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

Apply for a direct loan with FAME by following these instructions. Your final application packet must be submitted by email to business@famemaine.com. 
You may need some of the documents available below. 

Grow Maine Support Team

Grow Maine, administered by FAME in conjunction with various statewide lending partners, will provide up to $62 million of [State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)](https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/small-business-programs/state-small-business-credit-initiative-ssbci) funding to eligible Maine businesses. Funding will be available through FAME and its intermediary partners via loan guarantees, direct loans, and equity capital. Grow Maine is intended to provide broad access to capital to help Maine businesses grow and provide jobs for Maine people that will have long-term positive effects on Maine’s economy.

SSBCI is&#x2004;a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury that was created to strengthen state programs that support private financing to small businesses. Governor Mills designated FAME to serve as the state agency to accept and administer the allocated funds for the program.


FAME is offering 3 different kinds of funding: 

- Direct Loans

- Equity Investment

- Commercial Loan Insurance


Only direct loans are covered by the application information here, for the others, [go to this page for more information](https://www.famemaine.com/business-financing/for-business-owners/fame-financing-programs/thrive-and-grow-maine/grow-maine-small-business-loan-capital-program/). 



Grow Maine, administered by FAME in conjunction with various statewide lending partners, will provide up to $62 million of State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funding to eligible Maine businesses. Funding will be available through FAME and its intermediary partners via loan guarantees, direct loans, and equity capital. Grow Maine is intended to provide broad access to capital to help Maine businesses grow and provide jobs for Maine people that will have long-term positive effects on Maine’s economy.
SSBCI is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury that was created to strengthen state programs that support private financing to small businesses. Governor Mills designated FAME to serve as the state agency to accept and administer the allocated funds for the program.

FAME is offering 3 different kinds of funding: 
- Direct Loans
- Equity Investment
- Commercial Loan Insurance

Only direct loans are covered by the application information here, for the others, go to this page for more information. 

Maine businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 750 employees are eligible.

Eligible Purposes
Support loans or investments/projects up to $20 million for legal business purposes, including but not limited to the following:
- Start-up costs
- Working capital
- Business procurement
- Franchise fees
- Equipment
- Inventory
- Purchases of owner-occupied non-investment real estate (commercial or otherwise)
- Purchase, construction, renovation, or improvements of an eligible place of business

Ineligible Purposes
- Refinancing existing debt where SSBCI would replace private funds
- Reimbursement of funds owed by any owner
- Repayment of delinquent state or federal income taxes
- Financing a non-business purpose
- Supporting an existing extension of credit
- Security purchases
- Acquisition or holding of any other real property for investment purposes
- Lobbying activities
- Owner buyouts or equity substitution, except situations resulting in employee ownership

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

Loan

- Information and FAQs
- Application Instructions

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Please contact your local state office for additional information and to apply for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program.

This program provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

- Help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.

- Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.



This program provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:
- Help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
- Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Who may apply for this program?

The following are eligible to be a Microenterprise Development Organization:
- Nonprofits.
- Federally-recognized tribes.
- Institutions of higher education.

The following are eligible to apply for a loan from the MDO as an ultimate recipient:
- Businesses located in an eligible area with 10 or fewer full-time employees.

What is an eligible area?
- Rural areas outside a city or town with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents. Urbanized areas near a city of 50,000 or more may not be eligible.
- The borrower’s headquarters may be based within a larger city so long as the project service area is located in an eligible rural area.
- The lender may be located anywhere.

Check eligible addresses for Business Programs.

Are there other requirements?

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:
- Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
- Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

- Program Fact Sheet
- RBCS How-To Apply Video Series for Applicants

Stewardship

Español

Native Americans

People Of Color

Women

Labor

Historically Underserved

What kind of funding is available? 
- Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually. Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
- Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization. Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?
- Maximum term is 20 years.
- Two-year payment deferral.
- Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?
- Up to $50,000.
- Fixed interest rate.
- Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:
- Working capital.
- Debt refinancing.
- Purchasing equipment and supplies.
- Improving real estate.

Email your completed pre-application (available below) to Jeremy Christensen at jeremyc@utah.gov.

Jeremy Christensen

The LeRay McAllister Working Farm and Ranch Fund provides grants to preserve and restore working agricultural land in Utah, benefiting open space and wildlife as well. The Program uses funds appropriated by the Utah Legislature to purchase conservation easements on important pieces of private land, acquire small parcels in fee title under limited circumstances, and provide small restoration grants to improve conserved lands.



