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.

Northeast SARE's Partnership Grant program funds projects conducted by researchers, educators, and agricultural service providers working in direct partnership with farmers. Grants may be used for projects such as the following: research to improve production practices, marketing approaches, or farmer, farmworker or community well-being; education and training programs to increase knowledge and improve decision-making about sustainable practices; on-farm or in-market demonstrations of new techniques; and developing new farm-management and community-development approaches that support sustainable agriculture outcomes. Partnership Grants are capped at $30,000 and typically run for one to two years. Proposals are due by April 13, 2021.

Arizona Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for approximately $2.88 million in funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. State and/or local organizations, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations, and other specialty crops stakeholders are eligible to apply. SCBGP grant funds will be awarded for projects of up to two years duration. Applications for grant funds should show how the project potentially impacts and produces measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution, or individual. The maximum grant request is $250,000. Applications are due by April 14, 2021.

The Open Space Institute (OSI) has launched the Appalachian Landscapes Protection Fund, an $18 million effort that will provide capital grants to protect 50,000 acres in key focus areas along the Appalachian Range. The Fund awards capital grants for land protection in portions of (1) the Cradle of Southern Appalachia (Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama), (2) the Middle Atlantic (New Jersey and Pennsylvania), and (3) the Northern Appalachians (Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont). Eligible land conservation projects must lie wholly or partly in one of the Fund's focus areas, have strong climate resilience attributes, and be managed to enhance forest carbon. OSI will further assess projects for their carbon storage and sequestration potential, natural resource attributes, the likelihood of success, and the threat of forest loss. Grants must be to to qualified not-for-profit conservation organizations and be used to acquire land or permanent conservation easements. Applications are due by April 14, 2021.

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is accepting applications for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. This program supports delivery of education, mentoring, and technical assistance programs to help beginning farmers and ranchers in the United States and its territories with entering, establishing, building, and managing successful farm and ranch enterprises. Approximately $16.5 million is expected to be available. Applications may only be submitted by a collaborative state, tribal, local, or regionally based network or partnership of qualified public and/or private entities. The application deadline has been extended until April 15, 2021.

Ohio Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program projects that will advance the long-term economic viability of the state's specialty crop industry, while increasing the marketability of specialty crops. Grants range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $150,000. In addition, all applicants must provide a minimum match of 25% of the requested grant amount. Food and agricultural non-profit organizations, associations or commodity groups, universities, and research institutions are eligible. Applications are due by April 15, 2021.

In 2005, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Walmart teamed up to establish the Acres for America program to conserve lands of national significance, protect critical fish and wildlife habitat, and benefit people and local economies. Acres for America provides urgently needed funding for projects that conserve important large-scale habitats for fish, wildlife, and plants through land acquisitions and perpetual conservation easements. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Applications are due by April 15, 2021.

Ohio Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for funding provided by USDA through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Grants range from $25,000 to $150,000. Applicants must provide a minimum match of 25% of the requested grant amount. Projects should advance the long-term economic viability of the state's specialty crop industry, while increasing the marketability of specialty crops. Higher rankings will be given to projects that demonstrate profit potential for growers and that could boost employment opportunities in the specialty crop industry. Food and agricultural nonprofit organizations, associations or commodity groups, universities, and research institutions are eligible to apply. Applications are due by April 15, 2021.

North Jersey RC&D, with the support of a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Water Quality Restoration Grant, is providing funding to assist farmers in the Neshanic River, Back Brook, Holland Brook, and Pleasant Run watersheds. Farmers are eligible for opportunities to receive up to $15,000 in funding through North Jersey RC&D's AgAssist program. The funding is aimed to assist farmers in improving water quality and soil health on their farms through their projects or practices. The AgAssist Program offers a reimbursement (50-90% depending on practice) toward equipment, supplies, and expenses required to implement a variety of soil health best management practices. Applications are due by April 15, 2021.

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) requests applications for the Special Research Grants Program—Potato Research fiscal year (FY) 2021 to support breeding research that leads to the development and commercial use of superior performing potato varieties that address significant challenges to the U.S. potato industry. The anticipated amount available for grants in FY 2021 is approximately $2.56 million. Applications may only be submitted by State agricultural experiment stations, land-grant colleges and universities, and their research foundations. Applications are due by April 16, 2021.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program, which provides funding in the form of a reimbursement grant to eligible applicants seeking to improve urban agriculture infrastructure in Pennsylvania. Projects must include improvements to agricultural infrastructure in urban areas and support for community development in the project service area. "Microgrants" up to $2,500 are offered for one-time projects or a single-entity applicant. "Collaboration" grants up to $50,000, not to exceed 50% of project costs, are available for projects that demonstrate cooperative or regional efforts and share resources, aggregate agricultural products or producers, promote the sharing of resources among agricultural entities, and support community development. Applications are due by April 16, 2021.

