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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners seeking conservation and natural resource improvements can apply for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Classic, offering US $250,000 - US $10,000,000 for multi-partner projects. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service supports on-farm, watershed, and regional efforts that address soil, water, habitat, and other resource concerns through competitively selected partnerships.

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.

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.

Nebraska farming and ranching organizations focused on conservation projects can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to address on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns. This national program offers US $250,000 - US $10,000,000 for partner-led projects improving soil, water, habitat, and sustainable agriculture, including work in Nebraska and other eligible 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Nonprofit and other eligible organizations working on agricultural biotechnology trade and policy can apply for US $500,000 - US $2,000,000 from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service to design and deliver international workshops and trainings. Projects may benefit Nebraska farmers by expanding global market access for U.S. biotech-derived agricultural products.

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 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.