Grants and Loans
Crowdfunding Platforms
Kickstarter
Agency: Kickstarter
Type: Grant
Source: Crowdfunding
Website: https://www.kickstarter.com/
Description: Raise funds for any project by attracting online
donations.
Amount: Any amount
Matching requirement: None
Application period: Anytime
Kiva Zip
Loans
Agency: Kiva
Type: Loan
Source: Crowdfunding
Website: https://www.kiva.org/
Description: Raise
funds for a 0% interest loan by attracting online lenders.
Amount: $25 - $10,000
Matching
requirement:
None
Special
requirements:
Application
period:
Anytime
Contact:
Kiva Headquarters at 828-479-5482 or https://www.kiva.org/help?contactus=1
Business
Farmer Grants
Agency: Northeast SARE
Type: Grant
Source: Nonprofit
Website: http://www.nesare.org/Grants/Get-a-Grant/Farmer-Grant
Description: Provides funding to "commercial producers who have an
innovative idea they want to test using a field trial, on-farm demonstration,
marketing initiative, or other technique." Funds can be used to
compensate a farmer for his time invested in researching the new idea.
Amount: Up to $15,000
Matching requirement: None
Special requirements: Producers must have a technical advisor that is an
extension agent, crop adviser, or another professional.
Application period: Fall 2020
Contact: Carol Delaney at 802-229-2096 (Mon, Fri), 802-656-0697 (Tues,
Wed, Thurs), or Carol.Delaney@uvm.edu.
New York State Good Agricultural
Practices Certification Assistance Program
Agency: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
Type: Grant
Source: New York State
Website: https://agriculture.ny.gov/food-safety/good-agricultural-practices
Description: Reimburses fees for certification of good agricultural
practice (GAP, GHP) that are needed by producers to sell to certain wholesale
buyers.
Amount: up to $1,000
Matching requirement: None
Special requirements: GAP/GHP audit and water testing costs only
Application period: See grant website
Contact: NYS Department of Ag and Markets: Division of Food Saftey &
Inspection (Farm Product Unit), GAP & GHP Certification Assistance Program
at 518-457-2090 or nysgapinfo@agriculture.ny.gov
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Agency: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
Type: Grant
Source: State
Website: https://agriculture.ny.gov/farming/specialty-crop-block-grant-program
Description: Provides funding to farms who produce specialty crops which
are interested in value added products, food hubs, food safety training, and
farm to school programs.
Amount:
Matching requirement:
Special requirements:
Application period: See grant website
Contact: Mark MacMullen at 518-457-4383 or mark.mcmullen@agriculture.ny.gov
Value Added Producer Grants
Agency: USDA Rural Development
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants
Description: "The VAPG program helps agricultural producers enter
into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of
bio-based, value-added products. Generating new products, creating and
expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the goals
of this program. You may receive priority if you are a beginning farmer or
rancher, a socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher, a small or medium-sized
farm or ranch structured as a family farm, a farmer or rancher cooperative, or
are proposing a mid-tier value chain. Grants are awarded through a national
competition. Each fiscal year, applications are requested through a notice
published in the Federal Register and through an announcement posted on
Grants.gov."
Amount: Up to $75,000 for planning grants and $250,000 for working
grants.
Matching requirement: 50% of total project cost
Special requirements: Data Universal Number System (DUNS) and System for Award
Management (SAM) need to be set up before applying.
Application period: See grant website
Contact: Scott Collins, Acting State Director at 315-477-6400
Fund a Farmer Grants
Agency: Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT)
Type: Grant
Source: Nonprofit
Website: https://foodanimalconcernstrust.org/grants/
Description: Funds grants for raising animals humanely. Two types of
projects are eligible, (1) Animal Welfare Certification Projects; (2) Pasture
Improvement Projects.
Amount: up to $2,500
Matching requirement: none
Special requirements: Farms must be animal welfare-oriented.
