Best Organic Farming and Agriculture Grants in Massachusetts

Research for Novel Approaches in Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Research for Novel Approaches grant program funds ‘proof of concept’ applied research projects that are designed to confirm the benefits and/or feasibility of new practices and approaches—i.e., Novel Approaches—in agriculture.

These applied research projects must have some existing evidence from previous experiments or pilot projects (your own or others) suggesting that the practice or approach is beneficial and feasible, but further testing, data, and refinement are needed before it can be recommended for widespread adoption by farmers.

Research for Novel Approaches Grant projects require an explicit connection to the needs and interests of farmers in the Northeast. All proposals must include documented interest among farmers and service providers in utilizing or promoting the novel approach should it be proven beneficial and feasible.

Funding Available

Novel Approaches grants have a minimum award of $30,000 and a cap of $250,000.

Massachusetts commercial farming operations pursuing on-farm energy efficiency or renewable energy projects can apply for the Agricultural Energy Grant Program through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. This competitive program supports sustainable agriculture and agroecology improvements that help farms reduce energy use, adopt alternative energy, and enhance long-term environmental and economic sustainability.

Agricultural producers, forestland owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Massachusetts can receive financial assistance to implement conservation practices that improve soil health, water and air quality, and wildlife habitat. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Massachusetts provides EQIP contracts for work on cropland, pasture, rangeland, non-industrial private forestland, and other environmentally sensitive farm and ranch lands.

Agricultural organizations, researchers, educators, and service providers in Massachusetts and the broader Northeast can seek up to US $30,000 to partner directly with commercial farmers on sustainable agriculture projects. Focus areas include research, education, on-farm demonstrations, marketing innovations, and new farm management or community development approaches that improve production, well-being, and sustainability outcomes.

Agricultural composting operations in Massachusetts seeking equipment or facility upgrades to improve compost management and on-farm compost use can apply for this program, with awards up to US $50,000. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources supports sustainable agriculture and agroecology projects through this compost-focused capital funding opportunity.

Agricultural operations in Massachusetts engaged in commercial production can receive reimbursement funding for materials and labor to implement climate-resilient, efficient farming practices. Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources supports projects that protect the environment, improve soil health, conserve and protect water resources, and increase energy efficiency, benefiting sustainable and organic-focused agriculture operations.

Massachusetts landowners, land trusts, and eligible entities seeking to conserve working farms, ranches, or wetlands can apply for easement support that protects agricultural use and ecological values. Grants from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Massachusetts help sustain cropland and grassland, restore degraded wetlands, and support long-term sustainable agriculture and habitat conservation.

Massachusetts sustainable agriculture and food justice nonprofits, including 501(c)(3)s and fiscally sponsored groups, can seek support for community-based efforts that expand access to affordable, healthy food and promote sustainable farming. Focused on food justice in New England, Wild Geese Foundation also nationally funds youth, reproductive justice, and climate justice initiatives, excluding international and arts-based projects.

Massachusetts urban agriculture producers and related organizations seeking capital investments for commercial or community food production can access funding through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to expand growing, processing, and marketing in urban centers. Projects may include land acquisition, soil management, green and climate-resilient infrastructure, equipment, and innovative technologies that increase access to fresh, local food for low- to moderate-income residents.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts with sustainable agriculture or other environmental sustainability projects can seek $50,000 - $400,000 to implement impactful initiatives. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help eligible 501(c)(3), (4), (6), and (19) organizations fund renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and related programs in communities where the company does business.

With a mission to support sustainable agriculture, USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Massachusetts provides Massachusetts agricultural producers with cost-share assistance for conservation, irrigation, and risk-mitigation practices. Eligible farmers and livestock producers can receive support for water management, soil erosion control, integrated pest management, windbreaks, and transitioning to organic farming on qualifying lands.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and research institutions working on sustainable agriculture, pollinator conservation, and related research or advocacy in Massachusetts can seek funding for projects advancing pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture. With a mission to promote pollinator health, One Hive Foundation provides grants up to US $75,000 for work in Vermont, the Northeast, other U.S. states, and Canada.

Massachusetts sustainable agriculture and organic farming nonprofits, including 501(c)(3)s and fiscally sponsored projects, can seek general operating support for regenerative and organic farming work. Focused on grassroots, community-based efforts, Clif Family Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 grants, with preference for U.S.-focused organizations advancing equitable, climate-resilient food systems.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related environmental challenges, the American Water Works Association program may benefit those whose sustainable agriculture or agroecology work in Massachusetts intersects with water quality and public health concerns.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration, or conservation in Massachusetts and other U.S. regions can seek funding to advance biodiversity on private lands. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help support projects in areas like regenerative ranching, ecotourism, watershed restoration, and restorative economies, with typical first-time awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans with projects in sustainable agriculture and related fields in Massachusetts and nationwide can seek up to US $100,000 for new or expanding programs. With a mission to empower women’s collective giving, Impact100 Global Veterans provides large, two-year grants across focus areas including environment, recreation, education, family, and health for veterans.