Eligible applicants are counties, cities, towns, the Utah Department of Natural Resources, other Utah Agencies, Land Trusts, and charitable organizations that qualify as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

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

Grant

Payment per unit of land to do or avoid certain practices related to land management.

Easement

- Utah Land Conservation Program Grant Manual
- Pre Application Cover Sheet
- Eligible Cost Policy
- Appraisal Policy
- LeRay McAllister Glossary
- LeRay McAllister Grant Process Flow Chart
- Notice of Funding Opportunity

Conservation

1. Review the full Request for Applications for the complete details on eligible projects/applicants and the full application process.
2. Register in WebGrants (may take up to two business days).
3. Visit the Working Lands application frequently asked questions for resources and to get support on your application. 
4. Complete your application in WebGrants using our Application Guide.

Elizabeth Sipple

Vermont-based nonprofit producer&#x2004;association groups that represent and promote Vermont agriculture, food, beverage, forest, or fiber products are welcome to apply for grant funding for projects in the following domains:

- Market development, marketing plans, and sales

    - Ability to identify appropriate markets, brand and sell products, value proposition, product differentiation, market research, including research and design;

- Leadership and organizational development: business structure, business technical assistance, onboarding and/or transitions for new executive directors and post succession;

- Governance: Board training and capacity, building/refreshing by-laws, committee work, strategic planning process activities

- Business research and development; business and financial planning



Vermont-based nonprofit producer association groups that represent and promote Vermont agriculture, food, beverage, forest, or fiber products are welcome to apply for grant funding for projects in the following domains:
- Market development, marketing plans, and sales
    - Ability to identify appropriate markets, brand and sell products, value proposition, product differentiation, market research, including research and design;
- Leadership and organizational development: business structure, business technical assistance, onboarding and/or transitions for new executive directors and post succession;
- Governance: Board training and capacity, building/refreshing by-laws, committee work, strategic planning process activities
- Business research and development; business and financial planning

This grant is for two types of applicants: 
- Service providers, which are organizations that provide business support services to agricultural and forestry businesses. The specific types of services eligible for funding are outlined later in this section. 
- Producer associations, also known as trade associations, industry trade groups, or business associations, are organizations founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry. Vermont-based producer association groups that represent and promote Vermont agriculture, food, beverage, forest, or fiber products are eligible to apply.  
Service provider grant projects should provide direct services to Vermont-based working lands businesses through technical assistance and/or other forms of support. Producer association grant projects may also provide these services to their members. These services include: 
- Market development, marketing plans, and sales planning 
- Business and financial planning 
- Disaster preparedness to flooding, and/or other crises 
- Succession planning for next generation business owners 
- Access to capital 
- Manufacturing efficiencies or process flow 
- Business research and development 
- Workforce development 
Producer association grant projects may relate to the development of the association itself in addition to or instead of providing the above services to members. Association development projects may include: 
- Leadership and organizational development: Leadership development, strategic planning, leadership transition support/succession planning; board training and capacity building, by-law development, committee work, staff recruitment and/or training 
- Membership development: Member recruitment and outreach, networking across businesses, web/communications capacity building, member skill building and exchanges, development of digital portals or tools for members 
- Network building and collaboration: Initiatives that support collaborations between producer associations for improved efficiency and organizational sustainability 
Applicant organizations/businesses should be based in Vermont. Businesses or organizations headquartered outside of VT can be eligible if the project or service being proposed is 100% focused on Vermont’s working landscape and businesses. Please contact Elizabeth.Sipple@vermont.gov to discuss eligibility for out-of-state applicants.
All organizational structures are eligible.
- Applicants that previously applied for and/or received funds from a Working Lands grant or contract can re-apply for funding. Applicants who are current or previous grantees must explain whether the proposed project builds on previous work or is a separate project, as well as demonstrate how continued funding will be used to grow or improve the program. Services must be provided to a new cohort of businesses for each funding period.  

- Request for Applications
- FY26 WLEI Service Provider and Producer Association Grant RFA.pdf 
- 


Certification

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Certified Organic

Trade Relief

Legal & Finance

Read the SALC Guidelines to determine what kind of project you wish to apply for, then submit the required materials by email to salcp@conservation.ca.gov.

