Best Agriculture Grants in Vermont

VHCB funding is available for the conservation of Vermont forests owned and managed by private individuals or families. Working forests provide lumber, pulp, firewood, and biomass products that add value to the economy and create jobs for Vermonters. Conservation of these forests provide clean air and water, support flood resilience, offset the effects of climate change, provide habitat for plants and animals, offer recreational opportunities for people, and provide the scenic backdrop for Vermont’s agricultural lands and villages, creating the rural beauty so treasured by both visitors and Vermonters.

About Us

In the mid-1980s, a rapid rise in housing prices and an increase in the pace of development threatened the rural character and historic settlement patterns of Vermont. As a result, in 1986, a coalition of affordable housing, conservation, and historic preservation advocates approached the state legislature with a plan to form a unique agency that would review and fund projects to address a range of community needs. In response, the Legislature passed the Vermont Housing and Conservation Trust Fund Act in 1987.

The newly created Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, or VHCB, was charged with a dual goal mission:

to create permanently affordable housing and conserve and protect Vermont’s agricultural, forest, recreational, and natural lands, as well as historic properties. Since our founding, we have remained true to this mission by supporting projects that benefit Vermont communities in perpetuity, guided by our core values: equity and access, affordability and economic vitality, environmental sustainability and resilience, and quality of life.

Donated Easement Funding Program

The Donated Easement Funding Program provides grants to help cover transaction and stewardship costs for conservation easements donated by willing landowners. The program is designed to make voluntary land conservation more accessible and affordable by reducing financial barriers that often prevent donated projects from moving forward. 

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) by the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board aims to enhance the capacity of rural communities and working lands businesses to secure federal funding. Rather than direct project funding, REDI assists in hiring grant writers, conducting feasibility studies, and developing fundraising strategies. Priority areas include community infrastructure, outdoor recreation, and historic preservation, ultimately fostering sustainable economic development in communities with populations under 5,000.

The Vermont Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a voluntary initiative aimed at enhancing water quality by converting agricultural land into vegetative buffers. It offers financial assistance through state and federal funding, covering up to 90% of implementation costs for necessary infrastructure. Landowners receive upfront and annual payments for maintaining these buffers over 15 to 30-year contracts, thus incentivizing sustainable agricultural practices and protecting essential waterways.

The Vermont Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program offers vital support to agricultural producers, helping them manage financial risks through various practices such as diversification and resource conservation. Administered by NRCS, AMA provides up to 75% cost assistance for conservation practices, with total payments capped at $50,000 per participant annually. Eligibility requires producers to be involved in agricultural production and comply with specific land requirements, ensuring sustainable farming practices across Vermont.

The VAFM: Capital Equipment Assistance Program offers financial assistance to Vermont-based farmers and custom manure applicators. This program aims to support the acquisition of innovative equipment that reduces agricultural waste runoff, enhances water quality, minimizes odors from manure, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. By providing this support, the program helps farmers decrease their costs while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

The Vermont Regional Conservation Partnership Program, funded by a $16 million USDA grant, aims to enhance water quality through financial and technical assistance for farmers and forest landowners. With an additional $10 million extension, the program supports agricultural practices, wetland restoration, and easements. Emphasizing support for smaller operations, it offers 100% payment for eligible practices and easements, ensuring a significant impact on water quality improvement across the state.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service of Vermont provides crucial technical and financial assistance to farmers and forest landowners. This program aims to integrate conservation practices into working lands, addressing vital natural resource concerns like soil health, water quality, and habitat improvement. With year-round application acceptance, EQIP supports sustainable agriculture while enhancing resilience against climate change, offering a pathway for organic producers and those transitioning to organic farming.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

The Lintilhac Foundation Grant aims to foster a stronger, healthier Vermont by supporting nonprofit organizations in various core areas such as clean energy, water quality, forest health, and sustainable outdoor recreation. With a legacy of over 50 years, the foundation emphasizes the importance of engaging local communities to address climate change, preserve biodiversity, and secure healthy food systems, while upholding democratic values and environmental science. This holistic approach ensures that both human and natural communities thrive together.

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 Windham Foundation Grants Program offers financial support to organizations enhancing the quality of life in Vermont. Grants, averaging $2,500 to $5,000, focus on agriculture, arts, community development, and wellness initiatives. Eligible applicants include non-profits and public entities located in Vermont, with a preference for collaborative projects. The Foundation encourages applications that demonstrate financial stability and a clear impact on community resilience, while limiting funding to no more than 50% of the total project cost.

The Vermont Farmland Conservation Program is focused on retaining the state’s quality agricultural land base in strong farming regions of the state. By focusing on conserving contiguous blocks of farmland in traditional farming communities, VHCB’s Farmland Conservation Program helps to ensure that farms are not isolated by residential development and communities can continue to support a healthy range of businesses that serve and rely on neighboring farms.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative offers competitive grants to support Vermont's forest, farm, and food businesses, alongside producer associations. With $1 million available in FY 2025, applications will open in fall and winter, with awards announced in spring 2025. The Service Provider & Producer Association Grant combines former separate grants into one, offering $10,000-$75,000 for various projects without a match requirement, emphasizing support for Vermont's working landscape.

The Historic Preservation Barn Grants, established in 1992, support the rehabilitation of Vermont's historic agricultural buildings. This state-funded program has allocated over $3 million for the preservation of over 360 barns, fostering job creation and enhancing community engagement. Grants up to $15,000 are available for qualifying structures over 50 years old, promoting the adaptive reuse of these vital cultural landmarks. As a reimbursement grant, applicants must cover project costs upfront, with reimbursement following project completion.

