Virginia Agriculture Grants

If you are a direct-market agribusiness located in Albemarle County, you’re invited to apply for an Albemarle Agribusiness Resiliency Grant. Donor Name: Albemarle County State: Virginia County: Albemarle County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant supports agribusinesses who are experiencing longer-term impacts of the pandemic, which includes higher costs due to inflation and rising interest rates. These impacts result in higher cost of capital overall and less capital to fund growth and reinvestment. To help offset these impacts, Albemarle County will distribute a second round of Agribusiness Resiliency Grants. Grants are available for direct-market agribusinesses – those selling products to restaurants, caterers, local stores; orchards, wineries, and cideries; or at farmers markets. Funding Information  The total budget for this round is $60,000 and staff anticipates making 3-8 grants total. Grant funding may be use for: New capital investments like machinery, tools, other business equipment. Expenses incurred to advance sustainable agricultural practices since July 1, 2022. Expenses incurred to enhance public health, safety, welfare of employees or visitors since July 1, 2022. Expenses incurred to comply with state or local regulations since July 1, 2022. Up to 20% of awarded funds may be used for advertising/marketing. Criteria  Must have a County business license and be in good standing with the County.  Proof of payment must be provided for all eligible expenses.  Grant awardees will be required to schedule a farm visit with the Economic Development Office prior to June 30, 2024.  For more information, visit Albemarle County.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is currently applications for the 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program. Donor Name: Rural Advancement Foundation International State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: RAFI provides support to Historically Underserved farmers and ranchers  for projects that demonstrate an ability to increase farm viability; establish new markets for local products and services; develop new uses for existing structures and equipment; add value to existing farm products through processing, packaging or marketing; make optimal use of on-farm and natural resources; and Cultural/Heritage projects which are focused on preserving and continuing a specific agrarian tradition.  Funding priority will be given to proposals with: High expected impact on farm viability and sustainability Strong project feasibility and planning: a clear plan, detailed budget and timeline, and all supporting documentation included.  Farmers who earn a significant amount of their household income from the farm operation.  Individual financial need, or location in an economically disadvantaged area Project tangibly benefits the surrounding community Farm uses agroecological and/or or ancestral farming practices  Funding Information Applicants may request up to $10,000 in funding.  Eligibility Criteria You are a historically underserved farmer or rancher, as defined by NRCS.  You are applying as either an individual farmer owner/co-owner or as a farm cooperative If applying as a cooperative or collaborative, at least 50% of the cooperative or collaborative must meet eligibility criteria.  You are in at least your fourth full growing season of farming and have worked at least two years in your current farming operation and location.  You are a “livelihood” farmer/rancher or are seeking a long term career that financially supports you through agriculture  You complete and submit an application by the deadline. You submit only one application (as an individual or a collective). If you submit more than one application, neither will be considered. You have NOT received a RAFI infrastructure grant before (2020-2023).  Your farm is located in one of the following states AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. For more information, visit RAFI.

The Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund (ULARF) is now accepting applications for its 2024 grant cycle. Donor Name: Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties State: Virginia County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund was founded in 2019 as a tribute to Ursula Landsrath. In addition to her career as a fashion model, movie stunt driver, skydiver, hotel manager, fashion boutique manager, and real estate investor, Ursula was a steadfast animal welfare advocate. In 2001, she founded the Animal Rescue Fund of Virginia that distributed more than $1 million in grants around the Commonwealth. ULARF continues her legacy and will consider applications from nonprofit organizations serving or rescuing animals in Virginia. Funding Priorities Spay/neuter, Trap Neuter Return programs for feral cats; Emergency medical funds, supplies, and equipment for farm, domestic, or wild animals; Costs of emergency repairs to organization facilities (unanticipated electrical/plumbing/water heaters, etc); Public outreach and education program expenses; and/or, Virginia-based regional animal assistance organizations providing support to smaller, local animal rescue or assistance organizations. Funding Information  Grants are expected to range from $1,000 to $3,000 per organization. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity in good standing with the IRS; Applicants must be an animal welfare organization; Applicants must be incorporated and operational in Virginia, Applicants must be in operation for a minimum of 12 full months prior applying. Organizations may only submit one application to ULARF per year. Ineligibility ULARF will generally not consider funding for wages, salaries, personnel, or training expenses. ULARF will not provide funding for fundraising or development costs. ULARF will generally not consider funding for vehicle purchases. ULARF will generally not consider funding for animal-assisted human therapy services; however, animal-assisted therapy organizations may be considered only if animal rescue is a considerable part of their mission, programming, and funding request. For more information, visit CFLNFC.

The Community Climate Action Grant program supports creative local projects that build capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Albemarle County. Donor Name: Albemarle County State: Virginia County: Albemarle County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program’s purpose is to leverage community resources outside local government to help implement the County’s Climate Action Plan, adopted in 2020 by the Board of Supervisors. These Community Climate Action Grants will help make local climate action a more inclusive, participatory process. Local community groups and organizations can apply through a competitive process to receive a grant that will support a project that tangibly advances the goals, strategies, and actions of the County’s Climate Action Plan. Projects can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in transportation, buildings, waste, agriculture, and natural areas; projects can also contribute to increasing carbon sequestration in agriculture or natural systems. Program Goals  Funds will be awarded to projects that address four program goals: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions Advance equity and inclusion Build community Support thoughtful and achievable projects. Funding Information Grant requests may range from $5,000 to $25,000. The request can represent the total proposed project budget or a fraction of a larger project budget with additional funding sources beyond Albemarle County. The total amount of funding available for 2024 is $100,000. Who may apply? Organizations or groups applying must be principally and physically located in Albemarle County. Any applicant or partnering group located outside of Albemarle County must demonstrate that the population or area served will primarily be people or places within Albemarle County. Eligible applicants must be community-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or community-based organizations affiliated with a 501(c)(3) willing to serve as a fiscal sponsor. For more information, visit Albemarle County.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Fauquier County, Virginia, that address community needs in areas such as education, agriculture, conservation, and social services.

This fellowship provides financial support and recognition to individuals in Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia who are dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional food practices and culinary heritage in the Appalachian region.

This grant provides funding to charitable food assistance organizations in Virginia to purchase and distribute locally grown agricultural products, helping to combat food insecurity in the community.

This program provides financial support to local farmers in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia to help them grow and deliver fresh produce to food assistance organizations, addressing food insecurity and strengthening the local farming economy.

This program provides financial assistance to historically underserved farmers in the southeastern U.S. for essential infrastructure improvements and support for new farming operations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Virginia-based technology companies in the early stages of development to help them validate their products and grow their businesses in the state.

This program provides funding to food retailers and innovative food initiatives in Virginia's low-income communities to improve access to fresh foods and promote food security.

This funding opportunity supports graduate students in the Southern U.S. conducting research projects that promote sustainable agriculture and address key challenges faced by farmers and agricultural communities.