Best Organic Farming and Agriculture Grants

On-farm Production and Delivery of Live, Native, Microalgae Grant

Purpose

The Washington State Legislature appropriated $5,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2025 to the Washington State Department of Agriculture for the purpose of increasing research tools and on-farm technology available to reduce carbon emissions, increase carbon storage, and improve on-farm climate resiliency. $2,370,000 of these funds are now available from WSDA to producers through a grant program to cover the installation and operation of on-farm technology that produces and delivers live, native microalgae to the farm through the existing irrigation system.

The purpose of the legislature in appropriating funds and authorizing the grant to farmers is to promote:

• Increasing quantifiable carbon storage
• Improving soil health and climate resiliency through new tools and supporting data
• Identification of tools needed for agricultural viability
• Quantifiable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from farms

MAWQCP Financial Assistance Grant

Producers undergoing certification have priority access to financial assistance for implementing approved conservation practices.

• Provides up to $5,000 for adopting agricultural best management practices
• Covers up to 75% of implementation costs after other public funds are applied
• Applications accepted year-round; awards made on a first-come basis until funds are depleted

Indiana Management of Agriculture Enhancements (IMAGE) Cost-Share Program

The Indiana Management of Agriculture Enhancements (IMAGE) Cost-Share Program is a conservation funding initiative administered by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) to help producers implement practical conservation improvements on their operations.

IMAGE provides financial assistance and technical support for projects that improve livestock management, strengthen farm infrastructure, improve soil health, and protect Indiana's natural resources.

Through partnerships with Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and other conservation partners, IMAGE helps

producers overcome financial barriers to implementing conservation practices that benefit both agricultural operations and natural resources.

The IMAGE program is made possible through Clean Water Indiana Funding.

Approved participants may receive reimbursement for up to seventy-five percent (75%) of eligible project costs.

Funding is awarded through a competitive ranking process and is subject to available program funds.

This is a cost-share reimbursement program. The applicant must pay project costs upfront.

Reimbursement will occur after:

• ISDA verifies practice installation.
• Applicant submits paid receipts and required documentation.
• ISDA confirms project meets NRCS and locally approved standards.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5413 - Comparison of PFAS Contributions to Agricultural Systems

Grant Information

• Report per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) concentrations from a variety of agricultural inputs, including animal manures, fertilizers, pesticides, composts, soil amendments, seed coatings, and biosolids-based products.
• Compare the impact of the various agricultural inputs on PFAS concentration in the soil profile over varying timeframes.
• Evaluate the fate and transport of different inputs to PFAS contributions in agricultural systems at field-scale.
• Determine the relative contributions from biosolids-based products and other inputs to help develop and prioritize risk management strategies.

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

Our mission is to promote New York State agriculture and its high-quality and diverse products, foster agricultural environmental stewardship, and safeguard the state’s food supply, land, and livestock to ensure the viability and growth of New York’s agriculture industries.

Working together, our Divisions: promote New York’s agricultural producers and products and the state’s food and beverage companies; connect the New York's farmers to new markets to grow the agricultural economy; improve access to fresh, local foods to consumers across New York through farmers’ markets and farm-to-school programs; protect and enhance New York State’s natural resources and working landscapes; maintain plant health by detecting and preventing the spread of diseases and harmful invasive species, promoting integrated pest management, regulating the sale of seed and fertilizers, and ensuring the health of honey bees; promote sustainable animal production agriculture; protect the safety of the animal origin food supply; inspect companion animal shelters; protect the safety of the food supply in New York State from the producer to the consumer through inspection and testing; and assure measurement accuracy of scales and gas pumps, as well as thousands of different packaged commodities for a fair and equitable commercial marketplace.

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

All proposals must seek to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Applicants should describe how the project creates measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry rather than a single organization, institution or individual. Specifically, this RFP seeks work that will achieve the following outcomes:

• Improve Pest & Disease Control Processes
• Develop New Seed Varieties & Specialty Crops
• Expand Specialty Crop Research and Development
• Improve Environmental Sustainability of Specialty Crops

Each outcome has measurable indicators established by the USDA SCBG program. A focus on these outcomes and indicators is critical to a competitive proposal. The USDA document that describes these outcomes and indicators is provided below.

