Best Grants for Farmers in Nebraska

Agricultural educators and nonprofit groups in Nebraska and other North Central states can seek funding to deliver sustainable agriculture professional development for those who serve farmers and ranchers. With a mission to strengthen sustainable farming systems, North Central Region SARE provides up to US $120,000 for outcome-based, cross-agency training projects using participatory, farmer-led approaches.

Nebraska youth educators developing innovative sustainable agriculture programming can apply for Youth Educator Grants supporting farm and agriculture education projects. Focused on sustainable farming and related topics, North Central Region SARE invites educators across the North Central Region to design, implement, and share new approaches, with awards up to US $6,000.

For-profit, nonprofit, government, and community-based organizations working on agricultural health and safety in Nebraska can access funding through University of Iowa’s GPCAH Community Pilot Grant. Awards up to US $30,000 support outreach, education, and research projects that prevent agricultural injuries and illnesses, including stress, mental health, falls, and chemical safety for farmers and farm workers.

Nebraska farmers, ranchers, tribal landowners, land trusts, and local governments can receive support to place conservation easements on working lands and wetlands, limiting nonagricultural uses and preserving productivity. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Nebraska funds Agricultural Land Easements, Wetland Reserve Easements, and Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership projects that protect farmland, grazing land, wetlands, and wildlife habitat.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations working on agriculture, food security, or water conservation in Nebraska and other Mosaic operating areas can seek support for programs and community initiatives. With a mission to help the world grow the food it needs, Mosaic Company Foundation provides funding for hunger relief, global agricultural development, watershed restoration, and local community projects.

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 organizations and educational institutions working on farmed animal and food system transformation, including farms and farming in Nebraska, can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000, for both projects and general operations. Eligible 501(c)(3)s or fiscally sponsored groups may focus on farmer advocacy, sustainable agriculture, environmental policy, or related systemic change efforts.

Need-based Raleigh County high school graduates involved in FFA or 4-H can receive scholarship support for higher education through the Christie H. Meadows Family Scholarship. With a mission to advance its community, Beckley Area Foundation provides this opportunity, which may benefit future farmers and agriculture-focused students, including those comparable to Nebraska farm youth.

Students pursuing a poultry-industry-related degree, including those from Nebraska farm families, can apply for Arkansas Community Foundation’s Poultry Federation Scholarship to support higher education or technical training. Awards help fund study at two- or four-year colleges, vocational schools, or technical programs, with specific eligibility determined through the foundation’s scholarship portal quiz.

College-bound or current college students in Georgia pursuing poultry science or related agricultural degrees can receive $2,000 to support their education. With a mission to strengthen communities, North Georgia Community Foundation provides this scholarship, which may benefit future farmers and agricultural professionals, including those interested in farming careers in places like Nebraska.

Students planning to study agriculture and pursuing higher education can apply for the Arlyn J. Walt Memorial Scholarship, which supports future farmers and agricultural students, including those in Nebraska. Offered through the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation’s unified scholarship application, Coopersville-area students interested in agricultural education may be especially well-suited.

Sheep producers working on farms and ranches, including those in Nebraska, can receive up to US $23,000 to improve sheep and land stewardship management plans. With a mission to strengthen the U.S. sheep industry, American Lamb Board provides support for technology adoption, conservation planning, and technical services to boost productivity and open new markets.

U.S. research institutions and labs working with livestock and farming-related biomedical studies, including those in Nebraska, can apply for National Institutes of Health support; awards US $960,898 - US $1,008,943 to operate the National Swine Resource and Research Center. Funding covers creation, breeding, preservation, and distribution of genetically modified swine models and related services.

Nebraska farmers and ranchers who are members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association, or their children, can receive academic scholarships supporting agricultural education and related studies. Communities Foundation of Oklahoma partners with the association to fund students from farming and livestock backgrounds, which may benefit Nebraska cattle producers pursuing further education.

Graduate students who are members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association, or their children, can receive scholarship support for higher education, including those from Nebraska. Communities Foundation of Oklahoma provides this funding in partnership with the association, helping cattle and farming families pursue advanced degrees that strengthen agricultural leadership and careers.

The Agriculture Risk Management Education Partnerships Competitive Grants Program (ARME) aims to educate agricultural producers on various risk management activities, including crop insurance, debt reduction, and market assessment. Emphasizing farm viability, the program seeks to provide technical assistance and outreach to farmers and ranchers to improve their risk management strategies, as outlined in the Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000. This initiative is funded by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

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.

About FFAR

Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) advances food and agriculture science to develop tools, technologies and information that benefit farmers, consumers and the environment. We connect funders, researchers and farmers through public-private partnerships to support audacious research addressing the biggest food and agriculture challenges. Our unique public-private partnership model allows us to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to identify research opportunities that help farmers adapt to current challenges. 

H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Program

The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) has partnered with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the Pork Checkoff to fund a $4 million research program to enhance prevention, preparedness, mitigation and response capabilities for H5N1 influenza in the U.S. swine herd.

As part of SHIC’s strategic mission to respond to emerging disease threats, SHIC monitors disease outbreaks nationally and internationally for their potential risks to the U.S. swine herd. H5N1 influenza is an emerging disease identified as a priority for U.S. pork industry prevention and preparedness due to the growing number of diverse mammalian species susceptible to infection and the unprecedented 2024 H5N1 outbreak impacting U.S. dairy herds.

Proposals should clearly state which of the below SHIC/FFAR/NPB H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Priorities will be addressed through the project. 

SHIC/FFAR/NPB H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Priorities

• Diagnostic Surveillance. 
• Introduction and Transmission Risks.
• Caretakers of Pigs.
• Biosecurity Practices
• Safety of Pork
• Mitigating Production Impact. 
• Business Continuity. 

The Generation Regen Challenge, presented by BMO, aims to promote regenerative agriculture in Canada and the U.S. by providing $200,000 to innovative social enterprises and non-profits. This initiative seeks to enhance local farming practices, soil health, animal welfare, and biodiversity, while ensuring food security for underserved communities. By supporting projects that restore ecosystems and sequester carbon, the challenge encourages a sustainable agricultural future. Applications are open to eligible organizations focused on impactful solutions in their communities.