Best Grants for Farmers in Indiana

Agricultural educators and nonprofit groups in Indiana and other North Central states can seek funding to deliver sustainable agriculture professional development and cross-agency training for those who work with farmers and ranchers. With a mission to strengthen farm sustainability, North Central Region SARE provides up to US $120,000 for outcome-based, participatory training projects using farmers as educators.

Indiana youth educators developing sustainable agriculture programming for young people can apply for North Central Region SARE’s Youth Educator Grant, with awards up to US $6,000. Focused on innovative lessons and methods, funded projects must also share results with fellow educators, which may benefit farm-based and agricultural education efforts for youth.

Nonprofit, government, faith-based, and other organizations working with farmers and agricultural workers in Indiana and the broader Midwest can receive up to US $30,000 to develop or evaluate agricultural safety and health programs. University of Iowa’s GPCAH Community Pilot Grant supports projects on issues like mental health, injury prevention, and chemical safety for agricultural communities.

Students pursuing agriculture-related studies who may be from the Coopersville area can apply for the Arlyn J. Walt Memorial Scholarship from Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. This scholarship supports higher education in agricultural fields and may benefit aspiring farmers, including those from Indiana, whose academic and career goals align with the fund’s agricultural focus.

College-bound or current full-time students in agriculture-related fields can receive US $2,000 to study poultry science or related agricultural majors; applicants must be Georgia residents. With a mission to support higher education, North Georgia Community Foundation provides aspiring poultry industry professionals with scholarship funding that may benefit future farmers, including those interested in farms and farming in Indiana.

Students pursuing a degree related to the poultry industry, including those from Indiana farm families, can apply for Arkansas Community Foundation’s Poultry Federation Scholarship to support higher education or technical training. This scholarship may benefit future poultry professionals connected to farming who plan to study at two- or four-year colleges or vocational programs.

Need-based scholarships for Raleigh County, West Virginia high school graduates involved in FFA or 4-H support students pursuing higher education, including agriculture-related fields. With a mission to enrich communities, Beckley Area Foundation uses a universal application to match eligible students to this and other awards; preference goes to applicants with FFA or 4-H projects at the West Virginia State Fair.

Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions working on farmed animal protection and food system transformation, including farms and farming in Indiana, can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000, for project or general operating support. U.S.-based and internationally focused 501(c)(3)s or fiscally sponsored groups advancing systemic, supply-side change may be eligible.

Sheep producers in Indiana seeking to improve farm productivity and stewardship can receive up to US $23,000 for technology adoption and conservation-focused management plans. With a mission to strengthen livestock and farming, American Lamb Board provides U.S. farmers with technical support, electronic ID systems, soil sampling, and genetic consulting to grow sustainable sheep operations.

U.S. biomedical research institutions and related organizations can apply for National Institutes of Health funding of US $960,898 - US $1,008,943 to operate the National Swine Resource and Research Center, supporting creation and distribution of genetically modified swine models. Indiana farming and livestock researchers may benefit through access to specialized animals, services, and training.

National feed associations working on animal food safety and regulatory standards in Indiana can seek funding to strengthen animal food safety programs. US Department of Health & Human Services: Food and Drug Administration supports farms and farming by fostering inter-agency collaboration, enhancing state regulatory and surveillance systems, and promoting Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards across eligible jurisdictions.

The EA Funds: Animal Welfare Fund Grant aims to enhance the welfare of nonhuman animals globally through strategic grants. It focuses on neglected regions, innovative research, and impactful advocacy, particularly for farmed and wild animals. The fund supports projects that alleviate suffering, promote alternatives to factory farming, and engage in policy advocacy. By contributing to this grant, you can help create a significant positive impact on animal welfare and support initiatives that are often overlooked.

Indiana farmers, ranchers, and private forest land partners can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to co-invest in conservation projects addressing on-farm, watershed, and regional resource concerns. Awards range from US $250,000 - US $10,000,000 for collaborative projects improving soil, water, habitat, and sustainable agriculture across one or more states or Critical Conservation Areas.

The Mishler Brown Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, supports nonprofits dedicated to agriculture and historic preservation. Applications are accepted annually from October 1 to December 31, with funds awarded in January. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status but do not need to be located in Elkhart County. The fund honors Helen Mishler's legacy by preserving farming heritage, including her family's historic homestead.

Indiana farms, ranches, and private forest landowners working on conservation projects can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Awards of US $250,000 - US $10,000,000 support partners and producers to address soil, water, habitat, and other natural resource concerns through collaborative, multi-state or regional projects.

The Ag Health and Safety Grants, awarded by CHS and the CHS Foundation, aim to enhance agricultural safety and foster community well-being. These grants focus on educating youth and farmers about agricultural hazards, providing training for rural professionals, and developing essential safety guidelines. With a commitment to improving safety standards, the program has benefitted over 32,000 youth and supported more than 450 communities through safety initiatives and equipment, ensuring a safer future for all involved in agriculture.

