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

What documents must an applicant submit to HFLS?
The documents below are required for a Coronavirus Financial Impact Loan. Once you have completed or collected all the documents below and have all necessary signatures, contact Loan@HFLS.org to schedule a loan interview with an HFLS Loan Officer, which can be conducted via phone video (Zoom) call. Please submit the following documents to HFLS through the online application.
From the borrower:
- Loan Application, completed and signed by the applicant (and their spouse, if they are married) using the online application link at the bottom of this page.
- Copies of government-issued photo IDs that include signatures and serve as proof of address for the applicant and their spouse (e.g. driver’s license). If the driver’s license does not include the applicant’s current address, HFLS will require proof of residency (e.g. a utility bill or account statement).
- Voided check, checking account statement, or bank statement that includes the applicant’s name and the bank name, the checking account number, and the routing number.

Failure to submit these documents will delay the processing of your application. 

What is the Loan Interview?
Once you have collected all the documents above, please email Loan@HFLS.org to schedule your 10-15 minute loan interview with an HFLS Loan Officer, which will be conducted by phone or video call (Zoom). Loan interviews may be scheduled Mondays through Thursdays between 9 am and 5 pm.
Please submit the documents listed above to HFLS prior to the loan interview to avoid delays in processing your application. During the interview, an HFLS Loan Officer will review your application and guarantor form, explain the loan terms and remainder of the loan process, and answer any questions you have.

How long does it take HFLS to review and decide on my loan application?
HFLS reviews and decides on loan applications weekly. If we have questions about your application or guarantor, you may receive a call or email from a Loan Officer asking for further information before HFLS will make its decision.
You will receive an email within approximately one week of your loan interview informing you of the loan decision. HFLS, in its discretion, may decline to make a loan, make a loan in an amount less than that requested, or require different or additional guarantors.

If my loan is approved, what happens next?
If your loan is approved, you will receive an email that contains instructions to complete and sign the final loan paperwork through DocuSign. The final loan paperwork includes:
- A Promissory Note, to be signed by the borrower, guarantor, and all spouses
- An ACH authorization form, so monthly loan payments can be withdrawn automatically from your checking account
Once HFLS receives the signed documents above, we will disburse your loan funds directly into your checking account within one week. (Please note that it may take a few days after the disbursement for the loan funds to appear in your checking account.)


The General Needs Loan Program at Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS) provides interest-free loans of up to $7,500 to low- and moderate-income residents of New York City’s five boroughs, Westchester, or Long Island. These general loans cover expenses that borrowers cannot meet with their own&#x2004;resources or help bridge a period of unexpected income loss.

In order to apply, your [annual pre-tax household income](https://www.adp.com/resources/tools/calculators/salary-paycheck-calculator.aspx) must be at or below the income limit for your household size. If your annual pre-tax household income is slightly above the limit listed below, please contact Loan@HFLS.org to speak with a Loan Officer about your specific situation. You may still qualify for an HFLS loan.


Loans of $5,000 or less are repayable in installments of $250 per month over 20 months. Loans of more than $5,000 are repayable in installments of $300 per month over 25 months.

**Currently, all loans have a one-month grace period before repayments begin. ** Repayments are made on either the 5th or the 20th of each month; borrowers select their preference before HFLS disburses the loan. All loan repayments are made by electronic debit of a checking account.

- **Since HFLS lends to households, a married couple is considered one borrower.** If an applicant is married or partnered, he or she must include their spouse’s/partner’s information in the application.



The General Needs Loan Program at Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS) provides interest-free loans of up to $7,500 to low- and moderate-income residents of New York City’s five boroughs, Westchester, or Long Island. These general loans cover expenses that borrowers cannot meet with their own resources or help bridge a period of unexpected income loss.
In order to apply, your annual pre-tax household income must be at or below the income limit for your household size. If your annual pre-tax household income is slightly above the limit listed below, please contact Loan@HFLS.org to speak with a Loan Officer about your specific situation. You may still qualify for an HFLS loan.

