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

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 **$15,000 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 $15,000 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
- Request for Proposals (RFP) - Round 2 FY24
- Lottery Process

Native Americans

Español

Women

Historically Underserved

Socially Disadvantaged

People Of Color

The Minnesota State Legislature approved $1 million for fiscal year 2024 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, 2024, 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. 

To apply, email grants@skyhighfarm.org with the following information:
1. In a few words, describe your project.
2. Tell Sky High Farms how much funding you need ($USD).
3. Tell Sky High Farms how this funding will transform your career in agriculture.

Sky High will be making up to $350,000 in grants (total) to individuals working in agriculture, food justice, and/or land sovereignty. Applications will be prioritized among those who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual and those working in communities historically exploited and harmed by the existing industrial agricultural system.



Application is open to individuals working in agriculture, food justice, and/or land sovereignty. Applications will be prioritized among those who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual and those working in communities historically exploited and harmed by the existing industrial agricultural system.

There are no requirements as to the scope of proposed projects. All complete applications will be considered. 

Funding decisions will be made by an independent committee of farmers, food justice activists and key stakeholders working to create a more equitable food system.

List of Agricultural Funding for LGBTQ+