GrantExec

Rhode Island Agriculture Grants

Explore 17 grant opportunities

Dairy Processor Modernization Grant Program
$250,000
Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC)
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jul 1, 2025

This program provides funding to dairy processors in the Northeast to modernize their operations by acquiring specialized equipment that improves efficiency, product quality, and sustainability.

Agriculture
Small businesses
Leopold Conservation Award – New England
$10,000
Sand County Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

May 23, 2025

This award recognizes and rewards private landowners in New England who implement exceptional conservation practices that improve soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on their farms, ranches, or forestlands.

Environment
Individuals
Catalyzing Regional Dairy Workforce Grant 2025
$100,000
Northeast Dairy BU.S.iness Innovation Center (NE-DBIC)
Private

Application Deadline

Jun 5, 2025

Date Added

May 20, 2025

This grant provides funding to organizations and businesses in the Northeast to develop and expand dairy workforce training programs, enhancing opportunities for current and potential employees in the dairy industry.

Employment Labor and Training
Nonprofits
Business Builder Subawards for Farm and Food Businesses
$100,000
Northeast Regional Food Business Center
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Mar 25, 2025

This program provides funding to small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses in the Northeast to enhance their operations, expand markets, and improve post-harvest activities.

Community Development
State governments
Dairy Co-Packing Grant
$150,000
Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC)
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Mar 11, 2025

This funding opportunity supports licensed dairy processors and brands in the Northeast to initiate or expand co-packing arrangements, scale production, and enhance their product offerings.

Business and Commerce
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Dairy Food Safety & Certification Grant
$75,000
Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC)
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Mar 11, 2025

This funding opportunity supports established dairy farmers, processors, brands, and producer associations in the Northeast to improve food safety, obtain certifications, and enhance market access through various projects.

Food and Nutrition
Nonprofits
NE-DBIC Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant
$100,000
Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC)
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Jan 29, 2025

This grant provides financial support to dairy farmers and related organizations in the Northeast to improve farm operations, enhance milk quality, and address climate challenges.

Agriculture
Private institutions of higher education
2024-2025 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act Grants Program
$100,000
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Nov 5, 2024

This program provides funding to farmers, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals in Rhode Island to enhance local food and seafood production, sustainability, and access, particularly for underrepresented and small-scale producers.

Agriculture
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Rhode Island Agricultural Energy Program
$20,000
Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER)
State

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Oct 10, 2024

This program provides financial support to Rhode Island agricultural businesses and nonprofits for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to help reduce energy costs and promote sustainability.

Energy
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Rhode Island Historic Preservation Matching Grants
$10,000
The 1772 Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Not specified

Date Added

Oct 8, 2024

This funding opportunity provides matching grants to nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island for various historic preservation projects, such as restoring building exteriors and upgrading safety systems.

Arts
Nonprofits
Innovation in Dairy Processing and Packaging Grant
$350,000
Northeast Dairy BU.S.iness Innovation Center (NE-DBIC)
Private

Application Deadline

Oct 31, 2024

Date Added

Sep 27, 2024

This grant provides funding to dairy processors, associations, packaging manufacturers, and educational institutions in the Northeast to support innovative projects that improve processing and packaging in the dairy industry.

Agriculture
For profit organizations other than small businesses
New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant Program
$75,000
Northeast Dairy BU.S.iness Innovation Center (NE-DBIC)
Private

Application Deadline

Sep 5, 2024

Date Added

Aug 8, 2024

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC)β€―announces the availability of funds through the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects throughout the Northeast. Donor Name: Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The goal of this program is to help develop competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability, supporting operations of all sizes in successfully launching and sustaining their products in the marketplace.Β  This program is for:Β  Dairy farmers ready to begin processing,Β  Value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing and/or value-added business startups, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market, orΒ  Dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in the start-up phase of business development. Funds are intended to support start-up operations, focusing on tangible implementation rather than research and development, concept development, or initial planning. Funding Information Total available funds: $500,000 Minimum: $15,000Β  Maximum: $75,000 Project Period Grant periods will range from 12 – 18 months, depending on the project.Β  Eligibility Criteria This grant is open to applicants from all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:Β  Dairy farmer that:Β  Produces milk within the NortheastΒ  Is a licensed dairy operation in compliance with all required state and federal standardsΒ  Value-added business entrepreneur that meets the following requirements:Β  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these componentsΒ  Has a business entity prior to applyingΒ  Can demonstrate experience in dairy processing and/or related value-added business startup, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to marketΒ  Dairy processor established after January 1, 2023 that:Β  Has a business entity and milk processing license prior to applyingΒ  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components.Β  Is in the start-up phase of business operations All applicants must also:Β  Be headquartered or based in the NortheastΒ  Provide Proof of Concept demonstrating the viability of the business idea and productΒ  Have a plan for new value-added dairy processing that includes market research, financial projections, a branding and marketing strategy, and a facility locationΒ  Obtain licenses to sell dairy products across state lines by the end of the grant period Launch their products in the marketplace or have a Letter of Commitment from a buyer, distributor, or retailer indicating plans to sell the product by the end of the grant period For more information, visit NE-DBIC.