Loans of $5,000 or less are repayable in installments of $250 per month over 20 months. Loans of more than $5,000 are repayable in installments of $300 per month over 25 months.
Currently, all loans have a one-month grace period before repayments begin. Repayments are made on either the 5th or the 20th of each month; borrowers select their preference before HFLS disburses the loan. All loan repayments are made by electronic debit of a checking account.
- Since HFLS lends to households, a married couple is considered one borrower. If an applicant is married or partnered, he or she must include their spouse’s/partner’s information in the application.

Loan applicants must have annual pre-tax household income at or below the income limits for their household size.
- 1 person: $91,540 household income
- 2 person: $104,650 household income
- 3 person: $117,760 household income
- 4 person: $130,755 household income
- 5 person: $141,220 household income
- 6 person: $157,435 household income
- 7 person: $162,150 household income
- 8 person: $172,615 household income

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

Loan

Disaster Relief

Emergency

Coronavirus Financial Impact Loans have a grace period of three months before repayment begins. After the grace period, loans of $5,000 or less are repayble in monthly installments over up to 20 months; loans of more than $5,000 are repayable over up to 25 months. (For example, a loan of $4,000 = repayments of $200/month over 20 months; a loan of $7,500 = repayments of $300/month over 25 months.)
Repayments will be made on either the 5th or the 20th of each month; you will select your preference before HFLS disburses your loan. All loan repayments are made by electronic debit of a checking account.


Application

Applicants must verify in their application that commercial lender or Farm Service Agency loan proceeds are available to help complete the proposed farming project. Applicants that are awarded grants may not materially deviate from their approved business plans without approval from MARBIDCO and the participating commercial lender.

Mail completed applications to:

MARBIDCO Programs
1410 Forest Dr., Suite 21
Annapolis, MD 21403

Maryland Agriculture & Resource-Based Industry Development Company

Obtaining financing is difficult for most farmers, but particularly for urban farmers. A very small amount of equity capital can make a significant difference in helping these business owners to obtain bank financing (commercial loans).


MARBIDCO’s MUACLIG program addresses the finance needs of urban farmers. With the support of Farm Credit, MARBIDCO provides grant funds to incentivize the urban farmer to try to obtain commercial financing.



Obtaining financing is difficult for most farmers, but particularly for urban farmers. A very small amount of equity capital can make a significant difference in helping these business owners to obtain bank financing (commercial loans).

MARBIDCO’s MUACLIG program addresses the finance needs of urban farmers. With the support of Farm Credit, MARBIDCO provides grant funds to incentivize the urban farmer to try to obtain commercial financing.

Applicants must be qualified Beginning Urban Farmers, which are defined as being farmers (either individuals or incorporated businesses) with the principal operator(s) having:
- Limited personal or business financial resources;
- A food/fiber growing operation located in an urban community (i.e., must be geographically located within an incorporated municipality, or within the Baltimore or Washington beltways including the City of Baltimore);
- Ten or fewer years of commercial farming experience – either in a for-profit or not-for-profit setting; and
- No previous commercial agriculture loan history.

Eligible business activities include the purchase of:
- Agricultural inputs and supplies such as seed, fertilizer, compost, and baskets;
- Farm tools and equipment;
- Greenhouses, high tunnels, refrigeration, and irrigation systems; and
- Hired labor (at no more than 20% of the total eligible project cost).


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

Grant

Business Plan

Cash Rent

Refinancing

Transition

Feed

Fertilizer

Pest Management

Seed

Weeds

Waste & Manure Management

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Training

Succession

Historically Underserved

Inputs

Nutrient Management

Infrastructure

Conservation

Water Management

Maximum Grant Amount: $10,000, calculated at no more than 20% of the project’s total cost and no more than 25% of the amount of the approved commercial loan for the project. (The minimum grant amount is $1,000 – with a commercial loan of $4,000, combines for a $5,000 project).

Apply online on Crosshatch's Application Portal.

