The CCOF Foundation offers grants to help middle and high school students cover the expenses of conducting FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects using organic production methods. Applicants must be students in grades 7-12 who are current FFA members planning to do a SAE project. Proposed SAE project must follow USDA organic production standards. Applicants' financial need is considered as part of the grant decision process. The application deadline is November 27, 2020.

NOFA New York's Winter Conference, Rooted in Resilience, will be held virtually from January 16-23, 2021. Scholarships are available to cover the cost of conference registration. The scholarship program prioritizes applicants who fit USDA's definitions of socially disadvantaged farmers and beginning farmers and non-male applicants. Scholarship applications must be submitted by November 27, 2020.

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service is inviting potential conservation partners to submit project applications for federal funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will award up to $360 million to locally driven, public-private partnerships that improve the nation's water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat, and protect agricultural viability. Partners from private industry, non-government organizations, Indian tribes, state and local governments, water districts and universities, among others, may request between $250,000 and $10 million in RCPP funding. The proposal deadline has been extended until November 30, 2020.

The Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) is a voluntary program through which NRCS enters into agreements with eligible partners to leverage resources to carry out high priority wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement and to improve wildlife habitat. Through WREP, state agencies, county and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and American Indian tribes are encouraged to submit proposals for priority project areas to collaborate with NRCS through program and partnership agreements. Once a proposal is accepted for funding, the partners work with tribal and private landowners who voluntarily enroll eligible land into easements to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their properties. Easements enable landowners to adopt a variety of conservation practices with the help of funding from NRCS. The deadline for proposals is November 30, 2020.

Montana's Alternative Energy Resources Organization is offering the Jane Kile Memorial Scholarship for Montana residents. Intentionally broad to accommodate a spectrum of creative project ideas, the scholarship seeks to fund projects that "let the land show people what it needs to support life for all life." In 2020, the scholarship will grant $600 to one recipient, as well as a one-year AERO membership. Past projects funded include: a solar energizer for electric fencing and a solar-powered mobile e-waste unit. Other ideas include: increasing soil fertility; funding a speaker in your local community; promoting zero waste on your farm, ranch or farmers market; season extenders for your garden plot, farm or ranch; promoting food growing in your community; establishing a gleaning project; renewable energy projects for your community, farm, or ranch. The application deadline is November 30, 2020.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is opening up a second round of grants aimed at helping livestock processing plants and producers increase capacity for slaughter, processing, and storage in the wake of supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rapid Response Mini-Grant for Livestock Processing will offer matching grants from $1,000 to $5,000 to applicants to offset the cost of expenses such as adding coolers, refrigeration units, slaughter, and processing equipment. Eligible applicants include processors of meat, poultry, eggs, and milk located in Minnesota and Minnesota livestock producers who need storage capacity for processed products until existing markets return or new markets are developed. Businesses that did not receive funding in the last round or did not receive the full $5,000 amount can apply. Applications will be accepted until November 30, 2020.

Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) awards competitive grants up to $2,500 to working, independent family farmers located in the United States who raise beef cattle, bison, broiler chickens, dairy cows, goats, laying hens, pigs, sheep and/or turkeys. Grants are offered for farmers who are pursuing animal welfare certification, for welfare-certified farmers, and for farmers to improve or expand pasture for their animals. Applications must be submitted online by December 1, 2020.

Each year, Northeast agricultural credit associations and CoBank award AgEnhancement Grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 to help organizations promote awareness and strengthen agriculture, commercial fishing, and forest products industries in the six New England states, New York, and New Jersey. Applicants that clearly demonstrate how a program, project, activity or event will have a long-term positive effect on the agriculture, forest products, or the commercial fishing industries in the eight-state Northeast region are encouraged to seek funding. Application materials must be received by December 1, 2020.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced that $375,000 is available for projects to enhance biosecurity, diagnostic testing, veterinary telemedicine, and other strategies to prevent, detect, and manage animal diseases and protect the food supply. A total of $250,000 will be allocated for four priorities: Developing innovative methods to manage disease outbreaks in large-scale livestock and poultry operations; Implementing practical biosecurity for commercial and backyard domestic livestock operations; Increasing diagnostic tools available through the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory system to support food-animal production; and Developing training and opportunities for food animal veterinarians to explore the capability of remote telemedicine. In addition, approximately $125,000 will be allocated for projects on the following topics: Study various culturally-based live-animal sale practices to improve disease traceability in custom-butchered animals; Solicit industry input on specific diseases to identify and estimate the economic impact on Pennsylvania food-animal operations; and Establish protocols to mediate, prevent, and eradicate bed bugs on poultry farms. Proposals must be received by December 2, 2020.

North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (NCR-SARE)'s Farmer Rancher Grant Program is a competitive grants program for farmers and ranchers who want to explore sustainable solutions to problems through on-farm research, demonstration, and education projects. Farmer Rancher grants are offered as individual ($9,000 maximum), team of two ($18,000 maximum), or group ($27,000 maximum) grants for ideas initiated by farmers and ranchers in the 12-state North Central Region. Grants support producers who are protecting natural resources, enhancing communities, and boosting profitability. Proposals are due December 3, 2020.