The USDA Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry (U&CF) Program is requesting proposals for cost-share grants for innovative projects for program development, study, and collaboration that will address urban and community forest resilience. There are two grant categories: Increasing Resiliency of Urban Forests through Reforestation and Management, and Planning Disaster Mitigation Strategies for Urban Forests. Up to $1 million in cost-share grants ranging from $100,000 - $300,000 is available. Proposals are due by April 16, 2021.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture is accepting proposals for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds to support projects that enhance the competitiveness of Delaware's specialty crop industry, sustain the livelihood of Delaware farmers, and strengthen Delaware's economy. Individual producers, producer groups, organizations, associations, and state and local organizations, academia, and other specialty crops stakeholders are eligible to apply either as single entities or in combined efforts. Proposals submitted by individual producers must demonstrate that the project's potential impact will accrue to a broader group of similar producers, regions, or industry segments. Competitive grants will be awarded for projects between $5,000 and $50,000. Proposals are due by April 20, 2021.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for grants to fund Montana projects that could stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) generally fund pilot projects, field demonstrations, and on-farm conservation research. In Montana, $225,000 is available for the state-component CIG. Applicants can request up to $75,000 for projects lasting one to three years. Resource concerns identified for this program are soil health, water quality and quantity, and range health. Applications are due by April 23, 2021.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) in California to help support the adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches on agricultural, forest lands, and oak woodlands. The CIG program this year prioritizes focusing on development and demonstration of innovative technologies related to resource inventory, treatment guidelines, quantifying benefits of soil health, carbon sequestration, pollinator and wildlife habitat, fuel management, air and water quality on agricultural lands, forest, and oak woodlands. Additionally, the CIG program includes funding for development of methods to encourage agricultural producers to adopt soil health practices and better equip historically underserved specialty crop farmers to implement irrigation and nutrient management. NRCS will invest up to $1 million for on-farm trials, field demonstrations, and pilot projects in 2021. Proposals are due by April 23, 2021.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced up to $200,000 of funding available in Massachusetts for eligible individuals, local and state governments, non-governmental organizations, and tribes through Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). These grants are intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection. CIG recipients must provide a non-federal funding match at least equal to the amount of federal funding requested. The proposal must involve Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) eligible producers and should demonstrate the use of innovative technologies or approaches to address a natural resource concern in one of the following categories: water quality, silvopasture, wildlife habitat. Applications are due by April 23, 2021.

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. This grant is open to producers, schools, trade associations, nonprofits, farmers markets, farming and ranching co-ops, etc. headquartered in Utah. Potential projects may include a broad range of focus such as improving marketing, research, training, certifications, food safety, pest control, plant health, and beyond for specialty crops. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to enhance the competitiveness of Utah grown specialty crops and benefit more than one producer or organization. Applications are due by April 27, 2021.

Northeast SARE's Graduate Student Research Grant Program supports graduate student research focused on sustainable agriculture using either or both natural and social science approaches. Proposals should address issues of current or potential importance to Northeast farmers and the agricultural/food system community. Projects must explore one or more of the sustainable agriculture themes of good stewardship, profitability, and quality of life for farmers and the agricultural community. The grant program is open to any graduate student enrolled at an accredited college, university or veterinary school in the Northeast region. Grants are capped at $15,000 and projects can run up to two years. Proposals are due by April 27, 2021

The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) distributes grants to dairy-based farms and processors in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. DBIA will be distributing $1 million in its spring grant cycle. Eligible projects include dairy farm diversification, the creation of value-added dairy products and starting/increasing exports of dairy products. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000. Applications are due April 30, 2021.

Pennsylvania's Center for Dairy Excellence is accepting applications for Business Planning Grants. If you want to have a business plan in place that helps protect the long-term profitability of your dairy farm, even when volatility hits, apply for a Business Planning Grant. The Center for Dairy Excellence will pair you with a consultant who can help you develop a detailed plan that is unique to your operation. Grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis with limited funds available. Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2021.

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Commodity groups, agricultural organizations, colleges and universities, municipalities, state agencies, and agricultural nonprofits are all eligible for this grant program. The minimum amount awarded is $5,000. The maximum award to commodity groups, agriculture organizations, municipalities and agriculture nonprofits applicants is $25,000; the maximum amount for colleges and universities is $40,000. The application deadline is May 3, 2021.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Idaho has announced the availability of Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) funding. The purpose of these grants is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Up to $150,000 total is available, with maximum project funding of $75,000 and an application minimum of $25,000. Applications for all resource concerns will be considered by Idaho. These include Rangeland, Wildlife, Soil Health and any other categories that relate to NRCS conservation priorities. No special consideration for funding will be given to applications that relate to any designated priorities. Proposals must be received by May 3, 2021.

USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service has amended its Solicitation of Applications for approximately $76 million in matching funds through the Value-Added Producer Grant program. The following are eligible types of applicants: Independent Producer, Agricultural Producer Group, Farmer or Rancher Cooperative, or Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business. Grant and matching funds can be used for planning activities or for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. The planning grant maximum is $75,000 and the maximum for Working Capital Grants is $250,000. The Amended Notice for this program includes $35 million in COVID-19 relief funds that require a reduced cost share match of just 10% of the grant amount, rather than the 100% match required by the remainder of the funds. Electronic applications must be received by April 29, 2021; paper applications must be postmarked by May 4, 2021.

USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) requests applications for $4.8 million in funding through the Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program for fiscal year 2021. Community Food Projects (CFP) and Planning Projects (PP) are designed to increase food security in communities by bringing the whole food system together to assess strengths, establish linkages, and create sustainable systems that improve the self-reliance of community members over their food needs. The purpose of the CFP is to support the development of projects with a one-time infusion of federal dollars to make such projects self-sustaining. Grants are not to exceed $125,000 in a single year or $400,000 over four years. The purpose of a Planning Project is to complete a plan toward the improvement of community food security. The maximum PP grant is $35,000. Applications are due by May 4, 2021.

The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAGM) has partnered with New York Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to bring focused conservation program funding to the Genesee River Watershed region through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This special funding will be used to implement practices to reduce sediment and phosphorus runoff to the Genesee River. The NYSDAGM and NRCS office will work together to provide assistance to producers in the project area in developing and implementing conservation practices. Interested farmers and landowners located within the Genesee River Watershed should contact their local NRCS office for additional information and to obtain an application. The application cutoff date is May 4, 2021.

Up to $350,000 in Federal grant funding is available in Iowa for the development of innovative conservation approaches and technologies through the USDA-administered Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. CIG generally funds pilot projects, field demonstrations, and on-farm conservation research. This year's state priorities are Soil Health, Water Quality and Quantity, and Wildlife Habitat. The CIG requires applicants to supply a 50-50 match. Applications are due by May 7, 2021.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Wisconsin announced that up to $500,000 is available for eligible individuals, local and state government, non-governmental organizations and tribes through the NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. Applicants must match the USDA funds awarded on a dollar-for-dollar basis from non-Federal sources with cash and in-kind contributions. The CIG proposal must involve Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) eligible producers and should demonstrate the use of innovative technologies or approaches to address a natural resource concern. These resource concerns must fit into one of the following categories: Conservation Planning, Manure Management Systems or Soil Health Management Systems. Project proposals are due May 7, 2021.

Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education's (SSARE) Graduate Student Grant program gives Master's and PhD students in the Southern Region the opportunity to conduct sustainable agriculture research projects. Graduate students must be enrolled full time and the maximum funding is $16,500 for a two-year project. Research projects must focus on sustainable agriculture and cover issues related to improving the profitability of farmers/ranchers in the Southern region; sustaining and improving the environmental quality and natural resources base on which agriculture depends; or enhancing the quality of life for farmers and ranchers and the communities they support. Research projects can be quantitative (component field research, for example) or qualitative (research that addresses social science issues). Applications are due by May 7, 2021.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that up to $150,000 of funding is available in Oregon for eligible individuals, local and state government, non-governmental organizations, and tribes through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. The CIG proposal must involve producers eligible for Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and should demonstrate the use of innovative technologies or approaches to address a natural resource concern. Resource concerns addressed must fall into one of the following sub-categories: energy, air quality and atmospheric change, water quality or quantity, plant health/vigor, soil quality, and wildlife habitat. Proposals are due May 7, 2021.

Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program is accepting proposals for Research and Education Grants. A researcher and at least three producers work together to develop a proposal to conduct both research and education on a sustainable agriculture topic. The project budget is $350,000 maximum, with project length of one to three years. Projects must incorporate research and education, and bring together a team of researchers, students, ag professionals, and producers. Principal Investigators need to reside in the Western region. Proposals are due by May 20, 2021.

USDA is seeking proposals to fund up to $75 million in new, unique projects under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program's (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will prioritize projects related to climate smart agriculture and forestry. NRCS will fund up to 15 projects this year through AFA, where partners have more flexibility in working directly with agricultural producers to support the development of new conservation structures and approaches that would not otherwise be effectively implemented through the classic RCPP. NRCS also strongly encourages proposals that address the conservation needs of urban farmers in metropolitan areas, supporting access to healthy fresh food in historically underserved communities. Project proposals will be accepted through May 28, 2021.