Daniel Marbury

The [Grain Train Natural Foods Market](https://graintrain.coop/), [Oryana Community Co-op](https://www.oryana.coop/) and Crosshatch have partnered to support the&#x2004;local food and farm economy by providing microloans for farmers and food entrepreneurs.

This project aims to enhance an existing local food or farming venture or to help start a new one in Northwest Lower Michigan. The ideal candidate will propose an idea that would boost a farm or food business and elevate the region’s local food system. Applicants using sustainable practices are strongly encouraged, but proposals are not limited to particular practices or scale.



The Grain Train Natural Foods Market, Oryana Community Co-op and Crosshatch have partnered to support the local food and farm economy by providing microloans for farmers and food entrepreneurs.
This project aims to enhance an existing local food or farming venture or to help start a new one in Northwest Lower Michigan. The ideal candidate will propose an idea that would boost a farm or food business and elevate the region’s local food system. Applicants using sustainable practices are strongly encouraged, but proposals are not limited to particular practices or scale.

Farmers and entrepreneurs from the following Michigan counties are eligible:
- Antrim
- Charlevoix
- Cheboygan
- Emmet
- Otsego
- Benzie 
- Grand Traverse
- Kalkaska
- Leelanau
- Manistee
- Missaukee
- Wexford

Farmers Market

Local Food

Food Systems

- Applicants may request $500 - $10,000 based on evidence of project potential
- Repayment terms negotiable (typical repayment time frame is 12 - 18 months)
- 0% interest rate
- No application fee

The fast-growing urban agriculture phenomena has sparked hope in cities, communities, and suburban locations across the country. This excitement has reproduced many forms of agriculture projects in urban communities including urban farms, community gardens, hydroponics, etc. As a result, urban agriculture is providing so many community benefits in food insecure communities as well as urban communities everywhere. This program provides education to urban as&#x2004;well as rural communities on various urban agriculture farming.


Programs:

- Agribusiness Planning

- Topics: Business Plan Creation, Marketing, Licensing, Laws, Formation, Budgeting

- **Starting Farmers Market**

- Topics: Certifications and Licenses, Food Safety, Vendors, Market Manager, Operating Procedures

- **Community and School Garden**

- Topics: How to start a garden Guide. Build a team, Site selection, Designing, planting chart, Managing chart

- **Backyard/ Pasture Poultry**

- Topics: Poultry Health, Feeding, Coop design, Raising Broilers, Raising Layers, Free Ranging, County/ City Laws, Marketing Poultry Products, Poultry Waste

- **Aquaponics/ Hydroponics Development**

- Topics: Types of Systems, Systems management, Marketing Aquaponics/ Hydroponics, Water/Nutrient Testing, Safety, Aqua-Culture, lighting

- **Roof top Farming**

- Topics: Installation, Production Yield calculator, Water catchment, Types of systems, Permitting

- **Greenhouse/High Tunnel Urban Farm**

- Topics: Construction, Maintenance, Styles of Greenhouses, Heating/Cooling, USDA High Tunnel Program Info

- **Pollinator Gardens**

- Topics: Alternative Pollinators, Types of Pollinators, Introduction to Pollinators




The fast-growing urban agriculture phenomena has sparked hope in cities, communities, and suburban locations across the country. This excitement has reproduced many forms of agriculture projects in urban communities including urban farms, community gardens, hydroponics, etc. As a result, urban agriculture is providing so many community benefits in food insecure communities as well as urban communities everywhere. This program provides education to urban as well as rural communities on various urban agriculture farming.

