Browse Ambrook’s collection of grants, loans, discounts, cost shares, easements, and insurance for community gardens.


Email us at lending@communityvisionca.org to get started. We’ll schedule a brief call to learn about your project and determine if it’s a potential fit. From there, we’ll either request more information or let you know if we’re not the right resource at this time.

Community Vision — Lending Team

As a leading mission-driven lender, Community Vision provides creative capital solutions of all sizes to support community-based organizations and small businesses with the resources they need to strengthen, stabilize, and thrive.

Community Vision fills the gap for communities with low financial wealth who have been systemically limited in their access to the vital resources they need to obtain financial freedom. As partners, Community Vision works alongside its clients to foster revitalized, equitable, and vibrant communities.



As a leading mission-driven lender, Community Vision provides creative capital solutions of all sizes to support community-based organizations and small businesses with the resources they need to strengthen, stabilize, and thrive.
Community Vision fills the gap for communities with low financial wealth who have been systemically limited in their access to the vital resources they need to obtain financial freedom. As partners, Community Vision works alongside its clients to foster revitalized, equitable, and vibrant communities.

All applicants must
- Be located within Northern or Central California.
- Demonstrate evidence of ability to meet the terms of the proposed loan.
- Demonstrate deep community roots and focus on amplifying visions for their own communities.

A payment that must be returned to the provider following specified terms of repayment and interest rate.

Loan

Español

Native Americans

People Of Color

Women

Farmers Market

Local Food

Historically Underserved

Food Systems

Term: 
- Up to 10 years
Lines of Credit:
- 12 months (renewable)
Loan-to-Value: 
- Up to 90%
Interest Rate:
- Real Estate: 5.75%-6.25%
- Working Capital: 6.25%-6.75%
- Possibly lower for very high impact projects.
Loan Fees: 
- 1.5%-2% including application, commitment, and closing.
Collateral: 
- Real estate preferred but will consider other types of collateral. Subordination to conventional lenders considered.

Apply through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Community Orchard Grants page.

Jenna Nieters

Local Foods Marketing Specialist

The Specialty Crop Community Orchard Grants, administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, support the creation of permanent community orchards in underserved areas to increase community access to and consumer education of specialty crops.



Community development groups, economic councils, schools, nonprofits, and 4-H and FFA chapters are encouraged to apply.

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

Stewardship

Forest Management

Disaster Relief

Emergency

Organizations can request $40,000 or more. Funds can be used to purchase plants, trees, planting supplies, soil amendments, and irrigation and fencing supplies.

The CDFA Urban Agriculture Grant Program will award up to $11,670,000 for proposals through this solicitation to fund programs and projects that enhance the viability of urban agriculture in urban areas across the state of CA.

Grant Applications Links: Please click the Track you are interested in applying to access the AmpliFund grant application:

- Track 1 Systems Builder Community Based Block Grant

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Urban Agriculture Grant Program (UAGP) is a competitive grant that funds programs and projects that enhance the viability of urban agriculture in urban areas across the state of California.

The purpose of the Systems Builder Community-Based Block Grant is to increase staff capacity and provide pass through funding for Community-Based Organizations (CBO’s) with grassroots involvement in urban and regional food systems planning. Eligible CBO’s may apply for awards from $200,000 - $800,000 in CDFA funding to engage and administer subawards to urban agriculture stakeholders in their region. Track 1 funded Organizations may utilize between $5,000-$60,000 of the award towards eligible urban agriculture work being done internally. Subawards to external stakeholders will range from $5,000 to $60,000. At least one CBO within each urban region of California will receive an award, and at least one CBO with statewide reach will receive funding. CDFA aims to distribute awards geographically throughout California’s urban areas to the extent possible.

- Track 2 Urban Agriculture Practitioner Grant

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Urban Agriculture Grant Program (UAGP) is a competitive grant that funds programs and projects that enhance the viability of urban agriculture in urban areas across the state of California.

