Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Frontera

The Frontera Farmer Foundation is committed to&#x2004;promoting small, sustainable Midwestern farms serving the Chicago area, by providing them with capital development grants. Small local farms, which often struggle financially, are more likely to promote biodiversity by planting a wide range of produce and operate using organic practices. By their artisanal approach to agriculture, the freshness of their product and the variety of their offerings, these farmers insure the highest quality food while they add immeasurably to the fabric of their local rural community.



The Frontera Farmer Foundation is committed to promoting small, sustainable Midwestern farms serving the Chicago area, by providing them with capital development grants. Small local farms, which often struggle financially, are more likely to promote biodiversity by planting a wide range of produce and operate using organic practices. By their artisanal approach to agriculture, the freshness of their product and the variety of their offerings, these farmers insure the highest quality food while they add immeasurably to the fabric of their local rural community.

Frontera Farmer Foundation will award grants for capital improvements of up to $15,000 to small and mid-size farmers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin that sell their food products to customers in the Chicago area at farmers markets and otherwise. We define “small and midsize” to mean family farms with up to $600,000 in annual gross revenue.
Farmers must have been in business for at least three years and must demonstrate how the grant will improve both their farm’s viability and the availability of locally grown food products in the Chicago area. Farms that have been awarded grants will be eligible every other year, for a maximum of three awards.

Nonprofit farms & farms connected to nonprofit organizations are not eligible for grants.

Each application is reviewed with consideration of the farm’s long-term dedication to sustainable farming, the business’ demonstrated need and financial sustainability, and the expected outcomes of this support. Applicants will also be judged on their past history with the foundation. Additional grants will be approved only after a farm has demonstrated the initial grant had a measurable impact on the farms infrastructure and ability to provide locally grown food to the Chicago area.

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

Grant

- Sample Profit & Loss PDF
- Sample Profit & Loss Excel
- Sample Debt Schedule PDF
- Sample Debt Schedule Excel
- 2026 Grant Application PDF

Air Quality

Carbon Capture

High Tunnel

Landscape

Regenerative

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Farmers Market

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Certification

Food Systems

Local Food

Marketing

Conservation

Research

Compliance

Grant applicants will be judged on the basis of demonstrated need, long-term dedication to sustainable farming, creative and business acumen, and commitment to sustainability. Applicants will also be judged on their past history with the foundation. Additional grants will be approved only after a farm has demonstrated the initial grant had a measurable impact on the farms infrastructure and ability to provide locally grown food to the Chicago area.

List of Frontera Funding Opportunities