Programs:
- Agribusiness Planning
- Topics: Business Plan Creation, Marketing, Licensing, Laws, Formation, Budgeting
- Starting Farmers Market
- Topics: Certifications and Licenses, Food Safety, Vendors, Market Manager, Operating Procedures
- Community and School Garden
- Topics: How to start a garden Guide. Build a team, Site selection, Designing, planting chart, Managing chart
- Backyard/ Pasture Poultry
- Topics: Poultry Health, Feeding, Coop design, Raising Broilers, Raising Layers, Free Ranging, County/ City Laws, Marketing Poultry Products, Poultry Waste
- Aquaponics/ Hydroponics Development
- Topics: Types of Systems, Systems management, Marketing Aquaponics/ Hydroponics, Water/Nutrient Testing, Safety, Aqua-Culture, lighting
- Roof top Farming
- Topics: Installation, Production Yield calculator, Water catchment, Types of systems, Permitting
- Greenhouse/High Tunnel Urban Farm
- Topics: Construction, Maintenance, Styles of Greenhouses, Heating/Cooling, USDA High Tunnel Program Info
- Pollinator Gardens
- Topics: Alternative Pollinators, Types of Pollinators, Introduction to Pollinators


Education

- Pollinators
- NRCS Program Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
- New Farmers Get Started Factsheet 2020
- High Tunnel System Initiative
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organic Initiative
- Backyard Poultry Start-Up Guide
- Backyard Pond
- USDA Mulching
- Pest Management
- Rainwater Harvesting
- Mulching


Certification

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Certified Organic

Trade Relief

Legal & Finance

Read the Request for Responses on the COMMBUYS portal.

Submit your completed application by email to Rose.Arruda@mass.gov

Or mail you application materials to:
Rose Arruda
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114

If you apply by mail, make sure that you have a complete application as described in the RFR. Submissions must not exceed six (6) double-sided pages (exclusive of attachments). The bidder shall submit one (1) signed original and four (4) copies of the proposal, as well as an electric copy.

Rose Arruda

The purpose of the MDAR Urban Agriculture Program is to advance Commonwealth goals and objectives, leverage collective resources, and support commercial projects designed to increase the production, processing, and marketing of produce grown and sold in urban centers across the Commonwealth. Expenditures will promote strategies to address food insecurity and to increase access of fresh, local produce in urban neighborhoods with a high concentration of low-moderate income residents.



Who May Apply?
- Municipalities
- Nonprofit Organizations 501(c)(3)
- Public or non-profit educational or public health institutions
- Established urban farmer with more than three (3) years of commercial urban farming experience


Native Americans

Socially Disadvantaged

Read the full Request for Proposals and apply online following these instructions.

If you need the application in an alternative format, contact the program administrator.

Emily Mehr

The AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant Program encourages urban youth agricultural education and urban agriculture community development within city limits of urban or peri-urban areas.


Grants help organizations and communities obtain the materials and services necessary to successfully promote urban youth agricultural education and urban agriculture community development.



The AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant Program encourages urban youth agricultural education and urban agriculture community development within city limits of urban or peri-urban areas.

Grants help organizations and communities obtain the materials and services necessary to successfully promote urban youth agricultural education and urban agriculture community development.

The following groups are eligible to apply:
- For-profit businesses
- Non-profit organizations
- Schools
- Local government entities
- Native American tribal communities

Project Eligibility:

Eligible grant projects include the purchase and installation of equipment; capital expenditures (costs incurred to make physical improvements to or construct a facility); and/or dedicated staff contractor time. Projects must be located in or serve communities that meet one of the following criteria:
- Cities with a population over 5,000 or located within the boundaries of federally recognized tribal land and serving tribal community members, regardless of population size. You'll find a list of eligible cities and tribal areas in the Request for Proposals.

- Request for Proposals - Urban Agriculture Grant FY2023
- How to Fill Out Your Online Application
- FAQs
- Resources for Grantees
- Past Projects

Stewardship

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.

- Information Session
- Request for Proposals (RFP) - Round 2 FY24
- Lottery Process

Español

Women

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. 