Students interested in holistic health, wellness, and sustainable food and farming in Massachusetts can receive funding for out-of-school programs such as yoga, mindfulness, integrative health, and sustainable farming courses. The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Karen Kisslinger Fund awards US $200 - US $800 to eligible Monument Mountain Regional High School students pursuing these activities.

Nonprofits, individuals, and institutions working on animal welfare advocacy, research, or movement-building can seek up to US $200,000 for high-impact projects, including in Massachusetts. With a mission to alleviate nonhuman animal suffering globally, Centre for Effective Altruism provides flexible funding that may benefit sustainable agriculture and agroecology efforts focused on farmed animals.

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.

The Herbert Family Foundation Grant focuses on philanthropic efforts that promote healing and fight hunger. Founded by Jim and Judi Herbert, both Distinguished Alumni of the University of Tennessee, the foundation supports health and food charities. It aims to advance medical research, education, and hunger relief initiatives, emphasizing sustainable practices and nutritional assistance. The foundation's mission reflects its commitment to impactful charitable causes that resonate personally with the founders.

The Botany in Action Fellowship Program at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is designed for PhD students in plant-based research. It provides $6,000 for research and outreach expenses, an all-expenses paid trip for science outreach training, and opportunities to connect with the public through various outreach initiatives. This program nurtures the next generation of plant scientists committed to impactful research and educational outreach, fostering a deeper understanding of plant science.

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.

Our Mission and Vision

The Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation exists to foster innovative sustainability initiatives that make a positive impact on our planet. We want to find solutions to the complex challenges facing our world today.

Our vision is to facilitate positive action toward sustainable and innovative solutions in agricultural and environmental sectors that reduce carbon footprints and minimize risk for our communities.

Grant Programs

Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation administers projects directly funded by donors that help reduce carbon footprints through carbon positive practices and emission offsetting. The foundation holds open application periods for projects in the contiguous United States, Puerto Rico and Canada that focus on reducing environmental risk through regenerative agricultural practices, habitat restoration and using natural energy sources to make our communities more sustainable.

Reducing Carbon Footprints

The foundation supports projects that work to reduce carbon footprints through the following initiatives.

Habitat Reclamation

• Restoration of habitats creates spaces for native flora and fauna and microorganisms to survive. Natural landscapes are integral to functioning ecosystems and increasing biodiversity, not to mention creating habitats for pollinator species like bees and butterflies that we so desperately need for agricultural success.

Regenerative Agriculture

• Regenerative agricultural practices have a far-reaching impact on the industry and our lives. We aim to reduce carbon emissions by fostering projects that innovate row crop sustainability and dairy, beef, pork and poultry operations to create practices that are sustainable for years to come.

Renewable Energy

• We care about carbon positive practices that harness renewable resources like solar, wind and biomass for improved efficiencies and overall reduction in use. Organic matter often sourced from agricultural production, garbage and tree pruning can be converted to energy in various ways, recycling it back into the agricultural operation that created it or fueling our communities.

Soil

• Soil sequestering practices have wide-reaching benefits like restoring and building organic matter in the soil and increasing biodiversity. It boosts water infiltration and retention and reduces erosion. Through practices like no till, applying organic matter like manure and biochar, and planting cover crops, we improve soil health as well as take CO2 out of the atmosphere.

Tree Planting

• Planting trees is a simple act that makes a huge impact in our urban, suburban and rural communities. They provide shade, release oxygen and improve air quality, improve soil quality and biodiversity, all of which contributes to offsetting carbon emissions.  

• Water
• We want to find ways to protect and restore the integrity of our water resources. We aim to fund projects focused on practices that create efficiencies and reduce the agricultural production impact on water quality and benefit our communities by conserving one of our most important natural resources. 

John Harsch Regenerative Agriculture Grant

Funding for projects adopting best regenerative agricultural management practices that impact one or several of these areas:

• Improve water quality
• Reduce soil erosion
• Increase soil health index
• Reduce synthetic fertilizer use
• Increase effective manure use as a fertilizer
• Increase biodiversity
• Reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions

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.

The Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension Pre-Applications program, funded by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, seeks innovative proposals to combat Huanglongbing (HLB) and its associated diseases. This initiative aims to ensure sustainable citrus production in the U.S. through collaborative strategies that leverage existing knowledge. Funded projects will focus on developing actionable solutions for growers to effectively manage and prevent HLB infections, ensuring the health of citrus crops in the near future.

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.

The New England BioLabs Foundation Grant focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance biocultural diversity and ecosystem services in regions such as Central America and West Africa. Projects should aim to conserve biological diversity, sustain traditional knowledge, and promote local economic vitality. The foundation prioritizes community-led initiatives, especially in coastal communities along Massachusetts' North Shore. Those interested must first submit a letter of inquiry, adhering to specific guidelines before proceeding with full proposals.