Arts
Small businesses
Island Foundation Grant Program
Contact for amount
Island Foundation
Private

Application Deadline

Oct 23, 2024

Date Added

Jul 8, 2024

The Island Foundation is accepting applications for a grant program, with a deadline of 10/23/2024, aimed at supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island that focus on environmental conservation, social change in New Bedford, alternative education, and addressing inequality for womxn and girls.

Environment
Nonprofits
2025 Professional Development Grant Program
$150,000
Northeast SU.S.tainable Agriculture Research & Education
Private

Application Deadline

Aug 6, 2024

Date Added

Jun 10, 2024

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program funds projects that develop the knowledge, awareness, skills and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers about sustainable agriculture practices to teach, advise or assist farmers. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:Β 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: An agricultural service provider is a professional who assists farmers. Projects that develop the ability of other service providers (for example, real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys) to work with farmers are also eligible. These service providers then use what they’ve learned through participation in project activities in their work with farmers. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000. Project Duration Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical FocusΒ  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligibility CriteriaΒ  Professional Development Grants are open to anyone who works with service providers and farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, and for-profit business entities (such as farms, private consultants, veterinary practices and other businesses that serve the farming community). Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

Workforce Development
City or township governments
2025 Research and Education Grant Program
$250,000
Northeast SU.S.tainable Agriculture Research & Education
Private

Application Deadline

Aug 6, 2024

Date Added

Jun 10, 2024

The Research and Education Grant program funds projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The focus on farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $250,000. Grant Period Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical FocusΒ  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligible Applicants Research and Education Grants are open to anyone who works with farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, for-profit business entities (such as private consultants, farmers and veterinary practices), etc. Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

Science and Technology
City or township governments
Farmers’ Market Grant
$500
Farm Credit East
Private

Application Deadline

May 31, 2024

Date Added

May 9, 2024

Farm Credit East recognizes the significance of farmers’ markets for both producers and consumers. In support of this vital marketing channel, we are offering Farmers' Market Grants of up to $500 to eligible applicants. These grants can be utilized to support participating farmers, enhance markets, improve marketing efforts, and implement programs aimed at aiding disadvantaged communities or enhancing access to fresh, local food. Please note that these grants are intended for public markets where multiple farms sell products, not for individual farm markets. Eligibility: Farmers' markets must be located within Farm Credit East’s eight-state territory: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Preference will be given to first-time applicants and markets serving underserved communities with limited access to fresh, local food. Awards will be granted at the sole discretion of Farm Credit East. How to Apply/Application Requirements: The 2024 application cycle is currently open. Please submit the Farmers' Market Grant Application by 4:00 PM on May 31. Recipients will be notified by late June.

Agriculture
Exclusive - see details
Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund 2024
$625,000
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
Private

Application Deadline

Jul 11, 2024

Date Added

May 3, 2024

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals for the Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund (NEFRF)(formerly known as the New England Forests and Rivers Fund) to restore and sustain healthy rivers, forests and grasslands that provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/11/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The program will advance this goal by investing in projects that: Restore the quality and connectivity of stream and riparian habitats with a focus on improving habitat for river herring, Atlantic salmon, brook trout and wood turtles; Improve management of forest blocks to enhance age and structural diversity, resulting in improved forest conditions for native wildlife, with a focus on improving habitat for golden-winged warbler and New England cottontail; and, Promote hayfield management that allows for successful grassland bird breeding, with a specific focus on habitat for bobolink. Approximately $2 million is available this year. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Zoetis Foundation and Sylvamo. Program PrioritiesΒ  Proposals should strive to contribute to goals detailed in NFWF’s Northeast Watersheds Business Plan (March 2023), and specifically the strategies for Stream and Riparian Habitat, and Upland Forests and Grasslands. (Applicants interested in supporting the priorities for Coastal Habitats in the business plan are encouraged to apply to NFWF’s Long Island Sound Futures Fund and National Coastal Resilience Fund.) Priority implementation strategies for NEFRF funding in 2024 are detailed below. Approximately $625,000 in program funding will be set aside for projects that direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices benefitting select Working Lands for Wildlife target species, especially northeast turtles and golden-winged warblers. Projects should Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. In addition, projects that incorporate outreach to communities, foster community engagement, and pursue collaborative management leading to measurable conservation benefits are encouraged. When possible, projects should be developed through community input and co-design processes and should consider traditional knowledge where relevant. Additionally, projects should engage community-level partners (e.g., municipalities, NGOs, community organizations, community leaders) to help design, implement, and maintain projects to secure maximum benefits for communities, maintenance, and sustainability post-grant award. Grant Period Projects should plan to start no later than six months after the award date and be completed within three years. Geographical AreasΒ  Projects are eligible from throughout the program boundary, which includes all of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, as well as parts of New York. However, within the Long Island Sound and Connecticut River watershed, NEFRF will only consider projects to sustain and restore healthy forests, grasslands and fish passage projects. All other projects should apply to the Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF). Eligibility CriteriaΒ  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include U.S. Federal government agencies, businesses, unincorporated individuals and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

Environment
Nonprofits