Application period: See grant website
Contact: Lisa Isenhart, FACT’s Humane Farming Program Manager at
773-525-4952 or grants@foodanimalconcerns.org
Community/Local Foods
Community Foods Project
Agency:
USDA
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/community-food-projects-cfp-competitive-grants-program
Description: The Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program (CFP)
awards grants to eligible nonprofits, tribal organizations and food program
service providers to promote self-sufficiency and food security, address
specific needs and provide comprehensive, community-based solutions in
low-income communities.
Amount: $35,000 - $400,000
Matching requirement: 100% match required
Application period: April 2020 – June 2020
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)
Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/con...
Description:
Emergency grant funding to help farmers and ranchers repair damage to farmlands
caused by natural disaster, including water conservation in the time of a
drought
Amount: 50,000 while $50,001 to $100,000 requires state committee
approval. Amounts over $100,000 require the approval of the national FSA
office.
Matching requirement: 25% of project costs
Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP)
Agency:
USDA Farm Service Agency
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-forest-restoration/
Description:
Emergency grant funding for the owners of non-industrial private forests. Helps
restore forest health in areas that have been affected by natural disaster
Amount: $50,000. While $50,000 to $100,000 requires state committee
approval. Amounts over $100,000 require the approval of the national FSA
office.
Matching requirement: 25% of project cost
Special requirements: Nonindustrial private forest
Farmers Market Promotion Program
Agency:
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/fmpp
Description: to increase domestic consumption
of, and access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products
Amount: Varies
Matching requirement: None
Special requirements: Data Universal Number System (DUNS) and System for
Award Management (SAM) need to be set up before applying.
Application period: June 2020
Contact: E-mail: USDAFMPPQuestions@ams.usda.gov
Phone: 202-720-0933
Farm to School Grant Program
Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: http://www.fns.usda.gov/farmtoschool/farm-school-grant-program
Description: Provides funding to groups that initiate or implement farm to
school programs.
Amount: Varies
Matching requirement: 25% match
Special requirements: Schools eligible for planning & implementation
grants. Producers, producer networks, and agencies eligible for support service
& training grants.
Application period: See website
Contact: USDA Farm to School Grant Program at farmtoschool@fns.usda.gov
Local Food Promotion Program
Planning Grants
Agency: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lfpp
Description: Helps fund the planning stages of a "local or regional
food business enterprise"
Amount: $25,000 - $100,000
Matching requirement: 25% match
Special requirements: Eligible entities may apply if they support local
and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, or
store locally or regionally produced food products.
Application period: June 2020
Contact: USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service at 202-720-2731 or any of
the following grant specialists: Kim Harmon at Kim.Harmon@ams.usda.gov,Velma
Lakins at Velma.Lakins@ams.usda.gov,
Zoemi Santiago at Zoemi.Santiago@ams.usda.gov.
Local Food Promotion Program
Implementation Grants
Agency: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lfpp
Description: Helps to fund the establishment or expansion of a "local
or regional food business enterprise."
Amount: $100,000 - $500,000
Matching requirement: 25% match
Special requirements: Eligible entities may apply if they support local
and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, or
store locally or regionally produced food products.
Application period: June 2020
Contact: USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service at 202-720-2731 or any of
the following grant writing specialist: Kim Harmon at Kim.Harmon@ams.usda.gov,
Velma Lakins at Velma.Lakins@ams.usda.gov,
Zoemi Santiago at Zoemi.Santiago@ams.usda.gov.
Rural Business Development Grants
Agency: USDA Rural
Development
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-business-development-grants
Description: Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG) are competitive grants
made to rural public entities designed to support targeted technical
assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or
expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have
fewer than 50 employees and Jess than $1 million in gross revenues.
Amount: There is no maximum grant amount; however, smaller requests are
given higher priority
Matching requirement:
Special requirements:
Application period: Due by March 31, 2020
Conservation/Environment
Climate Resilient Farming Grants
Agency: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
Type: Grant
Source: State
Website: https://agriculture.ny.gov/soil-and-water/climate-resilient-farming
Description: Provides funding to farmers for projects the mitigate the
impact of agriculture on climate change
Amount:
Matching requirement:
Special requirements: Farms MUST apply by contacting the county
Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Only SWCDs are directly
eligible.