Massachusetts' Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program supports cranberry operations in the creation of more efficient bog systems, both in design and production, while at the same time working to prevent, reduce, or eliminate environmental impacts. By providing reimbursement grants to eligible operations, the Program works to achieve the goals of minimizing environmental impacts while enhancing sustainability of these operations. Maximum funding is 75% of total project costs, up to $75,000. The application deadline is December 4, 2020.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas has announced the first funding application deadline for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Applications are taken year-round for NRCS programs, but deadlines are announced to rank and fund eligible conservation projects. EQIP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers. The first funding application deadline is December 4, 2020.

The Western Integrated Pest Management Center is accepting applications for $250,000 in funding available through its annual grant program. Center grants provide funds to complement other federal, state, and private funding sources by supporting project initiation, outreach and implementation, work groups, and IPM planning-document development. Eligible applicants include private individuals and institutions, faculty and qualified staff of two-and four-year universities, businesses, commodity organizations, and governmental and non-governmental organizations.The project director must be in the Western Region. A list of regional priorities is available online. Applications are due by December 4, 2020.

The Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) program is accepting proposals for On-Farm Research Grants up to $20,000. These grants are intended for agricultural professionals in the Southern region who regularly work with farmers/ranchers. Agriculture professionals in Cooperative Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, universities, and NGOs, as well as government and non-government organizations who regularly work with farmers and ranchers, are invited to apply for a grant which provides funding opportunities to conduct on-farm research in sustainable agriculture. Applicants must work with at least one farmer or rancher to conduct the research. The proposal submission deadline is December 4, 2020.

The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program is a grant and loan program established by the Montana Legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through the development of new agricultural products and processes. Examples of eligible project activities involve equipment purchases, construction costs, advertising and promotion, and consultant services for engineering. Projects should primarily add value to Montana's agricultural products, have prospects for achieving commercial success given the current personnel, experience and resources of the applicant, and have the possibility to create and/or retain jobs in Montana. A 1:1 match is required. Maximum funding is $150,000, made up of a maximum of $50,000 in the form of grant funding and up to $100,000 in the form of loan funding. Applications are due by December 7, 2020.

Minnesota's AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant supports innovative on-farm research and demonstrations. It funds projects that explore sustainable agriculture practices and systems that could make farming more profitable, resource efficient, and personally satisfying. Applications from Minnesota farmers receive priority, but the program also funds Minnesota nonprofits and educational organizations that meaningfully involve Minnesota farmers in projects. Projects must last two to three years and grantees must be willing to share what they learn with others. A total of $200,000 is available in Fiscal Year 2021. Applicants may request up to $50,000 per project. For requests between $25,000 and $50,000, applicants must provide a dollar for dollar match on amounts above $25,000. Applications are due by December 10, 2020.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced a new Farm Business Management (FBM) Scholarship Program, funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Nearly $250,000 in scholarships will be available to farmers negatively affected economically by COVID-19. Priority will be given to farmers engaged in any stage of mediation or bankruptcy between March 2, 2020, and December 30, 2020. The FBM program, offered by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, helps farmers manage their finances and learn how to navigate the complicated financial systems of farming. The scholarships will cover approximately 75% of the cost of tuition. Applicants must be registered for at least 10 credits for either fall, spring, or combination by December 10, 2020.

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2), will provide producers with financial assistance that gives them the ability to absorb some of the increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many more commodities are eligible for CFAP 2 than were eligible for CFAP 1. Online tools help farmers determine eligibility and potential payments. CFAP 2 payments will be made for three categories of commodities: Price Trigger Commodities, Flat-rate Crops, and Sales Commodities. Sales commodities include specialty crops, aquaculture, nursery crops and floriculture, and other commodities not included in the price trigger and flat-rate categories. Payment calculations will use a sales-based approach, where producers are paid based on five payment gradations associated with their 2019 sales. Nearly $14 million is available. The deadline to sign up is December 11, 2020.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for another round of the Safe at the Farmers' Market Cost-Share program. Winter markets that meet at least four times between November and March and have five or more locally grown and/or cottage food vendors may be reimbursed up to $300 on the purchase a variety of equipment that will help markets comply with the Guidance for Minnesota Farmers Markets and Vendors. Approximately $10,000 in total will be available through this program. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis through December 15, 2020, or until all funds are depleted.

NC AgVentures Grant Program is a Cooperative Extension program sponsored by NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission that provides grants to North Carolina independent family farms, and community organizations that work with family farms, to develop new and innovative agricultural projects that will increase farm profits. Grant awards up to $8,000 are available to eligible applicants in 46 North Carolina counties. Applications are due by December 18, 2020.