The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative's Business Enhancement Grant supports Vermont's agricultural, forestry, and food sectors by funding projects that enhance productivity and marketability. Eligible applicants include farms, logging businesses, and food processors that prioritize Vermont-grown resources. Funding can cover equipment, infrastructure, market development, and workforce training. This initiative aims to strengthen local economies and promote sustainable practices while fostering collaboration among various stakeholders in Vermont's working landscape.

The Vermont Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program (AgCWIP) aims to enhance water quality through grants to local partners. With up to $8 million available for FY2026, proposals should focus on agricultural water quality compliance, pollution reduction, and farm viability. Various project categories range from small grants under $100,000 to larger joint applications up to $4 million. The program emphasizes educational outreach, technical assistance, and sustainable practices to support Vermont's agricultural community.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Vermont Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is designed to enhance existing conservation efforts on agricultural lands. It provides financial and technical support to producers aiming to improve soil health, enhance wildlife habitats, and increase resilience against environmental challenges. Participants can receive annual payments for implementing conservation practices tailored to their specific goals, with opportunities for contract renewal and additional enhancements. This program fosters sustainable agricultural practices while benefiting both the environment and agricultural productivity.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets offers Trade Show Assistance Grants to support local agricultural and forestry businesses. These grants provide funding to exhibit at trade shows targeting out-of-state buyers, helping to cover expenses between $2,000 and $7,500 for shows from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Eligible businesses must be registered, have three or more wholesale accounts, and meet specific criteria to qualify for this valuable opportunity.

About Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region.

The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

Farming Community Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level.

These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

This program encourages innovative solutions to challenges in farming and food systems in the Northeast USA, including but not limited to the areas of: Marketing and business; Crop production; Raising livestock; Aquaculture; Economic and social sustainability; Ecological knowledge; Projects related to climate and/or bioenergy work that provide direct or indirect benefits to farmers,ranchers, and private foresters; and more.

Technical Assistance Program

Applicants and grantees of the Farming Community Grant Program are eligible for Technical Assistance (TA) provided by Northeast SARE’s Technical Assistance Providers.

Funding: This grant is reimbursement based; you must spend money to receive the grant funds.

Vermont Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Overview

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS) awards Specialty Crop Block Grants to the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories. In Vermont, the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) administers these funds to enhance the competitiveness of Vermont and regionally grown specialty crops.

Program Purpose

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by–

• Leveraging efforts to market and promote specialty crops
• Assisting producers with research and development relevant to specialty crops
• Expanding availability and access to specialty crops
• Addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers
• USDA AMS supports projects that address the needs of U.S. specialty crop growers and strengthen local and regional food systems.

Project Types

USDA encourages projects to address the following issues affecting the specialty crop industry:

• ​Enhancing food safety
• Improving the capacity of all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain to comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act, for example, by developing “Good Agricultural Practices,” “Good Handling Practices,” “Good Manufacturing Practices,” and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for small farmers, packers and processors
• Investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes
• Developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops
• Pest and disease control
• Increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops
• Improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems
• Sustainability

The Farmland Retirement Program, funded by the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, aims to buy out farms that negatively impact water quality. Established to preserve Vermont’s rural character, the program facilitates the transition of agricultural land to conservation uses, ensuring long-term environmental benefits. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and municipalities that demonstrate lasting impacts on the community. Funding may cover acquisition costs and associated expenses, supporting restoration efforts that contribute to Vermont's ecological health.

The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board offers Organizational Development Grants to support nonprofit organizations in developing affordable housing and conservation projects. Eligible applicants, including municipalities and certain state agencies, can receive up to $33,750, while new organizations may apply for up to $12,000. These grants aim to ensure long-term benefits for Vermonters and promote sustainable community development. For application inquiries, please contact the Conservation Director.

About Us

In the mid-1980s, a rapid rise in housing prices and an increase in the pace of development threatened the rural character and historic settlement patterns of Vermont. As a result, in 1986, a coalition of affordable housing, conservation, and historic preservation advocates approached the state legislature with a plan to form a unique agency that would review and fund projects to address a range of community needs. In response, the Legislature passed the Vermont Housing and Conservation Trust Fund Act in 1987.

The newly created Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, or VHCB, was charged with a dual goal mission:

to create permanently affordable housing and conserve and protect Vermont’s agricultural, forest, recreational, and natural lands, as well as historic properties. Since our founding, we have remained true to this mission by supporting projects that benefit Vermont communities in perpetuity, guided by our core values: equity and access, affordability and economic vitality, environmental sustainability and resilience, and quality of life.

Project-specific Capacity Funding

Project-related capacity funds of up to $50,000 are awarded for pre-development expenses in excess of the amount available from VHCB’s Feasibility Fund and are limited to projects that have a higher than normal level of complexity or uncertainty. Examples include: site challenges, the presence of multiple sites or multiple goals, unusual ownership structure or special population to be served, community economics or demographics that make development of a project especially challenging. Project-related capacity funding can cover costs of appraisals, engineering work, title search, historic preservation or hazardous materials analyses.

On a case-by-case basis the Board may also allow these funds to be used to cover staff costs of the applicant organization, especially if the organization would not have the ability to undertake the project if such expenses were not covered. Funds may be used to promote public dialogue about affordable housing or land conservation and/or to examine alternative land use scenarios through such means as site inventories and site plans as well as design charettes. At its discretion, the Board may also choose to make awards to cover expenses that are not outlined above.