Application period: See grant website
Contact: Madison County Soil and Water
Conservation Innovation Grants
Agency: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Type: Grant
Source:Federal
Website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/cig/
Description: The Conservation Innovation Grants are aimed to help
encourage the development and implementation of innovative conservation
practices on agricultural land. About 10% of the funding for these grants is
designated towards historically under-served and veteran farmers.
Matching requirement: 50% or more of total cost of the project.
Special requirements: Must be eligible for Environmental Quality Incentive
Program (EQIP).
Application period: See website
Contact: NRCS Service Center Office in Hamilton at (315) 824-9076
New England Grassroots Grants
Agency:
New England Grassroots Environmental Fund
Type: Grant
Source: Nonprofit
Website: https://grassrootsfund.org/dollars
Description:
The Grassroots Fund interprets the word 'environment ' broadly and will provide
funding for a wide range of community-based environmental projects, including
those involving agriculture and food systems. Grow grants are geared to
established groups who are ready to expand the scope of their work. Grow groups
often have 1+ year experience running community projects. Seed grants are
geared to groups launching new projects and/or evolving the scale of an
existing project.
Amount: $250-$1,000 for Seed Grants and $1,000-$3,500 for Grow Grants
Matching requirement: None
Application period: Revolving for Seed Grants and March 15th
and September 15th for Grow Grants
Contact: Audrey Irvine-Broque, 603 905 9915 or audrey@grassrootsfund.org
Energy
Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants
Agency: USDA Rural Development
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency
Description: The Rural Energy for America Program "provides
guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural
small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency
improvements."
Amount: Up to $20,000
Matching requirement: Loans up to 75% of total project costs, grants up to
25% of total project cost, loans and grants require at least 25% matching
Special requirements: 50% of gross income must come from the agricultural
operation.
Application period: March 15th, 2020 for Unrestricted Grants
and January 31, 2020 for Energy Audit and Energy Development Assistant Grants
Contact: Scott Collins, Acting State Director for USDA Rural Development
at 315-477-6400
Organic
Organic Certification Cost Share Programs
Agency: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/occsp
Description: Helps fund part of the cost of organic certification
Amount: Up to 75% of certification cost, not to exceed $750
Matching requirement: 25% match
Application period: See grant website
Contact: Rita Meade, OCCSP Coordinator at 202-260-8636 or Rita.Meade@ams.usda.gov
Organic
Certification Reimbursement
Agency: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
Type: Grant
Source: State
Website: https://agriculture.ny.gov/news/department-remind...
Description: Organic producers and processors are eligible for a
reimbursement of 75% of annual certification costs.
Amount: up to $750
Matching requirement: 25% match
Application period: See grant website
Contact: Anne St. Cyr, NYS Department of Ag and Markets, Organic
Reimbursement Program at 518-485-9974 or anne.st.cyr@agriculture.ny.gov
Organic Micro Grant
Agency: Organic Crop Improvement Association
(OCIA)
Type: Grant
Source: Nonprofit
Website: https://ocia.org/research-education/micro-grants/
Description: OCIA Research and Education is a charitable organization, created
in 2003, by OCIA International, an organic certification organization. OCIA's
research arm's mission is to support organic research; facilitate connections
between farmers, researchers, consumers and decision makers; and educate
producers and communities regarding organic farming and foods.
Amount: $500 to $3,000
Application period: See grant website
Contact: (402) 477-2323
Simply Organic 1% Fund Grant
Agency:
Simply Organic
Type: Grant
Source: Nonprofit
Website: https://www.simplyorganic.com/community/about/giving-back/grant-application
Description: The Simply Organic 1% Fund supports and promotes the growth of
organic and sustainable agriculture through the funding of projects that
research, develop, teach or promote organic agriculture. Funds will go to
support promoting access to organic food options, utilization and distribution
of organic food/meals, and to provide nutrition counselling and food
preparation education.