Shanna Atherton-Bauer

**Notice**: _On April 14, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the cancellation of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC). The USDA plans to reform the program into the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) initiative. Contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) for more information on how to apply to the AMP initiative. _


The SALC Program supports agricultural land conservation, economic growth, and sustainable development by providing grants for three types of projects:

- **Land Use Planning grants** that support&#x2004;the development of local and regional land use policies and economic development strategies to protect critical agricultural land

- **Agricultural Conservation Acquisition grants** to permanently protect croplands, rangelands, and lands utilized for the cultivation of traditional resources from conversion to non-agricultural uses.​

- **Capacity and Project Development grants** to expand organizational capacity to develop agricultural conservation acquisition projects.

The program invests in agricultural land conservation with revenue from the [California Climat​e ​Inv​estments (CCI) Fund​](http://www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov/), made available for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing additional benefits to California communities. CCI is derived from quarterly cap-and-trade auction proceeds, which are administered by the California Air Resources Board. 

Three types of grants are offered as a part of this program:

- Agricultural Conservation Acquisition Capacity Funding – Grants to develop agricultural conservation easement and fee acquisition projects and/or cover associated costs to help close acquisition projects where the cost of the acquisition is covered by an alternate source of funding.

- Agricultural Conservation Acquisitions – Grants to protect important agricultural lands under threat of conversion to nonagricultural uses through the acquisition of voluntary, permanent agricultural conservation easements (easements) or fee title purchases. Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program Final Program Guidelines - April 2023 2

- Agricultural Conservation Planning – Grants to develop and implement plans for the protection of agricultural lands under pressure of being converted to non-agricultural uses.

The Department of Conservation works in cooperation with the Natural Resources Agency and the SGC to implement the program. ​



Notice: On April 14, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the cancellation of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC). The USDA plans to reform the program into the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) initiative. Contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) for more information on how to apply to the AMP initiative. 

The SALC Program supports agricultural land conservation, economic growth, and sustainable development by providing grants for three types of projects:
- Land Use Planning grants that support the development of local and regional land use policies and economic development strategies to protect critical agricultural land
- Agricultural Conservation Acquisition grants to permanently protect croplands, rangelands, and lands utilized for the cultivation of traditional resources from conversion to non-agricultural uses.​
- Capacity and Project Development grants to expand organizational capacity to develop agricultural conservation acquisition projects.
The program invests in agricultural land conservation with revenue from the California Climat​e ​Inv​estments (CCI) Fund​, made available for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing additional benefits to California communities. CCI is derived from quarterly cap-and-trade auction proceeds, which are administered by the California Air Resources Board. 
Three types of grants are offered as a part of this program:
- Agricultural Conservation Acquisition Capacity Funding – Grants to develop agricultural conservation easement and fee acquisition projects and/or cover associated costs to help close acquisition projects where the cost of the acquisition is covered by an alternate source of funding.
- Agricultural Conservation Acquisitions – Grants to protect important agricultural lands under threat of conversion to nonagricultural uses through the acquisition of voluntary, permanent agricultural conservation easements (easements) or fee title purchases. Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program Final Program Guidelines - April 2023 2
- Agricultural Conservation Planning – Grants to develop and implement plans for the protection of agricultural lands under pressure of being converted to non-agricultural uses.
The Department of Conservation works in cooperation with the Natural Resources Agency and the SGC to implement the program. ​

Cities, counties, non-profit organizations, resource conservation districts, regional park or open-space districts, regional park or open-space authorities, and federally recognized California Native American tribe or a nonfederally recognized California Native American tribe that is on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission, are eligible to apply.

To apply, carefully read the Notice of Funding Opportunity on grants.gov and follow the instructions to submit an application. 
In preparation for applying, you will need to take the following (free) steps, if you haven't already:
- Obtain an EIN from the IRS
- Register with SAM.gov
- Obtain a Unique Entity Number (UEN) from SAM.gov
- Register an account with Grants.gov

Melanie  Krizmanich

This program provides financial&#x2004;assistance to carry out activities for one or more of the following purposes. 

- Generate compost.

- Increase access to compost for agricultural producers.

- Reduce reliance on, and limit the use of, fertilizer.

- Improve soil quality.

- Encourage waste management and permaculture business development.

- Increase rainwater absorption.

- Reduce municipal food waste; and

- Divert residential and commercial food waste from landfills. 

