Pennsylvania Agriculture Grants

Under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and funded by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Simplified Equipment-Only Grants are designed to support Pennsylvania's food system transformation. These grants, focusing on equipment purchases for small to mid-size producers and processors, aim to diversify, distribute, and localize food systems to enhance consumer access, producer options, and rural community markets. Grant amounts range from $10,000 to $100,000, requiring no cost sharing. Eligible equipment expenses include purchase costs, delivery, and installation if included in the official bid. Applications are accepted electronically, with project completion required by June 30, 2026.

The Community Climate Action Grant program, spearheaded by Albemarle County, aims to foster local projects that bolster the community's capacity to diminish greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative directly aligns with the county's broader mission to implement its Climate Action Plan, which was adopted in 2020. By leveraging external community resources and local groups, the program seeks to make climate action a more inclusive and participatory process, thereby extending the reach and impact of governmental efforts to combat climate change. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are community-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or those affiliated with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, that are principally and physically located in Albemarle County. Groups located outside the county may also apply if they can demonstrate that their services will primarily benefit people or places within Albemarle County. The impact goals are centered on tangibly advancing the goals, strategies, and actions outlined in the County’s Climate Action Plan, with a clear focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors, including transportation, buildings, waste, agriculture, and natural areas. Additionally, it supports initiatives that increase carbon sequestration in agriculture or natural systems. The grant explicitly aims to achieve four key program goals: reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advance equity and inclusion, build community, and support thoughtful and achievable projects. These goals underscore the county's strategic priorities, emphasizing not just environmental impact but also social equity and community engagement as integral components of effective climate action. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within Albemarle County, an increase in community participation and inclusivity in climate action efforts, and the successful implementation of diverse projects that align with the county’s Climate Action Plan. The program's theory of change posits that by empowering and funding local community groups, the county can harness a wider range of innovative solutions and foster a more widespread commitment to climate resilience. Grant requests can range from $5,000 to $25,000, with a total of $100,000 available for 2024, indicating a strategic investment in multiple, impactful local initiatives rather than a single large-scale project.

The FFA Reimbursement Program provides funds to county FFA organizations in Pennsylvania to support a portion of their annual expenses for activities promoting leadership development. This program is structured to allocate funds based on enrollment data across three tiers: Tier I organizations with 100 members or less receive base funding of $1,000 plus an additional $4.00 per member; Tier II organizations with 101 to 210 members receive $2,000 base funding plus an additional $2.00 per member; Tier III organizations with more than 211 members receive $2,000 plus an additional $2.00 per member for every member under 210 and $4.00 per member for every member over 210. The program aims to enhance leadership skills among young agricultural leaders through various educational activities. As a reimbursement grant, organizations must cover all costs upfront, with awards given based on the funds available. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: November 15th

This program provides essential financial support to small businesses in Pennsylvania that have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, helping them access working capital to sustain their operations.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

This funding opportunity supports community-led projects in Philadelphia that promote food justice by empowering marginalized groups to access, grow, and sell healthy food in areas with limited fresh food availability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Pennsylvania farmers, agricultural processors, and service providers for adopting innovative technologies and sustainable practices to improve productivity and environmental stewardship.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program aims to advance sustainable agriculture practices by enhancing the knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support sustainable agriculture through education and professional development. The grant focuses on empowering professionals who work with farmers, enabling them to teach, advise, or assist in the adoption of sustainable methods. The program seeks to create a ripple effect, where trained service providers then apply their learned expertise to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable food system within the Northeast region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are agricultural service providers, including those in non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension, and other entities that serve the farming community. Additionally, the program extends its reach to other service providers such as real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys, who can indirectly influence farmers. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in the Northeast by equipping these professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge. Expected outcomes include increased adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers, improved ecological and economic resilience to climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The program prioritizes a wide array of topics, encompassing marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture, and traditional ecological knowledge. A significant focus is placed on climate-smart agriculture practices, which are intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as reduced and no-till farming, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with addressing contemporary agricultural challenges through education and practical application. Northeast SARE actively encourages projects from, or in collaboration with, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Furthermore, it encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusivity in agricultural development. The theory of change behind these priorities is that by supporting a diverse range of voices and institutions, the program can foster more innovative and equitable solutions for sustainable agriculture, leading to broader and more effective adoption of sustainable practices across the region. The expected measurable results include an increase in the number of service providers trained in sustainable agriculture, a documented increase in farmers adopting climate-smart practices, and the successful implementation of projects that demonstrate improved ecological, social, and economic resilience. Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, with project lengths usually spanning 2 to 3 years, and a maximum allowed duration of 3.5 years. The program's geographical focus is exclusively on the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., ensuring targeted and localized impact within this specific area.

