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

There are two options to apply
1. Email a completed PDF application (available below) to RFA.loans@state.mn.us.
2. Complete the online Minnesota Down Payment Assistance Grant application. No pre-registration or account is required.
Mailable applications may also be requested from the program contacts.

Jenny Heck

Loan Programs

The Minnesota Down Payment Assistance Grant offers up to **$20,000 for qualified farmers purchasing their first farm**. The grant program is administered by the MDA's Rural Finance Authority (RFA) as part of its mission to develop the state’s agricultural resources.



The Minnesota Down Payment Assistance Grant offers up to $20,000 for qualified farmers purchasing their first farm. The grant program is administered by the MDA's Rural Finance Authority (RFA) as part of its mission to develop the state’s agricultural resources.

Eligible Applicants
- Individual (LLCs, partnerships, etc. must apply as individual)
- Minnesota resident
- Earn less than $250,000 annually in gross agricultural sales
- Applicants and their spouses have never owned a farm
- Will provide the majority of labor and management on the farm
- Will farm the land for at least 5 years
- In good standing with the State of Minnesota
- Have not been convicted of a crime related to a state grant agreement
Eligible Purchases
- Farmland or other agricultural real estate (tillable acres, hog barn, commercial greenhouse, etc.)
- Within the borders of Minnesota
- Must close on purchase after application approval and within designated timeframe. This grant cannot be applied retroactively toward purchases that have already closed.

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

Grant

- Information Session
- Grant Instructions - FY26
- Lottery Process
- Grant Instructions - FY26 (HMONG)
- Grant Instructions - FY26 (SOMALI)
- Grant Instructions - FY26 (SPANISH)

Native Americans

Español

Women

Historically Underserved

Socially Disadvantaged

People Of Color

The Minnesota State Legislature approved $1 million for fiscal year 2025 Down Payment Assistance Grants to Minnesota farmers earning less than $250,000 per year in gross agricultural sales. Applications will remain valid for purchases closing within six months after grant approval or until June 30, 2025, whichever is sooner.
The RFA expects to award approximately 66 grants in this funding cycle, dependent on size of grant requests. The RFA will award these grants using a random lottery process, with preference given to emerging farmers. If you are not an emerging farmer, you may still apply. Applications will be accepted from July 1 to July 31, 2023. The RFA will make award decisions in early to mid-August. 

A two-phase application process starts with pre-applications. Selected pre-applications are invited to submit final applications. 
Pre-applications are submitted electronically in the format described by the Federal Register Notice. For the currently open call for applications for repair projects, those instructions begin on page 6 (numbered 13379) if this Federal Register Notice.
If your pre-application is accepted, you will be given instructions on how to make a full application.

This program provides affordable financing to develop housing for year-round and migrant or seasonal domestic farm laborers.



This program assists qualified applicants that cannot obtain commercial credit on terms that will allow them to charge rents that are affordable to low-income tenants. Borrowers must have sufficient qualifications and experience to develop and operate the project. Qualified applicants include:
- Farmers, associations of farmers and family farm corporations
- Associations of farmworkers and nonprofit organizations*
- Most State and local governmental entities*
- Federally-recognized Tribes*

*Eligible to apply for grants and loans

Housing may be constructed in urban or rural areas, as long as there is a demonstrated need.

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

Loan

Training

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

High Tunnel

HVAC

Irrigation

Lighting

Repairs

Storage

Infrastructure

Equipment

How may funds be used?
Construction, improvement, repair and purchase of housing for domestic farm laborers is the primary objective of this program.

Funding may also be available for related activities including:
- Buying and improve land
- Purchasing household furnishings
- Paying construction loan interest
- For a complete list, see 7 CFR 3560.53

Who may live in the rental housing?
- Domestic farm laborers, including those working on fish and oyster farms and on-farm processing (1)
- Retired and/or disabled farm laborers
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Very-low- to moderate-income households (2)

What kinds of funding are available?
- Low interest loans
- Grants based on need and may not exceed 90% of project cost

What are the loan terms?
- Up to 33 year payback period
- 1% fixed rate
- An allocation of loan funds is also available for on-farm labor housing and is funded on a first-come, first-served basis

List of Agricultural Funding for Disabled