Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by American Lamb Board

Organizations interested in applying should submit their request along with the event agenda, location, and date by email to Rae Villa at rae@americanlamb.com (subject line "Sponsorship Opportunities for Industry Events" is pre-filled from the ALB funding page) or call 303-759-3001. No deadline or application window is published; requests appear to be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Full details: https://lambboard.com/s/ALBNewIndustrySponsorshipFunding_032626.pdf

Rae Villa

Industry Relations Director

American Lamb Board office

The American Lamb Board (ALB) has allocated new funding to support educational events that strengthen and grow the U.S. sheep industry. Sheep industry organizations hosting events that include educational sessions, tours or demonstrations, and networking opportunities are invited to submit a sponsorship request. Requests should include a proposed program agenda, event location, and date.


Available sponsorship options:


- **Promotional Materials (up to $400 value)** - complimentary ALB promotional materials (excluding spice tins); the ALB logo must&#x2004;be included on the event program.

- **$750 Cash Sponsorship** (plus complimentary promotional materials) - ALB advertisement in the program or on the event website; option for a sponsored newsletter article.

- **$1,500 Cash Sponsorship** (plus complimentary promotional materials) - ALB advertisement in the program; ALB advertisement (banner) on the event website; sponsored newsletter article.


These sponsorships are designed to support events that provide valuable education, collaboration, and networking opportunities for sheep producers and industry partners. They are also intended to help build awareness about lamb checkoff programs and strategies.



The American Lamb Board (ALB) has allocated new funding to support educational events that strengthen and grow the U.S. sheep industry. Sheep industry organizations hosting events that include educational sessions, tours or demonstrations, and networking opportunities are invited to submit a sponsorship request. Requests should include a proposed program agenda, event location, and date.

Available sponsorship options:

- Promotional Materials (up to $400 value) - complimentary ALB promotional materials (excluding spice tins); the ALB logo must be included on the event program.
- $750 Cash Sponsorship (plus complimentary promotional materials) - ALB advertisement in the program or on the event website; option for a sponsored newsletter article.
- $1,500 Cash Sponsorship (plus complimentary promotional materials) - ALB advertisement in the program; ALB advertisement (banner) on the event website; sponsored newsletter article.

These sponsorships are designed to support events that provide valuable education, collaboration, and networking opportunities for sheep producers and industry partners. They are also intended to help build awareness about lamb checkoff programs and strategies.

Sheep industry organizations hosting events that include educational sessions, tours or demonstrations, and networking opportunities. Requests must include a proposed program agenda, event location, and event date.

Note: ALB's separate promotional funding program explicitly will not fund industry-facing events including conventions and meetings, and directs those requests to this sponsorship track ("please contact rae@americanlamb.com to discuss industry facing opportunities").

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

Grant

Lambs

Sheep

Ground Lamb

Lamb Chops

Lamb Heart

Lamb Leg

Lamb Liver

Lamb Shank

Lamb Shoulder

Lamb Stew Meat

Ewes

Rams

Livestock

- ALB funding page: https://lambboard.com/funding
- New Industry Sponsorship Funding flyer (PDF, March 2026): https://lambboard.com/s/ALBNewIndustrySponsorshipFunding_032626.pdf
- ALB article (Mar 26, 2026): https://lambboard.com/weekly-news/alb-funding-opportunities-available-for-fairs-festivals-farmers-markets-amp-education

Stewardship

Marketing

Labor

Sponsorship benefits are tiered: the promotional-materials option (up to $400 value, excluding spice tins) requires the ALB logo on the event program or event website; the $750 tier adds an ALB advertisement in the program or on the event website plus an option for a sponsored newsletter article; the $1,500 tier adds an ALB advertisement in the program, an ALB banner advertisement on the event website, and a sponsored newsletter article. Cash tiers also include the complimentary promotional materials.

Applications are submitted by email to Rae Villa, ALB Industry Relations Director, at rae@americanlamb.com. ALB's published FY 2026 submission window ran from October 2025 through May 2026, for events between November 2025 and May 2026.

Application process:

1. Submit a summary proposal (two pages max, single-spaced, 12-point font) describing the program including intended outcomes and deliverables and the strategy to connect consumers to where to buy American Lamb in the local market; how the proposed program will assist the Lamb Checkoff in addressing its mission of increasing demand for American Lamb and how the program will acknowledge checkoff funding; and the timeline and estimated budget including the 50% match.
2. Review and interviews — a review committee evaluates eligibility and potential impact on the ALB priorities and may request an interview with the applicant prior to making a decision.
3. Finalize contract and program details — ALB works with successful applicants to finalize their proposals based on the review committee's recommendations. The proposal becomes part of the formal contract that is reviewed and approved by USDA.