Applications may be submitted to:
Missouri Department of Agriculture – Urban Agriculture Matching Grants
Missouri Department of Agriculture
ABD – Urban Ag Grant
P.O. Box 630
Jefferson City, MO 65102
FAX: (573) 751-2868
Or electronically to:
Grants@mda.mo.gov

Missouri Department of Agriculture

The Urban Agriculture Matching Grant Program, funded through the Missouri Department of Agriculture, awards grants of up to $20,000 for reimbursement of expenses associated with urban agriculture. Urban agriculture encompass urban agricultural projects, which may include introducing a new crop or product to an area, expanding the use&#x2004;of or adding value to agricultural products. Projects should assist the development of small agribusinesses, production infrastructure, direct distribution venues and workforce development. Projects that demonstrate an economic benefit and potential for sustainable revenue generation and job creation will be given priority.

This is a competitive grant program and funds may be used to:

- Develop small agribusinesses and implement production infrastructure, direct distribution venues and agricultural workforce development.

- Provide training and develop skills for agricultural business sustainability.



The Urban Agriculture Matching Grant Program, funded through the Missouri Department of Agriculture, awards grants of up to $20,000 for reimbursement of expenses associated with urban agriculture. Urban agriculture encompass urban agricultural projects, which may include introducing a new crop or product to an area, expanding the use of or adding value to agricultural products. Projects should assist the development of small agribusinesses, production infrastructure, direct distribution venues and workforce development. Projects that demonstrate an economic benefit and potential for sustainable revenue generation and job creation will be given priority.
This is a competitive grant program and funds may be used to:
- Develop small agribusinesses and implement production infrastructure, direct distribution venues and agricultural workforce development.
- Provide training and develop skills for agricultural business sustainability.

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a grant award:
1. The applicant must be registered to do business in Missouri and in Good Standing with the Secretary of State, if applicable;
2. The applicant must complete and submit Form 943 to obtain a tax clearance certificate (valid for 90 days) from the Missouri Department of Revenue for each owner and the business;
3. The applicant must not employ illegal workers and must provide proof of enrollment in E-Verify; and
4. Prior to award reimbursement, the applicant must register as a vendor with the State of Missouri through the MissouriBUYS web portal.
5. Applicants must reside in one of these urban counties: https://agriculture.mo.gov/abd/financial/urban.php 

Examples of eligible expenses:
- Equipment/Materials
- Business plan development
- Marketing
- Project-approved supplies

Examples of ineligible expenses:
- Food purchase
- Fuel expenses
- Salaries/payroll for employees
- Donations/contributions to fundraisers
- Supplies/expenses not previously approved
- Vehicles
- costs incurred through other MDA financial opportunities

- Urban Ag Grant FAQs
- Urban Ag Grant Guidelines

Air Quality

Carbon Capture

High Tunnel

Landscape

Regenerative

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

- Applicant must provide at minimum a $0.25:$1 match for the project
- Matching funds can be a combination of in-kind and cash.
- Cash match must be greater than 50% of total match.

The Urban Agriculture Cost-Share Grant Program assists small agribusinesses operating in urban areas. Acceptable projects should focus on:

- Growth and development of agribusinesses

- Development of production infrastructure or direct distribution venues

- Providing training and developing skills for agribusiness sustainability

- Projects that demonstrate economic growth

Projects should support urban agriculture. Acceptable projects include, but are not limited to:

- Business plan development

- Marketing Plan

- Feasibility Study

- Community Gardens



The Urban Agriculture Cost-Share Grant Program assists small agribusinesses operating in urban areas. Acceptable projects should focus on:
- Growth and development of agribusinesses
- Development of production infrastructure or direct distribution venues
- Providing training and developing skills for agribusiness sustainability
- Projects that demonstrate economic growth
Projects should support urban agriculture. Acceptable projects include, but are not limited to:
- Business plan development
- Marketing Plan
- Feasibility Study
- Community Gardens