Application period: July – September 2020
Contact: Alicia Simmons, Sustainability Manager Simply Organic, Giving Fund
Grant Program Coordinator. Email: sogrants@frontiercoop.com
Research, Education and Promotion
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)
Agency: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Type: Grant
Source: Federal
Website: https://nifa.usda.gov/program/small-business-innovation-research-program-sbir
Description: Awards grants to small businesses to partake in research
which could be of benefit to the public. American-owned, independently
operated, for-profit businesses with 500 employees or fewer. Looking for
"innovative ideas and technology, resulting in more jobs and long-term
commercial value"
Amount: Phase I: up to $100,000
Application period: See grant website
Contact: Scott Dockum, USDA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Program Coordinator 202-720-6346 at sdockum@ny.usda.gov
Loans
Beginning Farmers
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loans
Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/beginning-farmers-and-ranchers-loans/index
Description: The Farm Service Agency Loans for Beginner Farmers and
Ranchers are aimed to help those who have not been operating for less than 10
years and owns an operation that is 30% of the typical size in America. The
"Farm Ownership loans can provide access to land and capital. Operating
loans can assist beginning farmers in become prosperous and competitive by
helping to pay normal operating or family living expenses; open doors to new
markets and marketing opportunities; assist with diversifying operations; and so
much more. Through the Microloan programs, beginning farmers and ranchers have
an important source of financial assistance during the start-up
years."
Amount: Ownership and operating loans: $300,000; Microloans: $50,000
Special requirements: Depends on type of loan. You will need to refer to
the website or speak with your local FSA representative. The ownership loans
should not exceed 45% of the purchase price or appraisal value of the ranch or
farm.
Application period: Ongoing
Contact: Madison County Farm Service Agency – Donna Purdy – donna.purdy@usda.gov
or (315) 824-9076.
FarmStart
Agency: Farm Credit East
Type: Loan
Source: Private
Website: https://www.farmcrediteast.com/products-and-services/new-farmer-programs/FarmStart
Description: This program makes working capital investments of up to
$75,000 to northeast agricultural ventures showing promise of success. The
innovative program targets startup farmers and ag businesses with limited
financial resources and who are not generally eligible for conventional lending
programs.
Amount: Up to $75,000
Application period: Ongoing
Contact: FarmStart@FarmCreditEast.com
Microloan Program
Agency: USDA Small Business Administration
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.sba.gov/loans-grants/see-what-sba-offers/sba-loan-programs/microloan-program
Description: The SBA Microloan program provides loans to help small businesses
cover start-up and expansion fees. These loans can be used as working capital
and for things like equipment, fixtures, inventory, and supplies.
Amount: up to $50,000
Application period: Ongoing
Contact: US Small Business Administration, Answer Desk PH: 800-827-5722
or answerdesk@sba.gov
Microloans
Program
Agency: USDA FSA
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/microloans/index
Description: The USDA FSA Microloan program is aimed at helping new,
nontraditional, and small farms with participating in direct and wholesale
marketing. In terms of the Direct Farm Ownership microloans can help with down
payments on a farm, improving farm facilities, and SWCD projects. Direct Farm
Operating microloans can be used towards the cost of things like beekeeping
equipment, fencing, fertilizer, GAP certification, irrigation, land rent,
livestock, maple syrup equipment, milking equipment, organic certification,
OSHA compliance, and seeds.
Amount: Up to $50,000
Matching requirement:
Special requirements: 1) Must have no criminal record, 2) must have
ability to obtain legal counsel, 3) have a good credit record, 4) be a US
citizen, 5) have no forgiveness of previous debt, 6) owe no taxes to the IRS,
or 7) have a previous violation to any FSA crop insurance.
Application period: Ongoing
Contact: Tioga County Farm Service Agency at 607-565-2514
Business
Agricultural Banking & Lending
Agency: NBT Banks
Type: Loans
Source: Private
Website: https://www.nbtbank.com/Business/Products-and-Services/Agricultural-Banking/Lending
Description: NBT Banks have various financial services available such as
loans available to those in the agricultural community.