Full program guidelines and application process: https://lambboard.com/s/ALBNewPromoFunds102725_FINAL2.pdf

The American Lamb Board (ALB) has allocated $50,000 for FY 2026 to support local consumer-facing events and industry-branded promotions. ALB will review proposals on a rolling basis throughout the year from industry partners and suppliers who aim to build awareness and demand for American Lamb through promotional events, marketing, and retail or foodservice initiatives.


What ALB will fund:


- Local consumer-facing promotional events (cooking classes, on-farm tours and demonstrations, activations at local festivals)

- Development&#x2004;of branded marketing materials (e.g., websites, signage, sales tools)

- Branded retail or foodservice promotions (in-store sampling, incentives and contests, advertising, educational events and trade shows, etc.)


What ALB will not fund:


- Industry-facing events including conventions and meetings (contact Rae in the Lamb Board office to discuss industry-facing opportunities)

- Equipment and staffing

- Any event or activity that involves influencing government policy or action


This is the successor to ALB's earlier Cooperative Funding Program, which cost-shared marketing efforts by local sheep producer groups, lamb suppliers and direct marketers.



The American Lamb Board (ALB) has allocated $50,000 for FY 2026 to support local consumer-facing events and industry-branded promotions. ALB will review proposals on a rolling basis throughout the year from industry partners and suppliers who aim to build awareness and demand for American Lamb through promotional events, marketing, and retail or foodservice initiatives.

What ALB will fund:

- Local consumer-facing promotional events (cooking classes, on-farm tours and demonstrations, activations at local festivals)
- Development of branded marketing materials (e.g., websites, signage, sales tools)
- Branded retail or foodservice promotions (in-store sampling, incentives and contests, advertising, educational events and trade shows, etc.)

What ALB will not fund:

- Industry-facing events including conventions and meetings (contact Rae in the Lamb Board office to discuss industry-facing opportunities)
- Equipment and staffing
- Any event or activity that involves influencing government policy or action

This is the successor to ALB's earlier Cooperative Funding Program, which cost-shared marketing efforts by local sheep producer groups, lamb suppliers and direct marketers.

Program requirements:

- The applicant must be a lamb checkoff contributor or represent an industry organization, direct marketer or company that pays the lamb checkoff.
- The application must be received no later than 30 days prior to the event or activity to allow for approvals.
- All promotional materials must be reviewed and approved by USDA and require checkoff funding acknowledgement.
- Funds can only be used to promote American Lamb and it should be available in the local market where the promotion is being executed.
- ALB will only cover lamb product costs up to $10/lb.
- All programs require a 50% funding match.
- An itemized invoice with receipts and final report must be submitted prior to payment.

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

- ALB funding page: https://lambboard.com/funding
- FY 2026 program guidelines and application process (PDF): https://lambboard.com/s/ALBNewPromoFunds102725_FINAL2.pdf
- ALB announcement (Oct 9, 2025): https://lambboard.com/weekly-news/unlock-opportunities-in-2026-the-american-lamb-board-announces-funding-for-promotions-and-research
- ALB reminder article (Mar 26, 2026): https://lambboard.com/weekly-news/alb-funding-opportunities-available-for-fairs-festivals-farmers-markets-amp-education

Certification

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Certified Organic

Trade Relief

Recreation

A 50% funding match is required on all programs. ALB will only cover lamb product costs up to $10/lb. Applications must be received at least 30 days before the event or activity. All promotional materials must be reviewed and approved by USDA and must acknowledge checkoff funding. An itemized invoice with receipts and a final report must be submitted prior to payment. Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Proposals are submitted by email to Megan Wortman, ALB Executive Director, at megan@americanlamb.com.

RFP timeline and application instructions:

1. Step 1 - Submit a summary research proposal (October 1, 2025 - November 15, 2025). Two pages max, single-spaced, 12-point font, answering: the goals of the research project including intended outcomes and deliverables; how the proposed project fits the industry priorities; how the research will assist the Lamb Checkoff in addressing its mission; and an estimated timeline and budget.
2. Step 2 - Review and interviews (November 15, 2025 - December 15, 2025). A review committee including sheep producers and industry experts reviews the summary proposals for scientific soundness and potential impact on the ALB research priorities, then selects research teams to interview.
3. Step 3 - Submit detailed proposals (December 15, 2025 - January 30, 2026). Select teams are asked to submit detailed proposals for Board and USDA approval, including budget, literature review, related research, research objectives and methodology, proposed timeline, contacts, dissemination plan, letters of support, and curriculum vitae.

Full guidelines and application instructions: https://lambboard.com/s/ALBRFPFactSheet102725FINAL2.pdf

Megan Wortman

Executive Director

The American Lamb Board (ALB) has allocated $350,000 for FY 2026 (October 2025 - September 2026) to fund multiple research projects that address critical industry priorities. ALB is soliciting research proposals that address one or both of these priorities:


1. **Overcoming hurdles for the&#x2004;expansion of domestic sheep production.** Example topics: parasite control; non-traditional grazing opportunities; quantifying economic and environmental benefits of adding sheep to an existing agricultural operation; genetic selection to promote flock expansion efforts.