Meet The Trustees

The Schrafft Candy Company was founded in Boston as a candy company by William F. Schrafft in 1861 before expanding into the restaurant business with stores in Boston and New York. The famous Schrafft neon sign, constructed in 1928, still sits atop the former candy factory in Charlestown, MA, where it can be seen from Route 93. In 1946, William and his wife Bertha Schrafft established a private charitable foundation which today continues their legacy of giving to improve the lives of the citizens of Boston and Massachusetts, especially its young people.

Schrafft Charitable Trust

Mission

The William and Bertha Schrafft Charitable Trust invests in community-based organizations to expand access to educational and artistic opportunities for young people in Boston and New Bedford.

Vision

We envision a future where every young person in Boston and New Bedford has the opportunity and resources to thrive and achieve their full potential.

How We Invest

Schrafft Charitable Trust is committed to investing in communities that have faced long-standing systemic disinvestment, aiming to increase access to life affirming services and opportunities.

Focus Areas

We have a special interest in building effective pathways to economic independence in New Bedford through education, entrepreneurship and economic development. Our New Bedford partners leverage the strengths of the region (its people, culture, history, agriculture, fishing and seacoast resources) to provide pathways to life success for youth and young adults.

Hughes Center Request for Proposals 2026

The Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology is a 501(c)(3) corporation affiliated with the University of Maryland, College Park, and the University System of Maryland. The mission of the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology is to provide leadership to promote environmentally sound and economically viable agriculture and forestry as Maryland’s preferred land use through research, outreach, and collaboration. We deliver science-based, applied, and unbiased information that fosters collaborative solutions. Our work is grounded in the values of equity and environmental justice.

Pre-Proposal Overview

The Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology invites research pre-proposals addressing the following topic areas (see below). The Hughes Center anticipates awarding up to $400,000 through a competitive process. Historically, the Hughes Center has awarded three to four proposals per year, averaging $50,000 to $150,000 per project. The Hughes Center does not fund overhead costs. Projects must start on or before June 30, 2027. The duration of a proposal may be one or two years, but longer projects will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The proposed research should have meaningful short- and long-term impacts on the region. Proposals addressing land use, climate-smart agriculture and adaptation, best management practices, and soil health and aquaculture are welcome. We also welcome proposals that address other areas of agriculture, water quality and the environment in Maryland. 

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Established in 1877, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provides consumer protection and encourages environmental stewardship. The agency is headquartered in Richmond and has several field offices, four regional diagnostic animal health laboratories and a global network of representatives promoting Virginia products internationally.

VDACS is organized into five units, one of which is the Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development (OAFD). OAFD provides economic development assistance to businesses involved in food, forestry or agriculture. The office administers the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) grant program.

AFID Facility Grant

The AFID Fund allows the Governor to make discretionary, matching grants to localities and other political subdivisions through grants to support economic development related to agriculture and forestry across the Commonwealth. 

An AFID facility grant is awarded to a political subdivision for the benefit of the company, with the expectation that the grant is critical to the success of the new or expanding facility. In order to qualify for an AFID Facility grant, the benefiting project should:

• be a facility that produces "value-added agricultural or forestal products," meaning any agricultural or forestal product that (i) has undergone a change in physical state; (ii) was produced in a manner that enhances the value of the agricultural commodity or product; (iii) is physically segregated in a manner that results in the enhancement of the value of the agricultural or forestal product; (iv) is a source of renewable energy; or (v) is aggregated and marketed as a locally produced agricultural or forestal product.
• demonstrate that a minimum of 30% of the agricultural or forestal products to which the facility is adding value will be grown or produced within the Commonwealth of Virginia on an annual basis in normal years. 

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Established in 1877, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provides consumer protection and encourages environmental stewardship. The agency is headquartered in Richmond and has several field offices, four regional diagnostic animal health laboratories and a global network of representatives promoting Virginia products internationally.