Application period: Ongoing
Agriculture Business Loans
Agency: M&T Bank
Type: Loans
Source: Private
Website: https://www.mtb.com/business/business-banking/industry-solutions/agriculture-businesses
Description: M&T offers a full suite of agriculture bank accounts and
specialized lending solutions, including farm real estate loans, farm equipment
loans, working capital lines of credit and more.
Application period: Ongoing
Agricultural
Lending Program
Agency: Community Bank
Type: Loans
Source: Private
Website: https://www.communitybankna.com/
Description: Community Bank has loans and financial services for various
business ventures.
Application period: Ongoing
Business and Agricultural Loans
Agency: First Citizens Bank
Type: Loan
Source: Private, Local
Website: https://www.firstcitizensbank.com/agriculture-banking/message-from-the-president.html
Description: First Citizens Bank offers an array of loans for businesses
and farms. These loans can be used to cover the cost of a variety of things
such as purchasing property, livestock, equipment, and many other things.
Special requirements: Farm or Business Plan
Application period: Ongoing
Farm Ownership Loans
Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/farm-ownership-loans/index
Description: The Farm Service Agency Loans "help farmers and ranchers
become owner-operators of family farms, improve and expand current operations,
increase agricultural productivity, and assist with land tenure to save
farmland for future generations." No previous ownership of farm or ranch
is required.
Amount: Up to $300, 000
Matching requirement:
Special requirements: Loan will not exceed 45% of the farm or ranch
purchase price or appraisal value. Also, financing from FSA and other sources
must not exceed 95% of the purchase price.
Application period : Ongoing
Farm Storage Facility Loan Program
(FSFL)
Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/price-support/facility-loans/farm-storage/index
Description: The FSA Farm Storage and Facility loans are geared towards
producers looking to build or upgrade any facilities that would be used for
storage of commodities as well as portable units and trucks used in the
handling of the commodities in storage.
Amount: Up to $100,000
Application period: Ongoing
Small Business Loans
Agency: USDA Small Business Administration
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.sba.gov/loans-grants/see-what-sba-offers/sba-loan-programs/general-small-business-loans-7a
Description: Primarily, SBA is a guarantor of loans made by private and
other institutions. These loans are geared towards helping businesses out and
are determine on things such as ownership, place of operation, and
practices.
Amount: up to $5 million.
Special requirements: 1) Must be for profit, 2) be a small business as
defined by SBA, 3) do business in the USA, 4) have invested equity, 5) have a
demonstrated need for a loan, 6) must the funds solely for the business, and 7)
don't owe any money to the US government.
Application period: Ongoing
Contact: US Small Business Administration, Answer Desk PH: 800-827-5722
or answerdesk@sba.gov
Kiva Zip Loans
Agency: Kiva
Type: Loan
Source: Crowdfunding
Website: https://borrow.kiva.org/borrow
Description: Raise funds for a 0% interest loan by attracting online
lenders.
Amount: $25 - $10,000
Application period: Ongoing
Contact: Kiva Headquarters at 828-479-5482 or https://www.kiva.org/help?contactus=1
Loans for Agriculture, Commercial Fishing, and
Forest Products
Agency: Farm Credit East
Type: Loan
Source: Private
Website: https://www.farmcrediteast.com/-/
Description: Farm Credit is a network of independently owned and operated
credit and financial institutions that serve farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses
of every size and income range across the country as well as those that desire
country living. They are focused expressly on agriculture and are committed to
helping you achieve your unique financial goals.
Application period: Ongoing
Community/ Local Foods
Disaster Loans Agency: USDA
Small Business Administration
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.usda.gov/da/osdbu
Description: SBA Disaster Loan program is open to businesses, homeowners,
nonprofit organizations, and renters for the use towards things like repair and
replacement of things such as business assets, equipment, inventory, machinery,
personal property, and real estate in a declared disaster event.
