Berkshire Agriculture Ventures Resilience Fund

The Resilience Grant Fund is a micro-grant program that helps farmers adapt to ever-changing realities and ensure farms remain viable while meeting the demand for local food, in-line with BAV’s mission of supporting a stronger, more equitable food system.

Resilience Grants support a range of projects, with priority given to applications that can demonstrate proof of concept; are unable to secure project funding (full or partial) from other sources; is a farm run by and or prioritizes serving historically marginalized communities; the project has a community and larger food systems benefit. 

BAV will not support applications for normal business operations. Both for-profit and nonprofit local farm/food focused entities within BAV’s service area are eligible to apply. 

Recent examples of use of grant funds: 

• Supported a portion of the total project cost to build and install on-farm infrastructure that would help this farm better meet customer demand. 

• Contributed to a farmer lead multi-day skill building workshop for new and beginning farmers.

• Farm was awarded a state grant to support climate friendly growing practices, BAV provided a grant to help towards closing the required state grant match. 

Currently, grants are reviewed by the BAV Team the first Tuesday of every month. Please note, it can take up 30 days to review and process your application. 

Grant awards vary, and requests may be funded in part. The maximum award amount is $2,500.

Funding for this program is limited. To ensure funding is distributed equitably, any group that has received a BAV grant within the current calendar year (2025) is not eligible for another contribution. As funding remains, awards will continue to be made to eligible applicants. 

Before submitting your request you are welcome to reach out to BAV with any questions. 

To begin the grants process, provide the following to the BAV Team by email: 

• Applicant (farm/organization) name and location

• Best way to contact you

• Primary product or mission

• In brief, who you serve and how many individuals or community groups are connected to and benefit from your product/program/service.

• Short description of your proposed project and timeline (2-3 paragraphs)

• General budget for your project 

_The BAV Team will confirm the receipt of your grant request and follow up if there are any questions about your application. _