The purpose of the Urban Agriculture Practitioner Grant is to directly fund urban agriculture projects, providing awards from $75,000 - $300,000 for eligible for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, Resource Conservation Districts, Tribal Based non-profits, and Tribal Governments that are led by or serve priority populations identified using the California Air Resources Board’s California Climate Investments Priority Populations map and located in urban areas as defined by CDFA.

- NOTE: Applicants may only apply to ONE Track



Sara Bernal

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Urban Agriculture Grant Program (UAGP) is a one-time&#x2004;only, competitive grant that will fund programs and projects that enhance the viability of urban agriculture in urban areas across the state of CA.


Urban Agriculture refers to the cultivation, processing, and distribution of agricultural products in urban settings, including things like inground small plot cultivation, raised beds, vertical production, warehouse farms, mushroom growing, urban forestry and tree care, community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic facilities, and other innovations. Urban farmers and gardeners work among diverse populations to expand access to nutritious foods, foster community engagement, offer workforce development opportunities, educate communities about food and farming, and expand green spaces.


CDFA defines “urban” as a geographic area no more than 25 miles adjacent to or outside of one Urbanized Area containing a population of 50,000 or more people.


Priority will be given to urban agriculture projects led by or serving priority populations. Priority Populations will be identified using the California Air Resources Board’s [California Climate Investments Priority Populations map](https://gis.carb.arb.ca.gov/portal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=6b4b15f8c6514733972cabdda3108348).


CDFA will award up to $11,670,000 for proposals through this solicitation.



The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Urban Agriculture Grant Program (UAGP) is a one-time only, competitive grant that will fund programs and projects that enhance the viability of urban agriculture in urban areas across the state of CA.

Urban Agriculture refers to the cultivation, processing, and distribution of agricultural products in urban settings, including things like inground small plot cultivation, raised beds, vertical production, warehouse farms, mushroom growing, urban forestry and tree care, community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic facilities, and other innovations. Urban farmers and gardeners work among diverse populations to expand access to nutritious foods, foster community engagement, offer workforce development opportunities, educate communities about food and farming, and expand green spaces.

CDFA defines “urban” as a geographic area no more than 25 miles adjacent to or outside of one Urbanized Area containing a population of 50,000 or more people.

Priority will be given to urban agriculture projects led by or serving priority populations. Priority Populations will be identified using the California Air Resources Board’s California Climate Investments Priority Populations map.

CDFA will award up to $11,670,000 for proposals through this solicitation.

Track 1 Systems Builder Community Based Block Grant
Eligible Applicants
- Special District Governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (not Federally recognized), Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excludes institutions of higher education), Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (excludes institutions of higher education), Private institutions of higher education

Additional Eligibility Information
- All applicants for Track 1 must serve communities located in urban areas as defined. Priority will be given to urban agriculture projects led by, or serving priority populations as defined by the California Air Resources Board’s California Climate Investments Priority Populations map.
- Track 1: Systems Builder Community-Based Block Grant Eligibility:
    - Non-profit organizations, Tribal Governments and Tribal Based non-profit organizations with knowledge and experience in Regional Food Systems are eligible to apply.
    - Individuals, for-profit organizations, local, state, and federal government entities, and public or private colleges and universities are not eligible to apply.

Track 2 Urban Agriculture Practitioner Grant
Eligible Applicants:
- Special District Governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (not Federally recognized), Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excludes institutions of higher education), Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (excludes institutions of higher education), Small Businesses

Additional Eligibility Information
- Only RCD's qualify under Special District Governments. All applicants for Track 2 must serve communities located in urban areas as defined. Priority will be given to urban agriculture projects led by, or serving priority populations as defined by the California Air Resources Board’s California Climate Investments Priority Populations map.
- Non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, Resource Conservation Districts, Native American Tribes, and Tribal Based non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must also be a Qualified Small Business and thus meet the following criteria: Is one of the following:
    - i. A sole proprietor, independent contractor, 1099 employee, C-corporation, S-corporation, cooperative, limited liability company, partnership, or limited partnership, with an annual gross revenue of less than five million dollars ($5,000,000), but greater than one thousand dollars ($1,000), in the 2022 taxable year.
    - ii. A registered nonprofit entity that had an annual gross revenue of less than five million dollars ($5,000,000), but greater than one thousand dollars ($1,000), in the 2022 taxable year.
    - iii. An organization that is fiscally sponsored by a nonprofit corporation.
    - Local, state, and federal government entities, and public or private colleges and universities are not eligible to apply.