Amount: Up to $2 million
Matching requirement:
Special requirements: Must be in regards to a declared disaster.
Application period: Ongoing
Contact: US Small Business Administration, Answer Desk PH: 800-827-5722,
Disaster Loans PH: 800-659-2955, or answerdesk@sba.gov
Emergency
Farm Loans
Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/emergency-farm-loans/index
Description: "The Emergency loan program is triggered when a natural
disaster is designated by the Secretary of Agriculture or a natural disaster or
emergency is declared by the President under the Stafford Act. These loans help
producers who suffer qualifying farm related losses directly caused by the
disaster in a county declared or designated as a primary disaster or quarantine
area. Also, farmers located in counties that are contiguous to the declared,
designated, or quarantined area may qualify for Emergency loans.
For production losses, a 30% reduction in a primary crop in a designated or
contiguous county is required. Losses to quality, such as receiving a 30%
reduced price for flood damaged crops, may be eligible for assistance,
too."
Amount: Up to $500,000 but depends on actual production or physical
loss.
Matching requirement:
Special requirements: Declaration of a natural disaster or emergency such
as in the case after a tornado, flood, drought, or quarantine. Must be repaid
within 12 months.
Application period: After a declaration of a natural disaster or
emergency.
Energy
Rural
Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency
Improvement Loans & Grants
Agency: USDA Rural Development
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency
Description: The Rural Energy for America program provides loans and
grants to help agricultural producers and small businesses of rural areas
invest to purchase and install renewable energy systems and/or improve their
energy efficiency.
Amount: Loans: greater than $5,000. Grants up to $500, 000.
Matching requirement: Loans: at least 25% of total cost. Grants: 75% of
total project costs. Loan and Grant Combined: at least 25% of total project
costs.
Special requirements: 1) Agricultural producers must have at least 50% of
gross income coming from their agricultural operation. 2) Small business must
be in one of the define eligible regions. 3) Applicants must not owe any money
to the federal government.
Application period: Open
Contact: Scott Collins, Acting State Director at 315-477-6400
Research, Education and Promotion
Youth Loans
Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency
Type: Loan
Source: Federal
Website: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/youth-loans/index
Description: The FSA Youth Loans are directed towards youth who are
involved in 4-H, FFA, and other agricultural youth groups. These loans provide
funds which allow youth to start and operate projects aimed at producing
income. All projects require an adult adviser with appropriate experience to
oversee the youth projects and give help whenever needed.
Amount: Up to $5,000
Matching requirement:
Special requirements: 1) An adult adviser with appropriate experience to
oversee the project, 2) involvement in 4-H, FFA, or another agricultural youth
group, 3) Parental consent for the loan closing, 4) project must contain an
agricultural and educational component, 5) project must make enough to repay
loan an interest.
Application period: Ongoing
Other
Note: We made every effort to be comprehensive, but just case, here are some other grant and loan directories to check out.
Cornell Small Farms Funding Resources https://cals.cornell.edu/outreach-extension
Farm Bill Programs and Grants - Overviewhttp://sustainableagriculture.net/publications/grassrootsguide/farm-bill-programs-and-grants/
Grants and Incentives for Northeast Agricultural Producers https://www.farmcrediteast.com/-/media/farm-credit-east/knowledge-exchange/Reports/2016/available-grants_final.ashx?la=en
Fund a Farmer Scholarships
Agency: Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT)
Type: Other
Source: Nonforprofit
Website: https://foodanimalconcernstrust.org/scholarships/
Description: Provides scholarships for producers to attend sustainable
agriculture and human livestock raising conferences.
Amount: Up to $400.
Matching requirement:
Special requirements: Funds can only be used towards events geared towards
sustainable and humane farming practices.