Applicants may be an individual, groups of individuals, businesses, and organizations related to agriculture. Eligible projects must aid small agribusinesses and provide workforce development to Missouri residents and reside within one of the following urban areas, as designated by the 2020 US Census:
Aurora, MO
Bolivar, MO
Bonne Terre, MO
Boonville, MO
Branson, MO
Brookfield, MO
Camdenton, MO
Cameron, MO
Cape Girardeau, MO
Carthage, MO
Caruthersville, MO
Chillicothe, MO
Clinton, MO
Columbia, MO
De Soto, MO
Dexter, MO
Eldon, MO
Eureka, MO
Excelsior Springs, MO
Farmington, MO
Forsyth, MO
Fort Leonard Wood-St. Robert-Waynesville, MO
Fredericktown, MO
Fulton, MO
Hannibal, MO
Harrisonville, MO
Higginsville, MO
Holts Summit, MO
Jefferson City, MO
Joplin, MO
Kansas City, MO
Kearney, MO
Kennett, MO
Kimberling City, MO
Kirksville, MO
Lebanon, MO
Lee's Summit, MO
Macon, MO
Marshall, MO
Marshfield, MO
Maryville, MO
Mexico, MO
Moberly, MO
Monett, MO
Mountain Grove, MO
Neosho, MO
Nevada, MO
Odessa, MO
Osage Beach, MO
Pacific, MO
Peculiar, MO
Perryville, MO
Platte City, MO
Pleasant Hill, MO
Poplar Bluff, MO
Republic, MO
Richmond, MO
Rolla, MO
St. Clair, MO
Ste. Genevieve, MO
St. Joseph, MO
St. Louis, MO
Salem, MO
Savannah, MO
Scott City, MO
Sedalia, MO
Sikeston, MO
Smithville, MO
Springfield, MO
Sullivan, MO
Trenton, MO
Troy, MO
Union, MO
Village of Four Seasons, MO
Warrensburg, MO
Warrenton, MO
Washington, MO
West Plains, MO
Whiteman AFB-Knob Noster, MO
Willard, MO

Urban Ag Grant FAQs
Urban Ag Grant Guidelines

Proposals are submitted online at: projects.sare.org
You must make an account to apply.
Read the Call For Proposals carefully and have your documents together to make the process smoother.


Beth Nelson

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Research and Education (R&E) Grant Program is a competitive grant program for researchers and educators involved in projects that explore and promote environmentally sound, profitable, and socially responsible food and/or fiber systems.


Research and Education projects include a strong outreach component and significant farmer/rancher or other end-user involvement from the inception of the idea through the implementation of the project.



The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Research and Education (R&E) Grant Program is a competitive grant program for researchers and educators involved in projects that explore and promote environmentally sound, profitable, and socially responsible food and/or fiber systems.

Research and Education projects include a strong outreach component and significant farmer/rancher or other end-user involvement from the inception of the idea through the implementation of the project.

- Projects may last up to 36 months or may choose to propose a long-term project.
- NCR-SARE anticipates funding 10-14 Research and Education projects per year.
- Grant-making decisions are made by the NCR-SARE Administrative Council.
- Research and Education grants are built by collaborative teams.

- Call For Proposals
- Guide to Completing Proposal
- Project Slideshow

Trials

Marketing

Many projects are interdisciplinary and/or multi-institutional, involving a broad range of agricultural interests. Project coordinators in the past have explored sustainable agriculture under the following topics:
- Sustainable pest and weed mgmt.
- Marketing and local food systems
- Water quality and nutrient mgmt.
- Systems research
- High tunnels and season extension
- Crop diversification
- Cover crops and soil health
- Small ruminants/poultry/cattle
- Pastured livestock/grazing systems
- Pollinators and biodiversity
- Urban agriculture

NCR-SARE recognizes that some research/extension systems work is complex and requires a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that takes many years to complete. To be effective, these projects are likely to exceed the time limits of North Central SARE’s normal one-to-three year funding cycle. Projects that apply under the long-term (more than 3 years) option in the preproposal will be asked to briefly describe why this is a longer-term project and the estimated duration of the project. The justification might include the complexity of the set-up of the project or relationship building; the ecosystem processes at play; or need for longer-term data collection/analysis. 

