Best Grants for Farmers in South Carolina

Farmers and ranchers in South Carolina and other Southern states can get funding to test on-farm sustainable agriculture practices, marketing, and technologies. Grants from Southern Sustainable Agriculture, Research & Education help producers research areas like alternative crops, organic production, beneficial insect habitat, grazing systems, soil health, and appropriate technology, with awards up to US $25,000.

South Carolina farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners seeking conservation improvements can access funding and technical assistance for working lands through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. South Carolina agricultural producers and related landowners can apply via USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to address soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate-smart practices on eligible lands.

Farmers, private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and public entities in South Carolina can receive support to place conservation easements on working lands and wetlands. Focused on agricultural land and wetland protection, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invites applicants to conserve cropland, grassland, and degraded wetlands through its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.

Students from the Coopersville area planning to study agriculture can apply for the Arlyn J. Walt Memorial Scholarship from Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. This higher-education support may benefit future farmers, including those from South Carolina who have ties to Coopersville and an interest in agricultural education and farming careers.

Georgia students pursuing poultry science or related agricultural degrees can receive US $2,000 to support their higher education, which may benefit future careers in farming. With a mission to strengthen agricultural education, North Georgia Community Foundation provides Georgia residents with scholarship funding that can help those interested in farms and farming-related professions prepare for work in the poultry industry.

Students in South Carolina and across the U.S. pursuing degrees related to the poultry industry can apply for Arkansas Community Foundation’s Poultry Federation Scholarship to support higher education or technical training costs. This scholarship may benefit future farmers and agricultural professionals preparing for poultry-focused careers.

Need-based scholarships for Raleigh County, West Virginia high school graduates involved in FFA or 4-H support their pursuit of higher education. With a mission to enrich communities, Beckley Area Foundation provides student farmers and 4-H participants, including those with State Fair projects, an opportunity to offset college costs, which may interest young people from farming backgrounds in South Carolina researching options.

Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions working on farmed animal and food system issues in South Carolina can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000, for project or general operating support. U.S.-registered 501(c)(3)s or fiscally sponsored groups advancing sustainable, just, and dignified farming and food systems may be eligible.

Sheep farmers in South Carolina and across the U.S. can receive up to US $23,000 to develop and implement improved sheep and land stewardship management plans. With a mission to strengthen the sheep industry, American Lamb Board provides producers with technical service support, electronic livestock ID systems, soil sampling, and genetic consulting services.

U.S. research institutions working with swine models can apply for National Institutes of Health support to operate the National Swine Resource and Research Center, with awards of US $960,898 - US $1,008,943. Funding supports creation, breeding, cryopreservation, and distribution of genetically modified swine, plus related genotyping, phenotyping, and training services that may benefit agricultural and farming research in South Carolina.

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.

South Carolina farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners can access funding for conservation projects that improve soil, water, habitat, and other natural resources through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program Classic. This U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service program offers US $250,000 - US $10,000,000 for collaborative, on-farm and watershed-scale projects, including work in designated Critical Conservation 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.

South Carolina farming and conservation partners working on sustainable agriculture and natural resource conservation can access funding through USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service for large-scale Regional Conservation Partnership Program projects. Eligible partnerships may receive US $250,000 - US $10,000,000 to address on-farm, watershed, or regional resource concerns on farms, ranches, and private forest land.

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.

South Carolina farmers and students involved in farms and farming can access scholarship support for academic study through the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Scholarships, administered by Communities Foundation of Oklahoma. Members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association and their children may be eligible if they meet membership and other stated criteria.

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.

South Carolina farmers pursuing graduate education, who are members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association or their children, can receive scholarship support through the Richard Gebhart Leadership Legacy Scholarship. Communities Foundation of Oklahoma provides higher education funding that may benefit agricultural producers and farm families connected to this association, including those based in South Carolina.

U.S.-based grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, and tribal governments working on food and agricultural systems change can apply for Food and Farm Communications Fund’s Wildseed Grants, awarding US $20,000 - US $50,000 for strategic communications projects. South Carolina farming and food justice groups may be eligible if they focus on narrative, organizing, and racial equity in food and farm systems.

South Carolina farms and 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on sustainable agriculture, food systems, or environmental health can seek general operating support through the Clif Family Foundation’s Open Call, with awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000. Focused on regenerative farming and climate justice, it favors grassroots groups working primarily in the U.S. with strong community ties.

Local Agriculture Market Program

The Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) supports the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing; local and regional food markets and enterprises; and value-added agricultural products. The primary goals of LAMP are to:

• Connect and cultivate regional food economies through public-private partnerships.    
• Support the development of business plans, feasibility studies, and strategies for value-added agricultural production and local and regional food system infrastructure.    
• Strengthen capacity and regional food system development through community collaboration and expansion of mid-tier value chains. 
• Improve income and economic opportunities for producers and food businesses through job creation; and   
• Simplify the application processes and the reporting processes for the program.

LAMP is an umbrella program created in the 2018 Farm Bill. LAMP encompasses the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), Regional Food System Partnerships Program (RFSP), and Value-Added Producer Grants Program (VAPG). LAMP funding is divided between these grant programs.

ASPCA PRO

ASPCApro.org provides tools and resources for animal welfare professionals, veterinary personnel and volunteers. We take a progressive approach to helping the country's at-risk animals, promoting cutting edge research to advance the field.

ASPCA Research Grants

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) research grants fund high-quality research with a clear potential to benefit animals, either directly or through effecting systems-level change. Proposals to extend existing studies, focused on other disciplines, will also be considered if they can clearly demonstrate substantial potential benefit to animal welfare.

This year we are soliciting proposals in the following six research areas:

• Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) Research
• Applied Behavior Research
• Cruelty Research
• Farm Animal Welfare Research
• Psychological Trauma Research
• Shelter Research

Proposals focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a program or service must demonstrate methodological rigor and a clear plan to produce generalizable scientific knowledge. Please view eligibility information for specific projects from the research area you are interested in. 

Farm Animal Welfare Research

Proposals exploring how farmers’ use of healthier, non-conventional broiler chicken breeds, intersects with the birds’ use of pasture, environmental outcomes, and/or chicken product nutritional content. Research may be conducted by farms or other businesses in addition to academic or research institutions. However, field studies must include an academic partner or follow established field trial protocols for design and data collection.

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.