, counties, soil and water conservation districts, Tribal Nations, and joint powers boards.  A LGU that receives a grant for equipment purchases must make those purchases available for use by the public.  Be in good standing with the State of Minnesota:  No back taxes owed  No defaults on Minnesota state-backed financing for the last seven years Acceptable performance on past MDA grants  Not be an employee or spouse of an employee of the MDA For more information, visit MDA.

This grant provides funding to farmers and ranchers for the cleanup and remediation of solid waste on their properties, helping to address illegal disposal issues and promote environmental sustainability.

Funding and Duration: Grant amounts for the conventional program range from $100,000 to $500,000. The maximum grant duration is two (2) years, eight (8) months, and grant funds cannot be expended before November 1, 2025, or after June 30, 2028.   Projects submitted through the Additional Assistance for Historically Underrepresented Organizations (Additional Assistance) Program will range from $100,000 to $250,000. Program requirements and submission deadlines differ for Additional Assistance Program applicants. Please reference the 2025 Request for Concept Proposals - Additional Assistance Program or email [email protected] for more information.   CDFA reserves the right to offer an award amount different than the amount requested.    

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is pleased to announce the availability of $57 million in grant funds to provide inperson before-school, after-school, before-and-after-school, and/or summer programming to children in any of grades K to 12. Donor Name: Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential State: Michigan County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/25/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: MiLEAP prioritizes education from preschool through postsecondary with a focus on preparing children for kindergarten and helping more people earn a skill certificate or degree to help them get a good-paying job.  Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs must provide educational programming in core subject areas, including, but not limited to, mathematics, reading, and science. Allowable Activities Allowable activities may include:  Expansion of existing program: number of weeks and hours, number of children served, summer programming, new site(s). Establishment of a new program  Hands-on academic enrichment in core subject areas  Field trips related to the academic and enrichment activities.  Professional learning and training related to the improvement of the program(s)  Development of school-community partnerships  Support expanded learning opportunities such as:  mentoring  leadership  community engagement  agriculture  visual and performing arts  financial literacy  science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM)  health and wellness  recreation  career and college exploration  youth voice  21st century skills  Social-emotional learning Cultural engagement programming  other innovative programming Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for a grant under this legislation, the applicant must meet, at a minimum, all of the following criteria: Be a community-based organization that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 USC 501, including but not limited to, faith-based organizations and indigenous/tribal organizations, an institution of higher education, a public library, a local government, or an intermediate district. Must be a licensed child care organization (for before/after school, school-age program, or camp license), an entity that has an active application in process to be a licensed child care organization, or an exempt entity from child care licensing by the State of Michigan Licensing Bureau 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111 to 722.128. Upon award, programs with an active child care or camp licensing application must complete the process before the entity starts service and funds will be released. Upon completion, the entity must submit a copy of the approved license to the MiLEAP-OST Team. At least 80 days of program services during the school year for at least 15 students 1 hour before school, or 2 hours after-school, or 3.5 hours for both (before-and after-school), and/or at least 4 hours per day for a minimum of 24 days during the summer for at least 15 students.  Must be used to support expanded learning opportunities, including, but not limited to, mentoring, leadership, community engagement, agriculture, visual and performing arts, literacy, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, financial literacy, health and wellness, physical fitness, recreation, career and college exploration, youth voice, 21st-century skills, conflict resolution, and social engagement programming. Provide educational programming in core subject areas, including, but not limited to, mathematics, reading, and science. Must address measurable goals, including, but not limited to, improved school attendance, academic outcomes, improved attitudes toward the school, improved positive behaviors, skill development and retention, higher education aspirations, improved family engagement, and include activities linked to research or quality practices. For more information, visit MiLEAP.

The Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs is seeking applications for its Building Socially Connected Communities Program. Donor Name: Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs State: Indiana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | In-Kind Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In light of concerning public health statistics in Indiana, OCRA is uniquely positioned to address these challenges through a community and economic development lens with the creation of the Building Socially Connected Communities grant program. Purpose Community Well-Being and Social Capital: Public health statistics in Indiana reveal a concerning trend in individual health outcomes and in the overall well-being of communities. Social isolation and loneliness impact the social fabric and cohesion of neighborhoods, diminishing social capital. This grant program seeks to strategically invest in initiatives that build social connections, strengthen community bonds and enhance the overall quality of life for all Hoosiers. Economic Vibrancy and Local Businesses: Social isolation has economic implications as well, which affects local businesses and community vitality. Those experiencing loneliness may be less engaged in community and economic activities. The Building Socially Connected Communities grant program seeks to foster community engagement and indirectly supports local businesses, enhances economic vibrancy and contributes to the overall economic health of Indiana’s communities. Alignment with Statewide Development Goals: Indiana is actively pursuing statewide development initiatives aimed at enhancing community resilience and fostering economic growth. Addressing social isolation and loneliness aligns with these goals by contributing to the creation of strong, connected communities. This program provides a platform for collaborative efforts between local government, community organizations, local businesses and residents to develop and implement initiatives that enhance the social fabric of the cities and towns. Areas of Funding  Community Infrastructure Enhancement Allocate funds to enhance community centers, meeting spaces and facilities that serve as focal points for social engagement, fostering a sense of community and mitigating the effects of social isolation. Social Clubs & Interest Groups Fund initiatives aimed at creating and sustaining social clubs and interest groups tailored to the preferences and needs of older adults, aligning with the advisory report’s recognition of the importance of tailored interventions. Community Well-Being Programs Support mental health programs that increase awareness, reduce the stigma around loneliness and providing accessible resources to promote mental health among those experiencing loneliness. Local Business Support Enhance local businesses and establishments that cater to the needs and preferences of those experiencing loneliness, such as creating inviting spaces that promote social interactions. Transportation Accessibility Improve transportation options for those experiencing loneliness in rural areas, expanding opportunities to easily access community events, social gatherings and essential services. Intergenerational Initiatives Create intergenerational programs that facilitate meaningful interactions between different age groups. Funding Information There is $200,000 in total funding available. Applicants can apply for either type, but not both. Quick Action projects: Maximum award $5,000 Minimum $1,000 1:1 match, 30% of match can be in-kind Large Impact projects: Maximum $50,000 Minimum award $5,001 1:1 cash match State Funds (e.g. READI, CreatINg Places, etc.) may not be used as matching funds. Eligible Applicants  Local government Non-profit organizations Community groups Ineligible Activities Plants, greenery, shrubs or anything of that nature Wi-Fi One-time use activities or products Permanent public restrooms Taxes Food, drink or alcohol Gaming and gambling activities Illegal, political or unsanctioned activities Demolition Salaries Administration fees, including grant writing or administration Spaces that are not open to the public Expenses that were incurred pre-award. For more information, visit OCRA.