Socially Disadvantaged

Labor

Two tracks with different award bands. No cost-share or match requirement is published for either.

Track 1 — Systems Builder Community-Based Block Grant. "Eligible CBO's may apply for awards from $200,000 - $800,000 in CDFA funding to engage and administer subawards to urban agriculture stakeholders in their region." The grantee is a regrantor: "Track 1 funded Organizations may utilize between $5,000-$60,000 of the award towards eligible urban agriculture work being done internally. Subawards to external stakeholders will range from $5,000 to $60,000." Also: "Community Based Organizations must distribute and administer no less than two subawards. There is no maximum number of subawards."

Track 2 — Urban Agriculture Practitioner Grant. "providing awards from $75,000 - $300,000 for eligible for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, Resource Conservation Districts, Tribal Based non-profits, and Tribal Governments that are led by or serve priority populations."

If you are an individual urban grower rather than an organization, the money most likely to reach you is a $5,000-$60,000 subaward from a Track 1 grantee, not a direct CDFA award — several Track 1 grantees' subaward programs are listed as open on the program page.

Equipment note worth knowing before you budget: "Refrigeration units under $5,000 total. For refrigeration needs above $5,000 apply to CDFA's Refrigeration Grant Program."

Status of this solicitation: closed and awarded. "CDFA awarded $11,670,000 in proposals through this solicitation" — "$11.67 million to 33 projects across California." A separate, newer pot exists: Proposition 4 (Nov 2024) makes "$20 million... now available for urban agriculture projects," but that is a different solicitation with its own terms.

- Applicants must provide detailed project description, budget, and timeline for completion by December.

- We prioritize projects that promote sustainable practices and community impact. Review our [Farming Manifesto](https://fruitguyscommunityfund.org/mission/farming-manifesto/) and past [Alumni Projects](https://fruitguyscommunityfund.org/alumni-grantees/) for examples of winning proposals.

**Project Preferences **

**Preferential States: ** We aim to&#x2004;support farms in states where we haven’t yet funded a project. If you’re a small farm or agricultural nonprofit in one of the following states, we encourage you to apply:

- Alabama

- Arkansas

- Delaware

- Minnesota

- Nebraska

- Nevada

- North Dakota

- Utah

\*Note: If you’re based in a state not listed above, you are still eligible to apply. We give minor preference to farms in states where we haven’t funded projects yet, with slight priority given to up to three new states per cycle. However, we encourage applications from all states.




- Applicants must provide detailed project description, budget, and timeline for completion by December.
- We prioritize projects that promote sustainable practices and community impact. Review our Farming Manifesto and past Alumni Projects for examples of winning proposals.
Project Preferences 
Preferential States: We aim to support farms in states where we haven’t yet funded a project. If you’re a small farm or agricultural nonprofit in one of the following states, we encourage you to apply:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Dakota
- Utah
*Note: If you’re based in a state not listed above, you are still eligible to apply. We give minor preference to farms in states where we haven’t funded projects yet, with slight priority given to up to three new states per cycle. However, we encourage applications from all states.