VDACS is organized into five units, one of which is the Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development (OAFD). OAFD provides economic development assistance to businesses involved in food, forestry or agriculture. The office administers the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) grant program.

AFID Infrastructure Grant Program

The AFID Fund allows the Governor to make discretionary, matching grants to localities and other political subdivisions through grants to support economic development related to agriculture and forestry across the Commonwealth. 

Projects receiving funding through the AFID Infrastructure Program must be infrastructure development projects that directly support local food production and sustainable agriculture/forestry and demonstrate a broad community benefit. Grant funds should be used primarily for capital expenditures. Priority Project Types Consideration will be given to the following project types:

• Processing facilities that are primarily locally owned, including commercial kitchens, packaging and labeling facilities, animal slaughtering facilities, or other facilities, and that are primarily utilized for the processing of meats, dairy products, produce, or other products
• Farmers markets
• Food hubs and other agricultural aggregation facilities 

N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' divisions have responsibilities in regulatory and service areas covering agronomy; animal health; weights and measures; gas and oil inspection; crop and livestock statistics; USDA commodity distribution; state farm operations; food, drug and cosmetic testing for purity; agricultural marketing and promotion; agricultural marketing grading; international agricultural crop and livestock marketing; operation of the North Carolina State Fair and North Carolina Mountain State Fair; operation of four state farmers markets; research station operations; seed and fertilizer inspection; nursery and plant pest eradication activities; regulation of the structural pest control industry; agricultural environmental issues; soil and water conservation; forest management and protection; state and federal agricultural legislation; and agricultural economic analysis.

N.C. Agriculture Innovations & Research Grant Program 

Executive Summary

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) requests applications for the fiscal year. Projects will be reviewed, selected, and modified as necessary. The Department has $1 million to support this grant program for this fiscal year. These funds are for projects that enhance the competitiveness of new and emerging crops, bioenergy, livestock, technology, forestry, and any other agricultural innovations and research. 

While not a requirement, research projects funded through the Program can be supported by one or more of the research stations or field laboratories strategically located across the state. North Carolina has a vast network of research farms with varying soil types and climatic conditions, plus an aquaculture facility, to support the production of a wide range of crops, livestock, and aquatic species.

Funding from this Program will NOT be granted for start-up businesses, collecting proprietary data, or indirect/overhead costs.

State of New Jersey Department of Agriculture

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) is an agency which oversees programs that serve virtually all New Jersey citizens. The Department was established in 1916 and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016. One of the Department’s major priorities is to promote, protect and serve the Garden State’s diverse agriculture and agribusiness industries.

In addition to the programs we offer to support production agriculture, NJDA also manages programs that: feed schoolchildren, distribute surplus federal foods to soup kitchens and pantries that serve our needy citizens, conserve precious soil and water resources, protect farmland from development and preserve it for future agricultural use, expand export markets for fresh and processed agricultural products, and promote our commercial fishing industry, and, administer the complete program of agriculture, food and natural resource education, which includes the State FFA Association.

New Jersey Specialty Crop Multi-State Program

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture participates in the USDA Specialty Crop Multi-State Program to support collaborative multi-state partnerships seeking to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through competitively funded projects. The focus is to address regional or national level specialty crop issues, including food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific projects addressing common issues, and marketing and promotion. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. or U.S. territory-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets.

NJDA solicits applications from interested organizations each year and provides technical assistance during the application process. Applications are submitted to NJDA, but awards are solely made by USDA. 

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture encourages, protects and promotes agriculture and related industries throughout the commonwealth while providing consumer protection through inspection services that impact the health and financial security of Pennsylvania's citizens.

Agricultural Innovation Grant

The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program helps farmers and other agriculture businesses implement new agricultural technologies, conservation, and renewable energy innovations — expanding their potential to generate profits, enrich soil and water resources, and produce energy on the farm.

Grant funding is working statewide to strengthen Pennsylvania’s leadership in agricultural innovation, ensure farms of all sizes can thrive, and support a more sustainable and resilient agricultural economy.

Grants will reimburse expenses for project planning, on-site project implementation, and larger grants for projects that have a regional impact.