In addition to meeting one or more of the above purposes applicants are encouraged to align their project proposals to address priorities on environmental justice, racial equity, climate, invest in disadvantaged communities and climate smart agricultural practices. Priority will be given for each of the following elements that are included in a project:

- Anticipate or demonstrate economic benefits for the targeted community;

- Incorporate plans to make compost easily accessible to agricultural producers, including community gardeners, school gardens, and producers;

- Integrate food waste reduction strategies, including innovative food recovery efforts such as food gleaning, storage, and preservation techniques; and

- Include a robust plan that describes collaboration with multiple partners. 



This program provides financial assistance to carry out activities for one or more of the following purposes. 
- Generate compost.
- Increase access to compost for agricultural producers.
- Reduce reliance on, and limit the use of, fertilizer.
- Improve soil quality.
- Encourage waste management and permaculture business development.
- Increase rainwater absorption.
- Reduce municipal food waste; and
- Divert residential and commercial food waste from landfills. 
In addition to meeting one or more of the above purposes applicants are encouraged to align their project proposals to address priorities on environmental justice, racial equity, climate, invest in disadvantaged communities and climate smart agricultural practices. Priority will be given for each of the following elements that are included in a project:
- Anticipate or demonstrate economic benefits for the targeted community;
- Incorporate plans to make compost easily accessible to agricultural producers, including community gardeners, school gardens, and producers;
- Integrate food waste reduction strategies, including innovative food recovery efforts such as food gleaning, storage, and preservation techniques; and
- Include a robust plan that describes collaboration with multiple partners. 

Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to the following entity types:
- City or township governments
- County governments
- Independent School Districts
- State-designated Indian Tribes
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) 
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally-recognized tribal governments) 
- Special district governments
- Municipal Governments

- Opportunity on grants.gov (Includes Notice of Funding Opportunity)
- SAM.gov

Waste & Manure Management

Air Quality

Carbon Capture

High Tunnel

Landscape

Regenerative

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Local Food

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Farmers Market

Socially Disadvantaged

This program requires applicants to provide a minimum cost share of 25 percent of the federal share awarded. Applications that do not include the required level of cost-sharing will be ineligible for award. Cost sharing may be achieved with contributions of cash, services, materials, equipment, or other in-kind contributions, which may be provided by the applicant or a third party.

Each year, FAS announces the EMP application period and criteria in the Federal Register. U.S. non-profit, for-profit and government entities are all eligible to apply. Applicants submit proposals through the Unified Export Strategy (UES) process, which allows eligible organizations to request funding from multiple USDA market development programs through a single, strategically coordinated proposal.

FAS Program Operations Division

The Emerging Markets Program (EMP) helps U.S. organizations promote exports of U.S. agricultural products to countries that have—or are developing—market-oriented economies and that have the potential to be viable commercial markets.


Through the EMP, FAS provides cost-share funding for technical assistance activities such as feasibility studies, market research, sectorial assessments, orientation visits, specialized training and business workshops. The EMP supports exports of generic U.S. agricultural commodities and products, meaning projects that endorse or promote branded products or specific&#x2004;companies are not eligible.


There is no fixed list of "emerging market" countries, but the legislation defines an emerging market as any country that "is taking steps toward a market-oriented economy through the food, agriculture, or rural business sectors of the economy of the country" and "has the potential to provide a viable and significant market for United States commodities or products of United States agricultural commodities." Guidance on qualified countries is provided each year in the program application announcement.



The Emerging Markets Program (EMP) helps U.S. organizations promote exports of U.S. agricultural products to countries that have—or are developing—market-oriented economies and that have the potential to be viable commercial markets.

Through the EMP, FAS provides cost-share funding for technical assistance activities such as feasibility studies, market research, sectorial assessments, orientation visits, specialized training and business workshops. The EMP supports exports of generic U.S. agricultural commodities and products, meaning projects that endorse or promote branded products or specific companies are not eligible.

There is no fixed list of "emerging market" countries, but the legislation defines an emerging market as any country that "is taking steps toward a market-oriented economy through the food, agriculture, or rural business sectors of the economy of the country" and "has the potential to provide a viable and significant market for United States commodities or products of United States agricultural commodities." Guidance on qualified countries is provided each year in the program application announcement.

