Best Organic Farming and Agriculture Grants in New Jersey

Research for Novel Approaches in Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Research for Novel Approaches grant program funds ‘proof of concept’ applied research projects that are designed to confirm the benefits and/or feasibility of new practices and approaches—i.e., Novel Approaches—in agriculture.

These applied research projects must have some existing evidence from previous experiments or pilot projects (your own or others) suggesting that the practice or approach is beneficial and feasible, but further testing, data, and refinement are needed before it can be recommended for widespread adoption by farmers.

Research for Novel Approaches Grant projects require an explicit connection to the needs and interests of farmers in the Northeast. All proposals must include documented interest among farmers and service providers in utilizing or promoting the novel approach should it be proven beneficial and feasible.

Funding Available

Novel Approaches grants have a minimum award of $30,000 and a cap of $250,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charities, research institutions, and universities in New Jersey can seek funding for pollinator health, sustainable agriculture, and related research or advocacy projects. With a mission to promote pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture, One Hive Foundation provides grants up to Up to US $75,000 for initiatives like public education, policy work, and farmer and beekeeper support.

New Jersey agricultural and forest producers seeking support to enhance conservation on working lands can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of New Jersey to improve soil, water, and habitat while sustaining operations. Eligible applicants include individuals, entities, joint operations, and Tribes managing qualifying land and meeting stewardship thresholds for priority resource concerns.

Nonprofit organizations advancing equitable, sustainable food systems in New Jersey, New York, or Connecticut can receive US $10,000 to support their work through the Community Food Funders Champions Award. With a mission to strengthen regional food systems, North Star Fund and Community Food Funders honor groups with strong racial justice analysis and representative leadership; sustainable agriculture and agroecology projects may be eligible.

New Jersey agricultural and livestock producers seeking support for conservation, irrigation, or sustainable farming improvements can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of New Jersey offers up to US $50,000 per participant, covering up to 75% of costs for practices like water management, soil erosion control, pest management, and transition to organic farming.

New Jersey sustainable agriculture and environmental nonprofits can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 to implement sustainability projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, or sustainable agriculture. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help eligible U.S.-based 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) organizations with strong financial histories advance measurable environmental, social, and financial impacts in their communities.

Agricultural organizations, service providers, researchers, and community nonprofits in New Jersey can seek Northeast SARE Partnership Grants to develop and test sustainable agriculture practices, marketing, or farm and community well-being projects, with awards up to US $30,000. Focused on sustainable agriculture, Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education invites farm-based projects conducted in direct partnership with commercial farmers.

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.

The Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Pre-Applications program, funded by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, seeks innovative proposals to combat Huanglongbing (HLB) and its associated diseases. This initiative aims to ensure sustainable citrus production in the U.S. through collaborative strategies that leverage existing knowledge. Funded projects will focus on developing actionable solutions for growers to effectively manage and prevent HLB infections, ensuring the health of citrus crops in the near future.

About the Healthy Soils Program Block Grant

Through the Block Grant model, CDFA's Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS), partners with regional organizations to administer local grant programs that support farmers and ranchers implementing healthy soils practices.

Block Grant Recipients work directly with producers in their region by providing outreach, technical assistance, and support throughout project implementation. These organizations manage the local application process, recommend projects for funding to CDFA, establish agreements with producers who carry out soil-health practices on their operations, and manage funded on-farm projects.

By working through trusted regional partners, the Block Grant model helps ensure funding reaches producers along with locally informed support and technical expertise, thus expanding the adoption of soil-building practices across California.

With a mission to foster innovative sustainability initiatives, Wright Service Corp Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation provides New Jersey sustainable agriculture and agroecology projects with funding for regenerative agriculture practices. Eligible projects in the contiguous U.S., Puerto Rico, or Canada may improve soil health, water quality, biodiversity, and reduce emissions or synthetic fertilizer use on farms.

Nonprofits, charities, and social enterprises in Canada or the U.S. working on regenerative and sustainable agriculture can apply for One Young World's Generation Regen Challenge, offering up to US $200,000 for projects. Young leaders aged 18–35 in New Jersey and beyond may secure support for soil health, biodiversity, animal welfare, and food security initiatives.

Grants support PhD students at U.S. graduate institutions conducting plant-based scientific research that can inform sustainable agriculture and agroecology in New Jersey and beyond. Grants from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens provide US $6,000 plus travel and outreach training to help fellows connect their research with public audiences and communities.

Nonprofit organizations in New Jersey working on sustainable agriculture, agroecology, or hunger relief can apply for Herbert Foundation funding to support food and health-related initiatives. The foundation backs food charities focused on education, sustainability, advocacy, and nutritional assistance, as well as health charities advancing medical research, education, prevention, and treatment.

Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in New Jersey working on sustainable agriculture, farmed animal issues, or broader food system transformation can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000. Funding may be unrestricted or project-based and supports research, advocacy, movement-building, and other systemic change strategies in the food system.

With a mission to improve animal welfare globally, Centre for Effective Altruism provides New Jersey sustainable agriculture and agroecology projects with funding for advocacy, research, and movement-building. Eligible applicants include individuals, nonprofits, academic institutions, and other entities worldwide, with awards up to US $200,000 for work benefiting large populations of farmed and wild animals.

Nonprofits and community organizations supporting agriculture, environment, or rural communities, including sustainable agriculture and agroecology, in New Jersey and other Andersons operating areas can seek program support. With a mission to enhance quality of life, Andersons Charitable Foundation provides funding for agricultural education, social services, community development, education, arts, and health initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans through art, education, environment, family, or health initiatives in New Jersey and other U.S. locations can seek up to US $100,000 for transformative projects. With a mission to empower women’s collective giving, Impact100 Global Veterans provides large project grants that can include sustainable agriculture and agroecology efforts benefiting veterans.

New Jersey nonprofits and public entities working on sustainable agriculture, agroecology, or related environmental conservation projects may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $25,000 in support. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help advance biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, restorative economies, and conservation policy, with a focus on U.S. regions including the arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, which provides US $3,000 for impactful water-industry research. Focused on water-related environmental challenges, American Water Works Association invites New Jersey sustainable agriculture and agroecology researchers whose work intersects water issues to apply.

Researchers studying community-led sustainable agriculture and related development issues in Latin America and the Caribbean, including those based in New Jersey, can receive US $20,000 fellowships to conduct rigorous field-based research. The Social Science Research Council and Inter-American Foundation support projects on topics like economic opportunity, disaster resilience, social inclusion, and responses to climate-related shocks.

The Harry Chapin Foundation grants support 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. focused on self-sufficiency. They prioritize grassroots programs in the arts, community education, and environmental sectors, with a budget cap of $750,000. Grants are typically awarded for one year, with renewals requiring a new proposal each year. Organizations using fiscal agents or applying for individuals are not eligible. The foundation is dedicated to improving lives through sustainable initiatives.

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

The Regenerative Agriculture Foundation Grant supports organizations that promote regenerative practices, emphasizing the value of people, plants, animals, and the planet. With a focus on BIPOC-led initiatives, the foundation encourages systemic change in agricultural systems through collaborative funding. Grants are available to U.S.-based organizations that align with RAF's vision and engage in transformative efforts. The competitive grantmaking process is by invitation only, ensuring targeted support for impactful projects.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

The USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council (USADPLC) invites research proposals for pulse crops, focusing on breeding, nutrition, crop management, and product development for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Projects should adopt a transdisciplinary approach to tackle complex challenges, with average awards around $30,000. Researchers are encouraged to leverage industry funding for matching grants. Note that equipment purchases over $10,000 are not eligible. Compliance with specific proposal guidelines is essential.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.