Eligible for Funding: 
- Grants up to $5,000
- Small U.S. farms 250 acres or less
- Applicant must be farm owner/operator or have long-term, legal land access (leased land requires landowner support letter with lease length)
- 501(c)(3) agricultural nonprofits in operation for minimum 3 years may apply; must submit 501(c)(3) documentation and board list
- For profit farms must be active for at least 2 years
- Applicants may re-apply for the same project or a different one if they have not been funded in earlier grant cycles
- Only one application per farm per cycle is allowed

Ineligible For Funding
- Non-U.S. farms
- Farms or farmers that have previously received a FGCF grant
- Project budgets & items including; hydro/aquaponic systems, land purchases, labor, consultants, administrative costs, general marketing, one-time experiences, or any projects relying on outside grant funding for completion

Irrigation

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

Reduced Tillage

Water Management

Conservation

Regenerative

Carbon Capture

Awards & Reporting Schedule
- May: Grant awards
- August: Interim report due
- December: Project completion
- January 2027: Final report due


Submit the Food Insecure Grant Application to Grants@mda.mo.gov. Application submission deadline was Aug. 26, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Inquiries: (573) 751-7794 or Taylor Adamek, Program Manager.

Taylor Adamek

The Food Insecure Cost-Share Grant Program provides grants for projects that reduce food insecurity by increasing food production and availability to local residents. Eligible projects include community gardens, farmers markets, prep kitchens, and agricultural learning centers.



Applicants may be individuals, groups, businesses, or agriculture-related organizations. Projects must be located in designated urbanized areas (qualifying for up to $500,000 in project size) or rural areas (up to $100,000).

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

Grants cover 75% of eligible project costs, up to $50,000, with the applicant providing the remaining 25% as a required match. This is a reimbursement-only program; funds release after submission of paid invoices, registration completion, and MDA inspection.

Applications must be submitted through the New York State Grants Gateway. Use the Grant Opportunity ID is AGM01- UFC23-2023 and follow the instructions to register and apply.

Kendall Hough

Across New York State, there are over one thousand community growing spaces in both rural and urban landscapes, and there is demand to establish more and expand existing sites. Most community growing spaces are in underserved&#x2004;communities and often, the mission to grow one’s own plot is to feed themselves. There is little capital to help maintain these plots. Similarly, coordinators of these spaces are often not-for-profits with limited support to expand and sustain capacity, develop infrastructure and secure reliable tenancy to the land. This grant program was established as a strategy to improve food security by making resources available to ensure the viability and sustainability of these community growing spaces.



Across New York State, there are over one thousand community growing spaces in both rural and urban landscapes, and there is demand to establish more and expand existing sites. Most community growing spaces are in underserved communities and often, the mission to grow one’s own plot is to feed themselves. There is little capital to help maintain these plots. Similarly, coordinators of these spaces are often not-for-profits with limited support to expand and sustain capacity, develop infrastructure and secure reliable tenancy to the land. This grant program was established as a strategy to improve food security by making resources available to ensure the viability and sustainability of these community growing spaces.

- Not-for-profit organizations
- Not-for-profit Educational Institutions, including K-12 schools and universities
- Municipal Government Entities
- Community-led groups can work with a fiscal sponsor to apply
- Indian tribal organizations

- Request For Proposals
- Information Session 11/18/22
- Q&As on 11/22/22 and 12/20/22

Grant with a real floor and ceiling, and no match. From the RFA cover sheet: "$2,500,000 Total Available / Individual Awards of $25,000 - $50,000 / Funding Match Required: None." In the body: "A total of $2,500,000 is available for this grant program. A maximum of $50,000 is available per award. The minimum grant amount is $25,000," and "The Urban Farms & Community Gardens Grant Program does not require a match."

Cash flow is the thing to plan for: "grant funds will be disbursed by reimbursement only. Awardees may request, at the discretion of the Department, an initial payment of up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the total grant award. The Department shall retain ten percent (10%) of the budget amount to be disbursed to the contractor until such time as the final report is accepted." So you front most of the money, and the last 10% only lands after your final report clears.

Eligible costs are unusually broad for a capital-flavored program: "Funds may be used to fund worker wages, contractual expenses, equipment, and other operating expenses," with a narrative justification required for each budget category. Costs incurred outside the awarded grant term are not eligible.

Term: "Projects must be completed within the January 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 project term." Round 3 applications were due September 5, 2025 at 4:00 pm, via SFS.

List of Agricultural Funding for Community Gardens