1. To participate in the EMP, U.S. private or government entities must demonstrate a role or interest in the exports of U.S. agricultural commodities. Government organizations consist of Federal, state, and local agencies. Private entities include non-profit trade associations, universities, agricultural cooperatives, SRTGs, consulting businesses, research institutions, and profit-making entities. Foreign organizations, whether government or private, may participate as subrecipients in activities carried out by U.S. entities, but are not eligible for direct funding assistance from the program.
2. Proposals from research and consulting entities will be considered for funding assistance only with evidence of substantial participation in and financial support to the proposed project by U.S. industry. Such support is most credibly demonstrated through actual monetary contributions to the cost of the project.
3. For-profit entities shall not use program funds to conduct private business, promote private self-interests, or promote their own products or services beyond specific uses approved in a given project. For-profit entities shall not use program funds to supplement the costs of normal day-to-day operations.

- Emerging Markets Program Guidance
- EMP Application Template
- Eligibility of Hemp and Hemp Products Under the FAS Market Development Programs
- List of Restricted Countries - Prohibition of U.S. Assistance and Financing
- FY 2023 Compliance Review Schedule - Market Development Programs
- Notice of FY 2023 Funds Availability - EMP (grants.gov)

Trials

Coronavirus

Fencing

Trees

Weather

Wildfire

Drought

Flood

Hurricane

Tornado

Disaster Relief

Emergency

Marketing

Before you apply, read the full Request for Proposals (PDF) for complete details of the program. You can also review the list of past projects and read prior issues of the Greenbook, which contains summaries, findings, and locations of previous grants. Using these resources will help you design a competitive project.

Then, apply through MDA's online application system.
- If you are a new user, you will need to create an account.
- Once you are logged in, select AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant FY23.

Kelly Anderson

Eric Nooker

MDA Grants Line

The AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant supports innovative on-farm research and demonstrations. It funds projects that explore sustainable agriculture practices and systems that could make farming more profitable, resource efficient, or personally satisfying. Findings are published in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s annual _[Greenbook](https://www.mda.state.mn.us/greenbook)_.



The AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant supports innovative on-farm research and demonstrations. It funds projects that explore sustainable agriculture practices and systems that could make farming more profitable, resource efficient, or personally satisfying. Findings are published in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s annual Greenbook.

Applicant eligibility
Applications from Minnesota farmers receive priority, but the program also funds Minnesota nonprofits and educational organizations that meaningfully involve Minnesota farmers in projects.
Your project must last two to three years and you must be willing to share what you learn with others.
Project eligibility
MDA will fund projects that explore the profitability, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits of sustainable agriculture practices or systems. Projects can include, but are not limited to:
- Practices that increase environmental sustainability and improve soil health
- Conservation tillage and weed management methods
- Novel cover crops and crop rotations
- Input reduction strategies, including nutrient and pesticide management
- On-farm energy production, such as wind, methane, or biomass, or improvements in energy efficiency
- Developing/refining/improving marketing opportunities, including season extension and post-harvest storage and handling
- Novel enterprise diversification, including organic production, using traditional and non-traditional crops and livestock
- Other creative ideas that focus on environmental benefits, energy savings or production, profitability, and/or farmers’ quality of life

- Request for Proposals - Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant 2023
- How to fill out your online application
- Greenbook

Proposals are submitted online at: projects.sare.org
You must make an account to apply.

Rob Myers

Notice: This grant is _currently holding new Calls for Proposals pending notification from our funding source, USDA-NIFA. All NIFA Requests for Applications are under review. You can check back for updates or subscribe to [our mailing list](https://www.sare.org/news/join-our-mailing-list/) to be notified when the Calls are released. We plan to shift the due dates to approximately 60 days after the Calls are released._


The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Professional Development Grant Program supports state professional development programs and competitive grants for&#x2004;training agricultural professionals.


Professional Development Program (PDP) competitive grants emphasize training agricultural educators in extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, private, and not-for-profit sectors, using farmers as educators and addressing emerging issues in the farm community. Applicants are educators who often represent but are not limited to, Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and non-profit groups. PDP competitive grants are awarded for state and multi-state PDP projects that emphasize cross-agency training, using farmers as educators and addressing emerging issues in the farm community. 



Notice: This grant is currently holding new Calls for Proposals pending notification from our funding source, USDA-NIFA. All NIFA Requests for Applications are under review. You can check back for updates or subscribe to our mailing list to be notified when the Calls are released. We plan to shift the due dates to approximately 60 days after the Calls are released.

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Professional Development Grant Program supports state professional development programs and competitive grants for training agricultural professionals.