Application period: Ongoing
Contact: Lisa Isenhart, FACT’s Humane Farming Program Manager at
773-525-4952 or grants@foodanimalconcerns.org
Farm Labor Housing Direct Loans and
Grants
Agency: USDA Rural Development
Type: Grants and Loans
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/farm-labor-housing-direct-loans-grants
Description: provides financing to develop housing for year-round and
migrant or seasonal domestic farm laborers. Loans and grants are provided to
buy, build, improve or repair housing for farm labor, including persons whose
income is earned in aquaculture and on-farm processing. Loans to finance
affordable, off farm rental housing to low-wage farm workers are used in
conjunction with grant funds.
Application period: Due by August 30th
Rural
Energy For America Program
Agency: USDA Rural Development
Type: Grants and Loans
Source: Federal
Website:https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency-improvement-guaranteed-loans
Description: provides grants and loans to farmers and businesses for energy efficiency improvements and purchase of wind, solar or other renewable energy systems, and also provides grants to help farmers with energy audits.
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance
Program (NAP)
Agency: USDA
Type: Other
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/noninsured-crop-disaster-assistance/index
Description: Provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planning occur due to natural disasters.
Farmable Wetlands Programs (FWP)
Agency: USDA
Farm Service Agency
Type: Other
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/farmable-wetlands/index
Description: Program designed to restore previously farmed wetlands and wetland buffer to improve both vegetation and water flow. On a voluntary basis, participants agree to restore wetlands, establish plant cover, and not use the land for commercial purposes. In return, land owners will receive an annual rental payment for enrolled acreage.
Agricultural Management Assistance
Agency: USDA
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Type: Other
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/ama/
Description: Provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to voluntarily address issues such as water management, water quality and erosion control by incorporating conservation into their farming operations.
Amount: $50,000 per participant for any fiscal year
Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program
Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency
Type: Other
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/conservation-reserve-enhancement/index
Description: Targets high-priority conservation concerns identified by a state, providing federal funds which are supplemented with non-federal funds to address those concerns. In exchange for removing environmentally sensitive land from production and establishing permanent resource conserving plant species, farmers are paid an annual rental rate along with other federal and state incentives as applicable per each CREP agreement. Participation is voluntary, and the contract period is typically 10-15 years.
Conservation Reserve Program
Agency: USDA
Type: Other
Source: Farm Service Agency
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/conservation-reserve-program/index
Description: In exchange for a yearly rental payment, farmers enrolled in the program agree to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Contracts for land enrolled in CRP are 10-15 years in length.
Conservation Stewardship Program
Agency: USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service
Type: Other
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp/
Description: The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities to address priority concerns.
Transition Incentive Program
Agency: USDA Farm Service Agency
Type: Other
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/transition-incentives/index
Description: The CRP Transition Incentives Program (CRP-TIP) offers a special incentive of two years of extra CRP rental payments to owners of land that is currently enrolled in CRP but returning to production, who rent or sell their land to beginning, socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers or ranchers who will use sustainable grazing practices, resource-conserving cropping systems, or transition to organic production.
Emergency
Watershed Protection Program
Agency: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Type: Other
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/landscape/ewpp/
Description: The Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) was established by Congress to respond to emergencies created by natural disasters. The EWP is designed to help people and conserve natural resources by relieving imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, drought, windstorms and other natural occurrences.
Environmental
Al Quality Incentives Program
Agency: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Type: Other
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov//wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/eqip/
Description: The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to plan and implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, plant, animal, air and related natural resources on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland regulations.
High Tunnel System Initiative
Agency: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Type: Other
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov//wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/programs/?&cid=stelprdb1046250
Description: A part of the EQIP program, the NRCS High Tunnel System Initiative is a conservation program that helps individuals and legal entities engaged in agricultural production install high tunnel ("hoop house") greenhouses to extend their growing season.
EQIP Organic Initiative
Agency: USDA National Resources Conservation Service
Type: Other
Source: Federal
Website: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip/?cid=nrcs143_008224
Description: Part of EQIP, this initiative provides technical and financial assistance to organic farmers/ranchers, and those looking to transition to organic. Funding can be used to improve operations, help producers transition, or to develop conservation plans.
Last updated October 23, 2024