The Pacific Coast Coalition is offering a grant of over $1 million for dairy processors in selected states to fund projects that diversify dairy product markets, promote business development, and encourage innovative use of regionally produced milk, with funds potentially used for planning, training, equipment, product development, and co-packing capabilities.

This program provides financial assistance to Minnesota farmers for purchasing and installing safety equipment in their grain storage facilities.

DPR's Research Grants Program supports projects that seek to advance integrated pest management (IPM) knowledge in agricultural, urban, or wildland settings. Projects should focus on reducing impacts to public health or the environment from pesticides of high regulatory interest. Summaries of previously funded Research Grants Program projects can be found on the Research Grants webpage.  The 2025 Research Grants Program is particularly seeking applications that address one or more of the following topic areas: · IPM for underserved or disadvantaged communities; · Decreasing the use of pesticides of high regulatory interest (such as fumigants like 1,3-dichloropropene or sulfuryl fluoride); · Advancement of urban IPM and safer, more sustainable pest management tools and strategies in urban settings; · Advancement of IPM and safer, more sustainable pest management tools and strategies in agricultural settings adjacent to or near a school(s); · Meeting the IPM needs of small growers; and/or TWO or more of the three sustainability pillars noted below and referenced in the Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) Roadmap: o Human Health and Social Equity o Environmental Protections o Economic Vitality For further definitions of these priority topic areas, please review the 2025 Research Grants Solicitation. Following the submission deadline, applications are concurrently reviewed by DPR staff and the Pest Management Advisory Committee (PMAC). Both groups evaluate the proposal application according to scoring criteria that can be found in the 2025 Research Grants Solicitation. This year, DPR invites projects with budgets ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 to apply. Eligible grantees include nonprofit agencies, tribal governments, individuals, businesses, and public agencies. There is no limit on the number of applications that can be submitted, including multiple applications from the same person or entity. PMAC members may apply, but they must follow the rules regarding conflict of interest in the PMAC Charter. All applicants and associated project personnel must meet DPR’s eligibility requirements that can be found in the 2025 Research Grants Solicitation. Keywords: Agriculture, Agricultural Commodity, Agricultural Crops, Agronomy, Air Quality, Automation, Bacteria, Bactericide, Climate Change, Community Health, Cover Crops, Cropping System, Crops, Ecology, Ecosystem, Emissions, Fauna, Fertility, Field Sanitation, Flora, Fruits, Fumigant, Fungi, Fungicide, Herbicide, Horticulture, Housing, Insect Pests, Insecticide, Integrated Pest Management, Irrigation, Lakes, Land Management, Laws and Regulations, Machinery, Mating Disruption, Miticide, Natural Enemies, Nuts, Oceans, Pathogens, Personal Protective Equipment, Pest, Pest Management, Pesticide, Plant Disease, Plant Protection, Pollinator, Pollution, Reduced-Risk, Rivers, Rodenticide, Soil Health, Streams, Sustainable, Training, Urban Pest Management, Vegetables, Vertebrate Pests, Virus, Volatile Organic Compounds, Water, Water Quality, Watershed, Weeds, Wildlands, Worker Health and Safety

This funding opportunity supports projects that promote sustainable pest management practices to protect human health and the environment, particularly in underserved communities and agricultural areas near schools.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is seeking applications for its 2025 Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grants to strengthen Wisconsin’s agriculture and food industries by helping farms and businesses more efficiently process, market, and distribute locally grown food products. Donor Name: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection State: Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Managed by DATC​P, the grants can help farms and business more efficiently process, market and distribute food in local markets including stores, schools and institutions. Keeping food dollars in Wisconsin communities supports local businesses, improves farm​ incomes, and creates jobs.​ Funding Information Grant requests must be between $5,000 and $50,000. Grant Period Projects can receive grant funds for up to three years. Eligibility Criteria Qualified applicants include individuals, groups, or businesses involved in Wisconsin production agriculture, food processing, food distribution, food warehousing, retail food establishments, or agricultural tourism operations. Funded projects must report on increased local food sales, created and retained jobs, and new investments. For more information, visit DATCP.

The 2024 Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP) and Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) offer grants, funded by the California State Budget, to support projects that reduce methane emissions from dairy and livestock operations in California, with a focus on funding new projects and those that have successfully implemented AMMP projects in the past.