Best Grants for Farmers in North Carolina

The Southern SARE: Producer Grant supports farmers in conducting their own research projects to develop sustainable agricultural practices. Established in 1994, the program aims to enhance farmer profitability, promote responsible land use, and improve community quality of life. By focusing on areas like organic agriculture, sustainable marketing, and alternative crops, the grant empowers farmers to address production challenges and share valuable insights with others in the farming community, fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation.

The On Farm Housing Grant Program, managed by Alabama Non-Profit Housing, Inc., offers financial assistance to farmers and growers for upgrading existing labor housing. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the program provides matching grants up to $7,500, ensuring safe and sanitary living conditions for farm workers. Eligible participants must own housing in need of repairs that directly impact worker safety and health, with a commitment to match funds dollar-for-dollar.

The NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Grant aims to support tobacco-dependent communities in North Carolina. Established to assist farmers and businesses affected by the Master Settlement Agreement, the Commission focuses on economic development, increasing farm profitability, and promoting agricultural diversity. Grants are available for organizations that deliver services to impacted populations, with priority given to projects that foster community stability and resource development. The Commission's funding is managed by the State Treasurer and requires strategic project proposals.

The NC Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Grant, offered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and landowners for implementing conservation practices. Eligible participants can receive support for projects addressing natural resource concerns on their lands, with contracts lasting up to ten years. This program also prioritizes specific categories, including socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers, ensuring equitable access to conservation funding.

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.

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 Stray Dog Institute Grants aim to transform food systems by providing funding and support to nonprofits focused on animal welfare, environmental advocacy, and food justice. With grant amounts typically ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, the Institute prioritizes pragmatic solutions that foster dignity, justice, and sustainability. By addressing systemic issues in food production, they promote a compassionate approach that respects both people and animals. This initiative seeks to create a sustainable future for all stakeholders in the food system.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

The Christie H. Meadows Family Scholarship

Eligibility

Need based scholarship for Raleigh County graduates, Member of FFA (Future Farmers of America) and/or 4Hclub, Required documentation of participation in FFA and/or 4H club, and preference given to students who have submitted an FFA and/or 4H project to the West Virginia State Fair.

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.”  

Poultry Federation Scholarship

Provides scholarships to students pursuing a degree related to the poultry industry.

Gainesville Chicken Scholarship

This scholarship supports college students pursuing a degree in poultry science or a related agricultural degree. Applicants should be graduating high school seniors or current college students pursuing a career in the poultry industry, majoring in Agricultural Business, Poultry Science, Food Science, Animal Science, Food Marketing, Agricultural Economics, etc. In 2026, one $2,000 scholarship will be offered.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Arlyn J. Walt Memorical Scholarship Fund

Arlyn J. Walt was a farmer who worked hard to provide, a husband who loved his wife, Kathy, and a good neighbor - always willing to help a friend. He was a third-generation dairy farmer and was known for his kindness and generosity, his love for God, and his passion for the farm. He was a member of the Farm Bureau and active in the Michigan Milk Producers Association. Kathy hopes to continue to inspire future farmers to enable their work to nourish generations with this scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to students from the Coopersville area interested in studying agriculture.

 Advancing Markets for Producers Grants

ALB has received a USDA AMP (Advancing Markets for Producers) grant, and we’re excited to invite sheep producers to be part of this opportunity to help grow the US sheep industry. This grant will integrate new technology and sustainable management strategies to boost productivity, open new markets, and strengthen opportunities for the next generation of producers.

Producer Program

The project will provide an opportunity for 150 sheep producers to identify production inefficiencies and to develop conservation plans. Producers will also modify management plans through technology implementation to mitigate emissions and improve their overall productivity. Enrolled producers will work with a Technical Service Provider (TSP) to establish operational plans, implement recommended changes and organize farm data to identify best management practices for productivity improvements. 

Enrollment Benefits

Producers enrolled in the program will be paid up to $23,000 to develop and implement improved sheep and land stewardship management plans. Additional enrollment benefits:

• Technical Service Provider
• Electronic livestock identification system
• Soil sampling
• NSIP ultrasound and genetic consulting services

The National Swine Resource and Research Center (NSRRC) is a pivotal resource that enhances biomedical research by providing genetically modified models. This centralized facility reduces variability and costs for researchers, allowing them to focus on scientific discovery. NSRRC offers breeding, cryopreservation, and genotyping services, ensuring consistent access to high-quality models. By consolidating these resources, it promotes reproducibility and supports the development of innovative methodologies in research, ultimately advancing our understanding of human health and disease.

Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Scholarships

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

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 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.

Orange County Economic Development Department 

The Economic Development Department serves to diversify Orange County’s local economy by promoting the growth, retention and recruitment of small and locally-owned businesses, local agricultural and food processing ventures, entrepreneurial innovation start-ups, and large business employers engaged in a variety of retail trades, hospitality centers such as hotels and restaurants, light industrial manufacturing, logistics distribution centers, research and commercial office development. The Department strives to identify specific business prospects in these strategic sectors which are determined to be desirable, growth-oriented, environmentally clean, that pay at or above the Orange County living wage, and offer health care and related employment benefits. The underlying goal is to achieve a net increase in retail and property tax revenues to the County, and employment opportunities for our residents.

Agricultural Economic Development Grant Program

Purpose

This program is intended to provide assistance to Orange County farmers in developing new sources of agricultural income through the provision of grants. Farmer applicants must be able to demonstrate that their existing operation is a verifiable farm business meeting the following requirements:

• Land - owned or leased by applicant in Orange County
• Infrastructure - suitable for existing operation and any required expansion
• Market - defined, accessible, with history of sales
• Experience - knowledge, ability, and demonstrated relevant experience
• Concept – demonstrates a valid need and specific request

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 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 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.

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 Farmers Advocating for Organic Grant (FAFO) supports impactful projects that enhance the organic agricultural sector, focusing on initiatives that assist family farmers and promote organic soil health. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and research institutions. FAFO prioritizes projects that address the needs of organic dairy, meat, and produce farmers while fostering cooperative growth. This grant aims to strengthen the organic industry and ensure the livelihood of organic farmers across the nation.

The Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation Grant aims to support projects that promote environmental restoration, preservation, and education, with a focus on sustainable resource use and community development. This grant encourages innovative approaches that connect urban and rural settings, enhance biodiversity, and foster creativity in addressing societal challenges. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated non-profits that align with the foundation's vision. The foundation also supports small presses and periodicals that creatively address sustainability issues.