University of Mount Olive AgPrime provides grants to North Carolina farmers for new and innovative agricultural project ideas that will increase farm profits. This grant program, which is supported by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, was designed to strengthen farms and communities that were negatively impacted by the downturn of the tobacco economy. North Carolina residents in 33 designated counties, who are agriculturally dependent and who have viable ideas for new and innovative agricultural projects, are eligible for grants up to $10,000. A 10% cash match is required. Applications are due December 18, 2020.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is looking for proposals for two new Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) grants that aim to increase local purchasing in Farm to School programs. School districts may apply for Farm to School Full Tray Grants intended for school districts that have some Farm to School procurement experience, or for Farm to School First Bite Mini-Grants intended for school districts that have little to no experience with local procurement as part of a Farm to School program. First Bite recipients in FY2021 will not be eligible for the First Bite grant in subsequent funding rounds. School districts may apply for a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $5,000. There is no match required. The Full Tray grants will be awarded to school districts that have experience purchasing Minnesota grown and raised products but want to expand their Farm to School programs. Applicants may apply for up to $35,000 based on the district size. Grants require a one-to-one match. Applications are due by December 18, 2020.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has funds available for reimbursement to Kansas specialty crop growers who attend an educational conference with a primary focus on specialty crops. Qualifying conferences may include sessions about production practices, specialized equipment and technology, pest and disease management, specialty crop marketing practices, or business principles for specialty crop producers. Conferences not eligible will include those within the state of Kansas and the Great Plains Growers Conference. KDA will reimburse Kansas specialty crop growers up to $850 each in order to offset the cost of their conference registration, mileage/flights, hotel, meals, etc. The award is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline for application is December 18, 2020.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state's or territory's Governor, SBA will issue an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration. This makes loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Note that eligible businesses include small agricultural cooperatives and producer cooperatives, but not agricultural enterprises. SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can't be paid because of the disaster's impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%. A list of areas eligible for these disaster loans is available online.

Farmer-owned cooperative Tillamook is partnering with American Farmland Trust to raise awareness and dollars to help farmers survive today and thrive in the future. The Brighter Future Microgrant Program will assist farmers in successfully launching, growing, and sustaining farms in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, changing markets, severe weather and climate change, and other forces impacting the food and agricultural system. Grants are intended to leverage other resources and make a real difference for farmers to improve farm viability, access land, improve land security, facilitate farm transfers, and increase resilience to climate change. Grants can be used for farm equipment, infrastructure, and/or professional services to help participating farmers achieve program goals. Grants will be awarded in amounts up to $5,000 per project. Eligible applicants and proposed projects must be located within specified counties around the following cities: Los Angeles, Portland (OR), Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Detroit, Columbus, Nashville, Washington DC, New York City, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Hartford/Springfield, Atlanta, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale/Miami, and Orlando. Applications will be reviewed and awarded in the order the applications were received, based on eligibility and other criteria.

USDA will award up to $10 million in competitive grants to eligible entities through the Farm to School Grant Program in FY 2021. Each grant helps implement farm to school programs that increase access to local food in eligible schools, connect children with agriculture for better health, and inspire youth to consider careers in agriculture. The RFA includes three tracks: Implementation, State Agency, and a new Turnkey track. Funding is available in amounts up to $50,000 for three Turnkey projects: (1) farm to school action plan development; (2) agricultural education curriculum development and delivery; (3) edible gardening. State agencies may receive awards of up to $25,000 for the fourth Turnkey project type, the USDA farm to school producer training project. Implementation grant awards range from $50,000 to $100,000. State Agency grant awards range from $50,000-$100,000 to help State agencies seeking to improve access to local food served in eligible Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) by incorporating local procurement and agricultural education activities. Applications must be submitted by January 8, 2021.

Minnesota's AGRI New Markets Cost-Share Program has adapted to help farms or food or beverage companies meet the challenges and opportunities of COVID-impacted food supply chains and changing consumer behavior. Two types of cost-shares are offered: E-Commerce Cost-Share and Cost-Share for Wholesale Food Businesses. Up to $250,000 is available for reimbursements for expenses from August 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, with a $4,000 maximum reimbursement. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the application deadline or funds are gone, whichever is first. The application deadline is January 10, 2021.

Maryland Energy Administration is accepting applications for the Commercial, Industrial & Agricultural Grant Program to support improving the energy efficiency and reducing the energy costs of enterprises in the state. A total of $550,000 is available in this funding period. The program offers funding for up to 50% of eligible energy-efficiency measures, with a maximum of $200,000. Applications are due by January 12, 2021.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has grant funding for energy efficiency and pollution prevention projects for small business owners and farmers available through the Small Business Advantage Grant program. Pennsylvania farmers and other small business owners with 100 or fewer full-time employees are eligible for the grants. Projects must save the business a minimum of $500 and 25 percent annually in energy consumption or pollution related expenses. Natural resource protection projects are exempt from the minimums; however, the projects must be able to quantify sediment and nutrient reductions into nearby waterways. Businesses can apply for 50% matching funds for equipment or materials, up to $7,000, when adopting energy-efficient or pollution prevention equipment or processes. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be accepted until fiscal year 2020-21 funds are exhausted, or April 12, 2021, whichever occurs first.