The ASPCA Fund to End Factory Farming Grant Program aims to transform the U.S. food system by promoting humane practices and reducing reliance on factory farming. By funding eligible projects, the program seeks to improve animal welfare, support farmers, and enhance public health. Projects must include educational components to raise awareness about their impact. This initiative reflects ASPCA's commitment to ethical treatment of animals and fostering a culture of compassion and inclusion.

The Chipotle Cultivate Foundation Grant Program supports 501(c)3 non-profits dedicated to making real food accessible and fostering community growth. Established in 2011, this initiative aligns with Chipotle's mission to cultivate a better world. Eligible organizations can apply through an invitation-only process, focusing on those paving the way for a better future. The foundation also offers mentorship and resources to innovative ventures in the food industry.

Members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association and their children pursuing academic studies can receive scholarship support that may benefit farmers in Indiana and beyond. Communities Foundation of Oklahoma provides farming-focused scholarship assistance in partnership with the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association for eligible association families engaged in livestock and agricultural careers.

The DCCF: Ag Field of Interest Grants support non-profit agricultural programs aimed at enhancing knowledge and involvement in agriculture. These grants, funded by local agricultural producers, prioritize innovative projects that benefit Decatur County residents. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, governmental agencies, and qualified educational institutions. Projects must demonstrate community impact and cannot be for operating deficits, political activities, or religious purposes. Applications are accepted year-round, with a recommendation to apply at least 60 days prior to project commencement.

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) offers grants to support Native farmers and ranchers through business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services. Established from the Keepseagle v. Vilsack settlement, NAAF is committed to providing essential resources to eligible organizations, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments. Special focuses include inflation assistance and market access, ensuring a holistic approach to agricultural support.

Graduate students who are members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association, or their children, can receive scholarship support for higher education, including those from Indiana. Communities Foundation of Oklahoma provides these awards to support future leaders in cattle and livestock agriculture, which may benefit farmers pursuing advanced degrees related to farming and ranching.

The Food and Farm Communications Fund's Wildseed Grants program supports grassroots organizations in the U.S. that aim to bring transformative change to food and agricultural systems. With grants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for one year, and up to $75,000 for two years, the program emphasizes strategic communications, community engagement, and racial equity. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with the Fund’s mission and have a revenue of less than $3 million.

U.S.-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored groups working on regenerative and organic farming and related food-system issues may be eligible for $5,000 - $50,000 in general operating support, including those serving Indiana farmers. Focused on sustainable agriculture and climate justice, Clif Family Foundation prioritizes grassroots organizations with strong community ties and budgets under $8MM.

Local Agriculture Market Program

The Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) supports the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing; local and regional food markets and enterprises; and value-added agricultural products. The primary goals of LAMP are to:

• Connect and cultivate regional food economies through public-private partnerships.    
• Support the development of business plans, feasibility studies, and strategies for value-added agricultural production and local and regional food system infrastructure.    
• Strengthen capacity and regional food system development through community collaboration and expansion of mid-tier value chains. 
• Improve income and economic opportunities for producers and food businesses through job creation; and   
• Simplify the application processes and the reporting processes for the program.

LAMP is an umbrella program created in the 2018 Farm Bill. LAMP encompasses the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), Regional Food System Partnerships Program (RFSP), and Value-Added Producer Grants Program (VAPG). LAMP funding is divided between these grant programs.

ASPCA PRO

ASPCApro.org provides tools and resources for animal welfare professionals, veterinary personnel and volunteers. We take a progressive approach to helping the country's at-risk animals, promoting cutting edge research to advance the field.

ASPCA Research Grants

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) research grants fund high-quality research with a clear potential to benefit animals, either directly or through effecting systems-level change. Proposals to extend existing studies, focused on other disciplines, will also be considered if they can clearly demonstrate substantial potential benefit to animal welfare.

This year we are soliciting proposals in the following six research areas:

• Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) Research
• Applied Behavior Research
• Cruelty Research
• Farm Animal Welfare Research
• Psychological Trauma Research
• Shelter Research

Proposals focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a program or service must demonstrate methodological rigor and a clear plan to produce generalizable scientific knowledge. Please view eligibility information for specific projects from the research area you are interested in. 

Farm Animal Welfare Research

Proposals exploring how farmers’ use of healthier, non-conventional broiler chicken breeds, intersects with the birds’ use of pasture, environmental outcomes, and/or chicken product nutritional content. Research may be conducted by farms or other businesses in addition to academic or research institutions. However, field studies must include an academic partner or follow established field trial protocols for design and data collection.