The Fairs Capital Improvement Grant Program provides essential funding to certified agricultural fairs in Pennsylvania for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of fairground structures. Eligible fairs can receive up to $25,000 in grants, which require a 50% funding match by the recipients. This reimbursement grant aims to support the physical infrastructure of fairgrounds, enhancing their capacity to host agricultural events. Grant funds can be used for various projects, including new construction, renovation of existing buildings, utility upgrades, fencing improvements, roadway and pathway development, stormwater management, public address system installations, and land purchases. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: June 30th

The EQT Foundation Grant program is designed to support nonprofits that demonstrate positive, needed, and trusted impacts within their communities. The foundation is deeply committed to fostering education and training for both children and adults, developing diverse and livable communities, and preserving natural environments. This mission aligns with their belief in meaningful community engagement and responsible corporate citizenship, emphasizing trust-based philanthropy to ensure resources directly contribute to community stability and, in turn, support successful business operations in their operational footprint. The foundation's funding strategy prioritizes organizations and programs that directly impact community residents. They seek proposals grounded in analysis that demonstrate creative approaches to addressing critical issues. The target beneficiaries include children and adults receiving education and training, residents of diverse and livable communities, and those benefiting from natural environment preservation efforts. The impact goals revolve around creating positive and needed change, fostering community stability, and contributing to the overall well-being of the areas where EQT Corporation operates. The EQT Foundation focuses on three core areas: Community Enrichment, Education & Workforce, and Environment. Community Enrichment encourages the development of diverse, safe, healthy, and sustainable communities, with examples ranging from food banks and libraries to arts programs and community festivals. Education & Workforce aims to promote STEM proficiency for youth and create a skilled future workforce through initiatives like in-school STEM curricula, computer camps, and career planning. The Environment focus supports natural resource preservation and educates communities on conservation techniques, including community gardens, watershed conservation, and green space restoration. Beyond these thematic priorities, the EQT Foundation also seeks evidence of a geographic setting that aligns with EQT Corporation’s business locations, effective management of available resources, and outreach that garners solid public recognition and support for the nonprofit, its programs, and sponsors. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed, the emphasis on "positive, needed, and trusted impacts" and "creative approaches to addressing critical issues" suggests a commitment to tangible community benefits. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in education, community development, and environmental preservation in their operational areas, they contribute to the long-term stability and success of these communities, which in turn supports their business operations.

The William Penn Foundation is offering a grant of over $1 million for one to two-year projects aimed at securing and preserving urban garden and farm parcels in Philadelphia, with activities including planning, technical assistance, stewardship, advocacy, and direct acquisition, open to 501(c)3 public charities, educational institutions, and government entities.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in eastern and central Pennsylvania to help low-income families pay their home energy costs.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is inviting applications for agricultural research grants for projects to be conducted from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. The projects should address various critical areas such as pest infestation impacts, Chesapeake Bay farm management practices, pollinator protection, food action plans, urban agriculture, energy in agriculture, animal health, and robotic technology in farming. Funding is contingent upon the 2024-2025 budget appropriations, and the deadline for application submission is June 7, 2024. The department will evaluate the proposals based on a 100-point scale considering project needs, research outcomes, methodology, evaluation and replicability, industry support, and research team diversity.

The 4-H Reimbursement Program is designed to support county 4-H organizations in Pennsylvania by reimbursing a portion of their annual expenses for activities that promote leadership development. The program classifies organizations into four tiers based on membership, offering base funding plus additional per-member reimbursement. Tier 1 organizations with up to 1,000 members receive $1,000 plus $1.50 for each traditional member and $1.00 for each school enrichment/special interest member. Tier 2 covers 1,001 to 2,000 members with $2,500 base funding; Tier 3 includes 2,001 to 3,000 members with $3,000 base funding; and Tier 4 supports over 3,001 members with $3,500 base funding, with a maximum reimbursement of $9,000. The program aims to support the overall activities of the 4-H organizations, including public speaking, judging contests, scholarships, and administrative costs, among others. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: November 15th

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.

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

The Statewide Agricultural Organization Reimbursement Program in Pennsylvania offers financial support to Pennsylvania's Statewide Agricultural Organizations for their annual events with an agricultural mission. The program provides base funding up to $2,000 of total expenses and reimburses 50% of premium costs not exceeding $10,000. The goal is to support organizations in covering a portion of their overall activity costs, emphasizing the importance of agricultural education, promotion, and community engagement. It's a reimbursement grant, requiring organizations to cover all expenses upfront, with grants awarded based on the funds available. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: November 15th

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) is offering the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects across the Northeast. The core mission of this program is to foster competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability. This aligns with a broader strategic objective of strengthening the regional dairy industry by enabling operations of all sizes to successfully launch and sustain their products in the marketplace. By focusing on start-up operations and tangible implementation, the NE-DBIC aims to facilitate direct economic impact and product innovation within the dairy sector. The program targets several key beneficiaries, including dairy farmers ready to begin processing, value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing or business startups, and dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in their start-up phase. The impact goals are centered on developing these businesses, supporting their entry into the market, and ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the Northeast dairy industry. By providing financial assistance for start-up operations, the program seeks to create new opportunities for dairy-related businesses and products. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible implementation rather than earlier stages like research and development, concept development, or initial planning. This indicates a strategic emphasis on getting products to market and establishing sustainable business models. Eligibility criteria further refine this focus, requiring applicants to be headquartered or based in the Northeast, demonstrate proof of concept, have a robust business plan, obtain necessary licenses, and show commitment from buyers or distributors by the end of the grant period. Expected outcomes include the successful launch of new value-added dairy products, the establishment of competitive and viable dairy processing businesses, and increased market access for Northeast dairy products. Measurable results would likely include the number of new businesses launched, the volume of new products brought to market, and the economic growth generated within the participating dairy sectors. The NE-DBIC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, involve direct investment in the operational start-up phase, aiming for a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to the successful commercialization and long-term sustainability of dairy processing ventures in the region.