Project examples include technology that:

• improves efficiency on the farm or in processing,
• generates energy while reducing nutrient waste leaving the farm,
• supports crops that effectively store carbon or replace non-renewable resources.

Projects may also address practical challenges including data collection, biosecurity, and odor remediation.

Grant Types

Program grants should be reimbursement grants. The following can apply: Innovation planning project grant; Onsite project grant; and Regional impact project grant

Innovation Planning Project Grant

An eligible applicant may apply for a grant to develop a strategic plan to utilize innovation to improve agricultural practices, technologies, operations or approaches within a specific business, geographic area, or network. The following shall apply to a grant under this subsection:

• The amount of a grant should be no less than $7,500 and no more than $50,000.
• A grantee must use non-State sourced matching funds equal to at least 30% of the grant amount for the project.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture encourages, protects and promotes agriculture and related industries throughout the commonwealth while providing consumer protection through inspection services that impact the health and financial security of Pennsylvania's citizens.

Agricultural Innovation Grant

The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program helps farmers and other agriculture businesses implement new agricultural technologies, conservation, and renewable energy innovations — expanding their potential to generate profits, enrich soil and water resources, and produce energy on the farm.

Grant funding is working statewide to strengthen Pennsylvania’s leadership in agricultural innovation, ensure farms of all sizes can thrive, and support a more sustainable and resilient agricultural economy.

Grants will reimburse expenses for project planning, on-site project implementation, and larger grants for projects that have a regional impact.

Project examples include technology that:

• improves efficiency on the farm or in processing,
• generates energy while reducing nutrient waste leaving the farm,
• supports crops that effectively store carbon or replace non-renewable resources.

Projects may also address practical challenges including data collection, biosecurity, and odor remediation.

Grant Types

Program grants should be reimbursement grants. The following can apply: Innovation planning project grant; Onsite project grant; and Regional impact project grant

Onsite Project Grant

An eligible applicant may apply for a grant for a project that focuses on implementing innovation practices, technologies or approaches on an individual farm or property producing or processing an agricultural commodity. The following shall apply to a grant under this subsection:

• The amount of the grant should be no less than $5,000 and no more than $200,000.
• A grantee must use non-State sourced matching funds equal to at least 50% of the grant amount for the project.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture encourages, protects and promotes agriculture and related industries throughout the commonwealth while providing consumer protection through inspection services that impact the health and financial security of Pennsylvania's citizens.

Agricultural Innovation Grant

The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program helps farmers and other agriculture businesses implement new agricultural technologies, conservation, and renewable energy innovations — expanding their potential to generate profits, enrich soil and water resources, and produce energy on the farm.

Grant funding is working statewide to strengthen Pennsylvania’s leadership in agricultural innovation, ensure farms of all sizes can thrive, and support a more sustainable and resilient agricultural economy.

Grants will reimburse expenses for project planning, on-site project implementation, and larger grants for projects that have a regional impact.

Project examples include technology that:

• improves efficiency on the farm or in processing,
• generates energy while reducing nutrient waste leaving the farm,
• supports crops that effectively store carbon or replace non-renewable resources.

Projects may also address practical challenges including data collection, biosecurity, and odor remediation.

Grant Types

Program grants should be reimbursement grants. The following can apply: Innovation planning project grant; Onsite project grant; and Regional impact project grant

Regional Impact Project Grant

An eligible applicant may apply for a grant for a project designed to address challenges, promote efficiencies, or achieve specific goals for multiple eligible applicants. The following shall apply to a grant under this subsection:

• The amount of the grant should be no less than $100,000 and no more than $2 million.
• The grantee must use non-State sourced matching funds equal to at least 50% of the grant amount for the project.
• The project must impact two or more persons or businesses or be a cooperative association that grows, harvests, processes, packs or manages an agricultural commodity.

The Montana DNRC offers state-funded Conservation District Administrative (CDA) Grants aimed at empowering local conservation districts to manage and conserve natural resources effectively. Eligible districts can apply for operational funding to cover essential costs like staff wages and supplies. Additionally, districts may receive up to $3,500 in funding for annual dues to the Montana Association of Conservation Districts, provided they contribute an extra $500 from non-CDA sources.

