Connecticut Farm Viability Grant

The Farm Viability Grant provides matching funds to Connecticut municipalities, groups of municipalities, regional councils of governments, and/or agricultural non-profit organizations for projects that directly impact and/or foster agricultural viability.

All projects funded by the Farm Viability Grant must advance farming and agriculture as defined by Connecticut General Statutes Section 1-1(q). 

The following entities are eligible to apply for the Farm Viability Grant:

1. Municipalities with a current Plan of Conservation and Development

2. Regional councils of governments organized under the provisions of sections 4-124i to 4-124p, inclusive

3. Groups of municipalities that have established a regional inter-local agreement pursuant to sections 7-339a to 7-339l, inclusive

4. Agricultural non-profit organizations

To qualify for the Farm Viability Grant as a non-profit, the non-profit must be registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State and provide a copy of the federal IRS exemption letter. Nonprofits must have submitted Form 990 and been in existence for the previous three years.

Prior grantees may reapply for a Farm Viability Grant. However, open awards, past awards, and corresponding project completion and outcomes will be taken into consideration.

NEW: Starting in November 2020, applicants which have received two years of consecutive funding will be ineligible for an award for one year. Applicants can reapply for funding after taking a year hiatus. For example:

• 2019: Project awarded

• 2020: Project awarded

• 2021: Ineligible for an award

• 2022: Eligible for an award

All projects which focus on a farmers’ market, must pertain to a Certified Connecticut Grown Farmers’ Market for the full duration of the project to be eligible.

Matching funds from the applicant must be a minimum of 40% of the total cost of the project budget; this must be clearly outlined in the application. The match can consist of in-kind and/or cash contributions directly associated with the project. All match expenses must be clearly documented and justified.

After the issuance of a purchase order, one cash advance of up to 50% of the total grant award may be requested by the grantee. The balance of the award will be reimbursed upon project completion and submission of required documents. 

• Farmland Reinvestment Grant Guidelines and Forms (.pdf)

• Appendix A: Application Cover Page (.docx)

• Appendix B: Budget Form (.doc)

• Appendix C: Required Format for Business/Project Plan  (.doc)

• Appendix D: Submission Checklist (.doc)

• Farm Viability Grant