Professional Development Program (PDP) competitive grants emphasize training agricultural educators in extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, private, and not-for-profit sectors, using farmers as educators and addressing emerging issues in the farm community. Applicants are educators who often represent but are not limited to, Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and non-profit groups. PDP competitive grants are awarded for state and multi-state PDP projects that emphasize cross-agency training, using farmers as educators and addressing emerging issues in the farm community. 

Proposals must be targeted to educators within the Cooperative Extension Service (CES), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), other governmental agencies, and/or educators and other relevant personnel in the non-profit and for-profit sectors serving farmers and ranchers. Projects can be for up to 36 months in duration. Involvement of educators from more than one state is appropriate but not required. 

- View the Call for Proposals (Word)
- View the Call for Proposals (PDF)

Funding decisions are made by NCR-SARE’s regional Administrative Council, after receiving feedback from a review committee. The Administrative Council is a collection of farmers, ranchers, university representatives, nonprofit representatives, Extension and NRCS people, other government employees, and agribusiness representatives. This group sets research priorities and recommends projects for funding.
Before writing a grant proposal, determine a clear project goal and explore previous research. It often helps to contact NCR-SARE, local agriculture groups, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and/or Extension educators to share ideas and invite participation. 

There are several parts to this year’s application. We highly recommend you fully read the RFP before preparing your application:
1. Organization and Grant Applicant Contact Information Form
2. An application “Project Profile Template” 
3. A PDF of appendices which should include:
    a. A budget outline of your 25% match.
    b. Three letters of support for your project.
    c. Current résumés for each individual working on the project.
    d. Copy of IRS 501(c)3 determination.

Return the application with all above attachments to SCBG@AGRI.OHIO.GOV by 5pm ET March 24th, 2023.

Grant funding is provided by&#x2004;the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service. Grants range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $150,000. In addition, all applicants must provide a minimum match of 25 percent of the requested grant amount.

Project proposals are sought that will advance the long-term economic viability of the state’s specialty crop industry, while increasing the marketability of specialty crops. Higher rankings will be given to projects that demonstrate profit potential for growers and that could boost employment opportunities in the specialty crop industry.



Grant funding is provided by the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service. Grants range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $150,000. In addition, all applicants must provide a minimum match of 25 percent of the requested grant amount.
Project proposals are sought that will advance the long-term economic viability of the state’s specialty crop industry, while increasing the marketability of specialty crops. Higher rankings will be given to projects that demonstrate profit potential for growers and that could boost employment opportunities in the specialty crop industry.

Food and agricultural non-profit organizations, associations or commodity groups, universities and research institutions are eligible to submit specialty crop proposals. Projects that have a focus on the benefit a particular commercial product, or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual will not be considered.

Specialty Crops

Aloe Leaves

Blackberries

Fruits

Honey

Horticulture

Mamey Sapote

Maple Syrup

Mustard Greens

Parsnips

Passion Fruit

Pineapples

Plantains

Pummelos

Raspberries

Rutabagas

Tree Nuts

Vegetables

Abiu

Achachairu

Antidesma

Apples

Apricots

Bananas

Barbados Cherry

Blueberries

Breadfruit

Cacao

Caimito

Calabaza Melon

Canary Melon

Canary Seed

Caneberries

Canistel

Cantaloupes

Casaba Melon

Cherries

Chinese Bitter Melon

Chokeberry

Citron

Citron Melon

Coconuts

Cranberries

Crenshaw Melon

Custard Apple

Dates

Dragon Fruit

Durian

Elderberries

Figs

Genip

Goji

Gooseberries

Grapefruit

Grapes

Guava

Guavaberry

Honeyberries

Honeydew

Huckleberries

Israel Melons

Jack Fruit

Jujube

Juneberries

Kiwiberry

Kiwifruit

Korean Golden Melon

Kumquats

Langsat

Lemons

Limequats

Limes

Longan

Loquats

Lychee

Mangos

Mangosteen

Mayhaw Berries

Mesple

Mulberries

Nectarines

Oranges

Papaya

Passion Fruits

Pawpaw

Peaches

Pears

- Proposal Instructions
- SCBGP Performance Progress Report Template Instructions (pdf)
- 2025 OH SCBG Applicant Information Form
- USDA Project Profile Template
- What is a Specialty Crop?
- One-Minute Overview of SCBGP
- Previous SCBGP Awards


List of Agricultural Funding for Non-Profit