Preproposals must address issues of sustainable agriculture of current and potential importance to the North Central Region. NCR-SARE is interested in projects that lead to resilient agricultural systems. 

Successful projects should contribute to the following NCR-SARE broad-based outcomes:
- Improving the profitability of farmers/ranchers and associated agricultural businesses,
- Sustaining and improving the environmental quality and natural resource base on which agriculture depends, and
- Enhancing the quality of life for farmers/ranchers, communities, and society as a whole. 

Preproposals should clearly explain:
- Relevancy of the project to sustainable agriculture in the North Central Region, including identifying expected outcomes for the project and how they will assist NCR-SARE in working toward the broad-based outcomes listed above.


To apply, you must make an account with SARE (here) and apply through projects.sare.org 

Northeast SARE accepts applications once per year. Proposals are typically due in early May and projects usually start in early August. Interested students should read the detailed instructions on the website, prepare applications offline well in advance of the deadline, obtain necessary institutional signatures, and submit applications online. Proposals are reviewed by panels of farmers, researchers, Extension educators, nonprofit staff, and other agricultural professionals. Since reviewers have broad agricultural expertise but may not have a deep understanding of particular subject areas addressed, it is strongly recommended that applications use clear and straightforward language, avoiding jargon and acronyms.

Kali McPeters

Northeast SARE’s Graduate Student Research Grant Program supports graduate student research focused on sustainable agriculture using either or both natural and social science approaches.


Proposals should address issues of current or potential importance to Northeast farmers and the agricultural/food system&#x2004;community. Topics of interest span the full range of sustainable agriculture issues including, but not limited to, cropping systems, pest management, livestock health, social sustainability, soil quality, farm energy production, farmworkers and agricultural labor, urban agriculture, and the marketing of local food.


Projects must explore one or more of the sustainable agriculture themes of good stewardship, profitability, and quality of life for farmers and the agricultural community. We specifically seek projects that are both consistent with our [outcome statement](https://northeast.sare.org/about/) and address the program’s review criteria.



Northeast SARE’s Graduate Student Research Grant Program supports graduate student research focused on sustainable agriculture using either or both natural and social science approaches.

Proposals should address issues of current or potential importance to Northeast farmers and the agricultural/food system community. Topics of interest span the full range of sustainable agriculture issues including, but not limited to, cropping systems, pest management, livestock health, social sustainability, soil quality, farm energy production, farmworkers and agricultural labor, urban agriculture, and the marketing of local food.

Projects must explore one or more of the sustainable agriculture themes of good stewardship, profitability, and quality of life for farmers and the agricultural community. We specifically seek projects that are both consistent with our outcome statement and address the program’s review criteria.

The grant program is open to any graduate student enrolled at an accredited college, university or veterinary school in the Northeast region, including those located in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast region that work with socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

- 2022 Call for Proposals
- Graduate Student Grant Summary
- Tips for Writing a Strong Proposal

Biofuel

Hydro Power

Solar Power

Wind Energy

Because universities typically do not allow students to manage institutional grant awards, the student applicant’s faculty advisor will be named the principal investigator of the awarded grant. The faculty advisor must endorse the proposal and act as the official principal investigator; therefore, they must ensure the project and budgeted expenditures proposed are acceptable.

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

The primary goal of the UAIP pilot project is to support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production. The two types of UAIP grants being made available for application&#x2004;under this NFO are Planning Projects and Implementation Projects. Planning Projects are for supporting the development of projects that will either initiate, build upon, or expand the efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools, members of tribal communities, and other stakeholders in areas where access to fresh foods are limited or unavailable. Implementation Projects are for accelerating existing and emerging models of urban and/or innovative agricultural practices that serve multiple farmers or gardeners. Innovation may include new and emerging, as well as traditional or indigenous, agricultural practices.


### Planning Projects support one or more of the following

- Assessments of community needs within the local food system to identify how food is grown, distributed, or marketed and what existing needs related to food access, nutrition education, conservation, and economic development can be addressed by urban and/or innovative agriculture. 

