Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission

Complete the application and submit either by email or regular mail:

 Email Requirements:
- All proposal documents, including attachments, must be in PDF format.
- All sections of application must be submitted; including SECTIONS VI, VII and Letters of Support (scans are acceptable). If awarded, you will need to provide originals before any money is dispersed.
- Proposal to be in a single PDF file if possible. If file is too big, the attachments can be sent as one document and the application as a separate document.
- Emailed applications must be received by NOON on November 20, 2020.
- Email application to agoptions@wnccommunities.org

Mail of Hand-Deliver Requirements:
If sending a hard copy, a traceable/trackable mailing method is suggested. Mail or Hand Deliver to:
WNC AgOptions Project Coordinator
WNC Communities
594 Brevard Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806





WNC AgOptions Coordinator

Mission of WNC AgOptions: Building sustainable farming communities in our mountain region by providing resources directly to farmers who are diversifying or expanding their operations.


The ultimate goal of WNC AgOptions is to protect mountain farmland by assisting the longevity of farm enterprises and encouraging groups of farmers to solve logistical challenges in the local agricultural system.



Mission of WNC AgOptions: Building sustainable farming communities in our mountain region by providing resources directly to farmers who are diversifying or expanding their operations.

The ultimate goal of WNC AgOptions is to protect mountain farmland by assisting the longevity of farm enterprises and encouraging groups of farmers to solve logistical challenges in the local agricultural system.

Applicants are residents of North Carolina who demonstrate the economic viability of farms in Western North Carolina. Support is provided to individual farmers/farms that are diversifying or expanding their operations to increase farm income and encourage the sustainability of the farm businesses. The farm must be one in which the family holds the financial responsibility, takes the risks, and provides the majority of the management decisions for the farm business. WNC AgOptions awards grants to a variety of farm operations, including: fruits & vegetables, livestock, nurseries, agritourism, beekeeping and value-added processing. While agriculture is a varied and diverse industry that can be defined in many ways, WNC AgOptions favors applicants who operate a business and manage land for the purpose of producing crops for harvest and sale. Any funding requests should be for items directly related to the growing and harvesting of crops for sale, including livestock. WNC AgOptions also favors agritourism operations that are for the purpose of inviting the public on farm to increase sales of farm products.


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

Grant

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

Cost Share

- Guidelines for Applying
- 2021 Application

Landscape

High Tunnel

Air Quality

Regenerative

Certification

Carbon Capture

Wildlife and Pollinator Habitat

Soil Health

Farmers Market

Local Food

Weeds

Events

Diversification

Distribution

Trade Relief

HVAC

Lighting

Greenhouse

Buildings

Fencing

Repairs

Construction

Storage

Cover Crops

Certified Grassfed

Certified Organic

Reduced Tillage

Food Systems

Recreation

Inputs

Nutrient Management

Labor

Marketing

Facilities

Disaster Relief

Emergency

Suitable expenses are those associated with the production and marketing of diversified farm enterprises and agri-tourism endeavors. Examples include, but are not limited to: seeds, fertilizer, plants, amendments, livestock, trainings, advertisements, packaging, fences, signage, facilities, supplies, tools and specialized equipment. Items that cannot be funded by the award include: farmer labor, pre-existing farm debt, and expenses that are dated outside of the grant period.

Funds must be used as stated in the applicant’s proposal. Use of funds inconsistent with the proposal will result in forfeiture of award and repayment of funds.

WNC AgOptions will provide cash awards to projects with budgets that are at least 10% higher than the amount of the award request. An award request of $3000 would require a project budget of at least $3300 and a $6000 award request would require a budget of at least $6600.

The $6,000 awards are only available for farmers who write a business plan for their project.

1. Review the Sample Application and gather the required two (2) reference letters. 
2. When the program opens, an online application portal will be on this page. Paste your answers from the Sample Application into the online form and submit.

NC AgVentures is a Cooperative Extension program that provides grants to North Carolina independent family farms, and community organizations that work with family farms to develop new and innovative agricultural projects which will increase farm profits. This is a great opportunity for any producer who is thinking of diversifying, improving, or expanding their operation.


NC AgVentures offers two grant options:

1. Individual Grants for North Carolina family farms who are agriculturally dependent and who have viable ideas for innovative agricultural projects to increase farm profits. 

2. Community grants are available for community groups and organizations with project ideas that will directly benefit 3 or more farms. Some examples: Cooperative Extension, farming associations, local schools, churches and civic groups with




NC AgVentures is a Cooperative Extension program that provides grants to North Carolina independent family farms, and community organizations that work with family farms to develop new and innovative agricultural projects which will increase farm profits. This is a great opportunity for any producer who is thinking of diversifying, improving, or expanding their operation.

NC AgVentures offers two grant options:
1. Individual Grants for North Carolina family farms who are agriculturally dependent and who have viable ideas for innovative agricultural projects to increase farm profits. 
2. Community grants are available for community groups and organizations with project ideas that will directly benefit 3 or more farms. Some examples: Cooperative Extension, farming associations, local schools, churches and civic groups with


Family farms and community organizations working with farmers in the following counties are eligible to apply: Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Cabarrus, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Forsyth, Gaston, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Iredell, Johnson, Lincoln, Martin, Mecklenburg, Nash, Northampton, Orange, Person, Pitt, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Sampson, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Vance, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, Wilkes, Warren, and Yadkin.

- Sample Application
- Past Grant Awards
- Online Workshop Video for Applicants
- Workshop Slides

Succession

Legal & Finance

Priority will be given to: 
- Applicants that are current/former tobacco growers, former quota holders, tobacco workers or close family descendants. 
- Farms that have not received previous funding from NC Tobacco Trust Commission, RAFI or NC AgVentures 
- Applicants that earn at least 50% of their gross personal income from their farm operation. 
- Proposals that present a new direction or innovative opportunity to diversify, expand or implement new entrepreneurial plans for their farm operations that are viable and will increase farm profits. 
Criteria: 
- The project must increase farm income and/or maintain employment opportunities The proposal must be adequately researched 
- The budget must be realistic 
- The applicant must have the skills to complete the project or have identified technical assistance to help them implement a successful project 
- The project must become self-supporting and/or enhance your ability to keep farming The proposal must be reviewed and submitted by a N.C. Cooperative Extension agent All proposals must be typed for consideration


List of North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Funding Opportunities

WNC Agricultural Options Program (AgOptions)

NC AgVentures Grant Program