Funding Opportunities

The proposal submission deadline is November 12, 2021.
Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) is accepting proposals for the 2022 Producer Grant Program, intended for farmers/ranchers and farmer/rancher organizations throughout the Southern region. The maximum funding amount for a Producer Grant is $15,000 for individual farmers/ranchers and $20,000 for farmer/rancher organizations. Producer Grants are used to conduct sustainable agriculture research projects that solve agricultural production challenges farmers face and to develop information on what works and what doesn’t, so that other farmers and ranchers facing those same challenges can benefit from the results of the funded project.

Proposals are due by October 29, 2021.
Wisconsin Specialty Crop Block Grant – COVID-19 program funds will be distributed to the specialty crop industry through a competitive review process. Grants between $10,000 and $100,000 will be awarded. Funding priorities include food safety for specialty crops, increasing specialty-crop supply and demand, environmental sustainability of specialty crops, industry innovation, and education to improve production practices or increase sales or consumption.

Applications are due by November 11, 2021.
North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (NCR-SARE) is accepting applications for Youth Educator Grants, competitive grants for educators to provide programming on sustainable agriculture for youth. The grants support projects by youth educators that encourage youth to try sustainable practices and explore sustainable agriculture as a viable career option. There is a $6,000 maximum.

Proposals are due by November 10, 2021.
Western Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) is accepting proposals for Professional Development Program (PDP) grants. PDP Grants are aimed at helping Cooperative Extension Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other agricultural professionals in the Western Region increase their understanding and proficiency in sustainable agriculture so that they, in turn, can educate and train farmers and ranchers. Projects may be one to three years in length. Funding is capped at $100,000 total costs per project.

Applications are due by October 21, 2021.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals to conserve and restore grasslands and wildlife species in the Northern Great Plains. The goal of the Northern Great Plains Program is to maintain and/or improve interconnected grasslands in focal areas to sustain healthy populations of grassland-obligate species while fostering sustainable livelihoods and preserving cultural identities. The program anticipates awarding approximately $2.7 million in grants. A 1:1 match is required. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, U.S. Federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal agencies, and educational institutions. Program priorities include permanent conservation efforts, habitat restoration efforts, and improved management to benefit grasslands.

Applications must be submitted by November 4, 2021.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is looking for proposals for two Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) grants that aim to increase local purchasing in Farm to School programs. School districts across Minnesota could receive a total of $748,000 for purchasing Minnesota-grown and -raised foods used in school meal programs. School districts may apply for one of two grants: the Farm to School First Bite Mini-Grant is $2,500 to $5,000 intended for school districts that have little to no experience with local procurement as part of a Farm to School programming, and the Farm to School Full Tray Grant is a matching grant up to $35,000, intended for school districts that have experience purchasing Minnesota-grown and -raised products but want to expand their Farm to School programs. This year, applicants for both the First Bite and Full Tray grants may also apply for matching grants up to $25,000 for equipment purchases, in addition to funds for food.

Applications will be accepted until October 1, 2021.
The Pennsylvania Farm to School Grant Program provides schools with funding to improve access to healthy, local foods and increase agriculture education opportunities for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Any school district, charter school, or private school with pre-kindergarten classes, kindergarten, or elementary through fifth grade is eligible to apply for up to $15,000.

The application deadline is October 29, 2021.
USDA is encouraging cooperatives, credit unions, and nonprofit organizations to apply for loans through the new Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP). Through HPRP, USDA Farm Service Agency loans up to $5 million at a 1% interest rate to eligible lenders. Then, those eligible lenders will reloan funds to heirs to help resolve title issues by financing the purchase or consolidation of property interests and financing costs associated with a succession plan. Intermediary lenders must be certified as a community development financial institution and have experience and capability in making and servicing agricultural and commercial loans that are similar in nature.

Applications are due November 3, 2021.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is accepting applications from States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, and water districts; State, regional, or local authorities; and other organizations with water or power delivery authority in the western United States for WaterSMART grants. Applicants would cost share with Reclamation on projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently; increase the production of renewable energy; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; enable farmers to make additional on-farm improvements in the future, including improvements that may be eligible for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funding; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the western United States.

The application cutoff date for federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 REAP funds through this program is November 1, 2021.
USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for the Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants. Applications for grants or grant and loan combinations of less than $20,000 are being accepted. The REAP program helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and helps meet the nation’s critical energy needs.