- Planning activities and community partnerships to improve how food is grown, distributed, or marketed in the target area using urban and/or innovative agriculture.

- Business planning, feasibility studies, and other strategies, such as community resource development, that support new and beginning farmers, particularly within socially disadvantaged and underserved communities. 

- Policy development to make municipal policies and zoning laws in the target area more supportive of the needs of urban and/or innovative agriculture. 

- Creating educational materials and programs that will increase knowledge about food and agriculture and encourage careers in agriculture and innovative production in the target community;

### Implementation Projects support one or more of the following

- Increasing food production in small, urban, and indoor spaces, including through the use of emerging technology.

- Promoting agricultural businesses through job training and providing resources to help communities access land and equipment, mentoring, and other assistance to new and beginning farmers in the local community.

- Implementation of activities to address food access, zoning, compost, land access, soil health, emerging technologies, infrastructure needs (such as access to water and utilities) at the State, local, municipal, or school level to meet the needs of target community and local agricultural producers.

- Educating the target community about food systems, nutrition, agricultural production, and environmental impacts by:

    - Operating community gardens or nonprofit farms that offer training in farming or gardening through hands-on, virtual, or web-based formats

    - Providing K-12 schools with educational resources or programs that increase student knowledge of and access to locally grown foods, emphasize the importance of consuming nutritious and locally grown foods, and train students for careers in agriculture or innovative production.



The primary goal of the UAIP pilot project is to support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production. The two types of UAIP grants being made available for application under this NFO are Planning Projects and Implementation Projects. Planning Projects are for supporting the development of projects that will either initiate, build upon, or expand the efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools, members of tribal communities, and other stakeholders in areas where access to fresh foods are limited or unavailable. Implementation Projects are for accelerating existing and emerging models of urban and/or innovative agricultural practices that serve multiple farmers or gardeners. Innovation may include new and emerging, as well as traditional or indigenous, agricultural practices.

Planning Projects support one or more of the following
- Assessments of community needs within the local food system to identify how food is grown, distributed, or marketed and what existing needs related to food access, nutrition education, conservation, and economic development can be addressed by urban and/or innovative agriculture. 
- Planning activities and community partnerships to improve how food is grown, distributed, or marketed in the target area using urban and/or innovative agriculture.
- Business planning, feasibility studies, and other strategies, such as community resource development, that support new and beginning farmers, particularly within socially disadvantaged and underserved communities. 
- Policy development to make municipal policies and zoning laws in the target area more supportive of the needs of urban and/or innovative agriculture. 
- Creating educational materials and programs that will increase knowledge about food and agriculture and encourage careers in agriculture and innovative production in the target community;
Implementation Projects support one or more of the following
- Increasing food production in small, urban, and indoor spaces, including through the use of emerging technology.
- Promoting agricultural businesses through job training and providing resources to help communities access land and equipment, mentoring, and other assistance to new and beginning farmers in the local community.
- Implementation of activities to address food access, zoning, compost, land access, soil health, emerging technologies, infrastructure needs (such as access to water and utilities) at the State, local, municipal, or school level to meet the needs of target community and local agricultural producers.
- Educating the target community about food systems, nutrition, agricultural production, and environmental impacts by:
    - Operating community gardens or nonprofit farms that offer training in farming or gardening through hands-on, virtual, or web-based formats
    - Providing K-12 schools with educational resources or programs that increase student knowledge of and access to locally grown foods, emphasize the importance of consuming nutritious and locally grown foods, and train students for careers in agriculture or innovative production.

Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to the following entity types:
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education)
- A unit of local government, including:
    - City, township, or county governments
    - School districts
    - Soil and Water Conservation districts
- A Tribal Government, including
    - Native American Tribal Governments (federally recognized)
    - Native American Tribal organizations (other than Federally-recognized tribal governments)
- A school serving grades Kindergarten through grade 12

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

There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity. There is no competitive advantage to applicants who voluntarily provide a match.

List of Agricultural Funding for Urban