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF) offers the County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP) to support agricultural producers in enhancing their farm operations. This program provides cost-share assistance up to $5,000 for various agricultural enterprises, including livestock, horticulture, and energy efficiency initiatives. CAIP aims to improve the diversity and sustainability of farming practices across Kentucky, benefiting producers through financial support for innovative agricultural practices.

The Nevada Foundation Seed Program is designed to enhance the availability of high-quality, locally adapted native seeds for restoration efforts in Nevada. With the growing need for native plants due to wildfires, this initiative provides free seeds to producers who agree to return a portion of their yield to create a sustainable seed stock. This program also supports drought-resistant crops and encourages local farming practices to foster ecological resilience.

The CCCF's Common Ground Program offers Agricultural Program Grants aimed at enhancing the economic viability of working agricultural lands. This competitive grant initiative seeks applicants who can demonstrate a history of success in similar projects. With funding requests ranging from $5,001 to $500,000, the program emphasizes collaboration and measurable outcomes. Grants aim to strengthen forest health, support rural landscapes, and manage growth impacts, thereby ensuring sustainable agricultural practices in Chaffee County.

The CCCF: Common Ground Program - Agricultural Enhancement Grants aims to support agricultural operations on qualified properties with conservation agreements or public lands. Funded by the Chaffee County Community Foundation, the program encourages sustainable practices to strengthen forest health, protect water quality, and enhance wildlife habitats. Grants range from $5,001 to $100,000 annually, with a focus on projects that demonstrate measurable results and community impact. Collaboration across funding categories and leveraging resources is encouraged.

The CCCF Common Ground Program offers Sustainable Agriculture grants focused on conservation easements and land acquisition. It aims to enhance forest health, support agricultural viability, and manage outdoor recreation impacts. Eligible applicants include accredited land trusts and government agencies. Grants range from $5,001 to $500,000, requiring detailed proposals and a track record for larger requests. The program encourages collaborative approaches and aims to leverage funding effectively to maximize community impact.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

The Agriculture Energy Audit Program, offered by NYSERDA, assists eligible farms in New York with energy efficiency measures through no-cost energy audits conducted by Flexible Technical Assistance Consultants. This program supports various farm types, including dairies and greenhouses, and provides benchmarking reports for greenhouse facilities. By promoting energy efficiency, the program aims to help farmers save money and reduce fossil fuel dependence, contributing to environmental sustainability.

The Colorado Plateau Foundation offers the CPF Rapid Response Grant to support Native-led organizations addressing urgent needs in the Colorado Plateau region. Grants of up to $10,000 are available at any time, separate from the annual grant cycle. The foundation focuses on four priority areas: water protection, sacred place preservation, language preservation, and sustainable agriculture. Since 2012, it has invested over $1.2 million in more than 60 initiatives to empower Native communities.

The Colorado Plateau Foundation (CPF) provides capacity-building grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 to Native-led organizations on the Colorado Plateau. Their mission is to enhance the work of these organizations by addressing key issues such as water protection, sacred landscape preservation, language revitalization, and sustainable agriculture. Since its founding in 2012, CPF has allocated over $1.2 million to support more than 60 initiatives, fostering community resilience and cultural preservation.

The One Hive Foundation Grant focuses on promoting pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture through funding research and nonprofit initiatives. Launched in 2022, the grant supports diverse projects aimed at enhancing environmental data, public education, and scientific collaboration. Targeting verified 501c3 organizations, the foundation emphasizes ecological practices and community engagement in Vermont and beyond, with grants of up to $75,000 available to eligible applicants.

The Dr. Richard W. Adams Charitable Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations and governmental units in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. It particularly emphasizes education in medical science, scholarships for employees of Davis Regional Medical Center, agriculture, conservation, and wildlife preservation. Grants are administered by Wells Fargo Bank and are available through a year-round application process, focusing on enhancing local medical practice and community well-being.

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.