2. **Increasing the competitiveness and advancing the image, desirability, use, marketability, production, product development, or quality of American Lamb.** Example topics: using innovative management practices and tools to increase productivity; new product development; using genetics to ensure carcass quality and/or to improve productivity; animal health and welfare; environmental impacts of sheep production; human health and nutrition.



The American Lamb Board (ALB) has allocated $350,000 for FY 2026 (October 2025 - September 2026) to fund multiple research projects that address critical industry priorities. ALB is soliciting research proposals that address one or both of these priorities:

1. Overcoming hurdles for the expansion of domestic sheep production. Example topics: parasite control; non-traditional grazing opportunities; quantifying economic and environmental benefits of adding sheep to an existing agricultural operation; genetic selection to promote flock expansion efforts.
2. Increasing the competitiveness and advancing the image, desirability, use, marketability, production, product development, or quality of American Lamb. Example topics: using innovative management practices and tools to increase productivity; new product development; using genetics to ensure carcass quality and/or to improve productivity; animal health and welfare; environmental impacts of sheep production; human health and nutrition.

Open to research teams; ALB's policies and budget instructions are written for university-based principal investigators and co-investigators (the RFP asks for a three-column budget itemizing costs for ALB vs. the University, curriculum vitae for the primary investigator and each co-investigator, and letters of support from co-investigators and collaborators).

Summary of ALB research policies:

- Lamb checkoff funded research must address ALB's mission of increasing demand for American Lamb and improving the competitive advantage of the American Lamb industry.
- ALB prefers not to cover overhead and indirect costs with Lamb Checkoff research funds. In any case, overhead and indirect costs cannot exceed 10% of the total project cost.
- All research studies are required to be reviewed and approved by ALB and USDA prior to dissemination or publishing.
- Research teams are required to submit quarterly status reports and to present their final report in person at an ALB Board meeting.
- As long as the University is contributing funds to the project, the research can be co-owned by ALB and the University.

- ALB funding page (research section): https://lambboard.com/funding#rfp
- ALB Research Request for Proposals fact sheet (PDF): https://lambboard.com/s/ALBRFPFactSheet102725FINAL2.pdf
- ALB announcement (Oct 9, 2025): https://lambboard.com/weekly-news/unlock-opportunities-in-2026-the-american-lamb-board-announces-funding-for-promotions-and-research

Trials

Overhead and indirect costs cannot exceed 10% of the total project cost, and ALB prefers not to cover them at all. Graduate student support, student and other hourly labor, and post-doctoral support are allowed. Equipment, except for disposable equipment such as test tubes, is not allowed unless explained in the proposal, included in the budget and approved in advance by the Board. Budgets must use at least a three-column format itemizing costs for ALB vs. the University plus the sum of both, with other funding sources in an additional column; ALB encourages both University investments and other funding support. Multi-year projects must show expense details by year. Quarterly status reports are required plus an in-person final report at an ALB Board meeting. All research reports must be reviewed and approved by the Board and USDA prior to dissemination.

The application will be live on September 1, 2024. Producers will be notified by December 15, 2024 if they have been accepted and the program will begin January 1, 2025. 

Camren Maierle, PhD

Sustainability Director

The American Lamb Board’s (ALB) project plans to measure and report carbon sequestration, soil health and other greenhouse gas benefits, and associated ecosystem services provided by prescribed sheep grazing on four different pilot demonstration sites throughout the United States and market the resulting climate-smart lamb products. Underserved producers are planned to receive funding for implementing climate-smart practices and technical assistance with farm plan development, LCA estimates, and reporting and verification.



In order to be eligible for the payment, a producer must:
- Establish Farm Records with the USDA Farm Service Agency
- Complete an AD-2047 (Customer Data Worksheet to facilitate the collection of customer data for Business Partner Record)
- Certify highly erodible land conservation and wetland conservation via Form AD-1026
- Certify that they are not a foreign person
- Certify that they are not receiving funds for the same practices on the same acreage from other government programs such as EQIP
- Agree to share farm data to calculate emissions, and to calculate carbon sequestration associated with implemented climate-smart management practices
Applicants that qualify as small or underserved will be given priority.  Underserved producers include beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, veteran farmers, limited resource farmers, and women farmers. Small farms are generally those with less than $350,000 in annual gross cash farm income. 

Producers will receive up to $7,000 for participating in the program. They will also receive technical assistance to implement climate-smart practices on their farm. Additional premiums may be available for climate-smart products produced by participants. 

Producers will receive one-third of the payment upon completion of the contract and the remaining two-thirds once the technical assistant validates that all implementation requirements have been met.

List of American Lamb Board Funding Opportunities