Best Grants for Farmers in Kansas

About Us

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is the nation's first state department of agriculture. The agency is devoted to the total support of agriculture in Kansas. The department works for the entire Kansas agriculture sector, including farmers, ranchers, food establishments and agribusinesses. The department is dedicated to providing support and assistance to make Kansas businesses successful and encouraging more farms, ranches and other agriculture business to expand in or relocate to Kansas.

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Program Overview

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is a federal grant opportunity provided by the USDA to state departments of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by

leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops;

assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops;

expanding availability and access to specialty crops; and

addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers.

Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops including floriculture.

FY27 Specialty Crop Block Grants

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is expected to receive $325,000 from the USDA to fund projects to enhance the competitiveness of the Kansas specialty crop industry. Projects of particular interest to KDA are those that explore improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems, increasing nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops, and specialty crop research.

Applicants may apply for up to $100,000 for a specific project with a duration of up to three years. Matching funds are not required. 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. Applicants must be a legal entity and have the legal capacity to contract.

With a mission to advance sustainable agriculture education, North Central Region SARE provides Kansas farm-focused educators and agricultural professionals with up to US $120,000 for professional development projects. Eligible applicants include extension, NRCS staff, and nonprofit groups designing outcome-based, cross-agency training that uses farmers and ranchers as educators on emerging farm and ranch issues.

Youth educators developing innovative sustainable agriculture programming for young people in Kansas and other North Central states can apply for grants up to US $6,000. Focused on sustainable farming education, North Central Region SARE supports projects that test new lessons or approaches and share successful methods with fellow youth educators.

For-profit, nonprofit, governmental, and community-based organizations working on agricultural health and safety in Kansas can access funding through University of Iowa’s Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health. Grants up to US $30,000 support pilot outreach, education, and research projects to prevent farm-related injuries and illnesses, including stress, mental health, falls, and chemical hazards.

Private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and state or local governments in Kansas can receive support to place agricultural land under permanent or long-term conservation easements, protecting working farms and ranches. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Kansas funds Agricultural Land Easements that limit non-agricultural uses while conserving cropland, grassland, pastureland, and related conservation values.

Agricultural producers, ranchers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Kansas can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program to fund conservation practices on working lands. Support covers technical and financial assistance to improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience on eligible farm, ranch, and forest lands.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations working on agriculture, food security, or water and habitat conservation in Kansas and other North American communities can seek support for programs and operations. With a mission to help the world grow the food it needs, Mosaic Company Foundation provides community investment grants focused on food, water, and local community initiatives.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

This grant aims to enhance cooperation and regulatory standards among animal food safety programs by funding national feed associations. It promotes inter-agency collaboration, strengthens state regulatory frameworks, and supports the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS). By leveraging resources and aligning with federal and state initiatives, the program seeks to improve animal food safety and ensure comprehensive surveillance and protection.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups working on farmed animal protection and food system transformation can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s US $2,500 - US $10,000 grants. Kansas farming and rural advocacy initiatives focused on sustainable agriculture, farmer empowerment, environmental policy, labor, or food justice may be eligible for project or general operating support in the U.S. and internationally.

Young or beginning farmers in Kansas starting or expanding farming operations, including crop, livestock, or farm product processing and marketing, may be eligible for this grant. Greater Salina Community Foundation funds projects, seed money, capacity building, capital improvements, or endowments, primarily benefiting the Post Rock Community Foundation area (USD 298 and 299) through eligible 501(c)(3), educational, governmental, or religious entities or fiscal sponsors.

Need-based student farmers in FFA or 4-H pursuing higher education, including those from farming communities like Kansas, can apply for the Christie H. Meadows Family Scholarship supporting college costs. Administered via Beckley Area Foundation’s universal application, it favors graduates active in agricultural clubs and projects, such as entries at the West Virginia State Fair.

Students in Kansas pursuing degrees related to the poultry industry can apply for Arkansas Community Foundation’s Poultry Federation Scholarship, which supports higher education and technical training. Eligible applicants use the Foundation’s scholarship portal and quiz to identify this and other opportunities that match their education plans and farming-related career goals.

College-bound or current full-time students in Georgia pursuing poultry science or related agricultural degrees can receive US $2,000 for higher education costs. With a mission to support agricultural education, North Georgia Community Foundation provides aspiring poultry industry professionals with scholarship funding; Kansas farmers with college-age dependents in Georgia may benefit if they meet residency and academic criteria.

Students planning to study agriculture, including those from Kansas farming communities, can apply for the Arlyn J. Walt Memorial Scholarship through Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. This scholarship supports Coopersville-area students interested in agricultural education, and applicants complete a single application to be considered for all eligible foundation scholarships.

Sheep producers in Kansas seeking support to improve farm productivity and land stewardship can apply for the Advancing Markets for Producers Grants, offering up to US $23,000 per enrollee. With a mission to strengthen livestock and farming, American Lamb Board provides technical assistance, conservation planning, and technology implementation to grow the U.S. sheep industry.

Research institutions and organizations working with swine models in Kansas and nationwide can apply for National Institutes of Health support, with awards from US $960,898 - US $1,008,943, to operate a National Swine Resource and Research Center. Funding supports creation, breeding, preservation, and distribution of genetically modified swine models and related services that may benefit advanced livestock research programs.

Kansas farmers and ranchers who are members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association, or their children, can receive academic scholarship support for education related to farms and farming. Communities Foundation of Oklahoma partners with the association to award these scholarships, which may benefit Kansas agricultural families active in cattle production.

Richard Gebhart Leadership Legacy Scholarship

Provides scholarships to members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (and their children) who are attending graduate school and best meet the criteria. In partnership with the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association.

The Assisting Specialty Crop Exports initiative aims to enhance U.S. specialty crop market access by developing low-oxygen storage and packaging systems for tree nuts. By addressing phytosanitary requirements and pest control, the initiative supports producers in maintaining product quality while complying with international standards. This funding opportunity from the Foreign Agricultural Service encourages innovative solutions that can improve export processes and reduce reliance on costly fumigation methods, ultimately benefiting U.S. agribusiness and ensuring competitiveness in global markets.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.