Browse Ambrook’s collection of grants, loans, discounts, cost shares, easements, and insurance for digital technology.

To apply for a Kiva U.S. loan, start an application here.

The application is all online, and takes between 30 minutes and an hour to complete. Once you complete the application, a member of the Kiva U.S. team will reach out to you to better understand your business and ask any follow up questions. After reviewing the completed application, the Kiva U.S. team will determine what loan amount you qualify for and notify you of next steps.

If your application is approved, we’ll ask you to demonstrate your creditworthiness through our unique social underwriting.

More than 1.7 billion people around the world are unbanked and can’t access the financial services they&#x2004;need. Kiva is an international nonprofit, founded in 2005 in San Francisco, with a mission to expand financial access to help underserved communities thrive.


Kiva does this by crowdfunding loans and unlocking capital for the underserved, improving the quality and cost of financial services, and addressing the underlying barriers to financial access around the world. Through Kiva's work, students can pay for tuition, women can start businesses, farmers are able to invest in equipment and families can afford needed emergency care.



More than 1.7 billion people around the world are unbanked and can’t access the financial services they need. Kiva is an international nonprofit, founded in 2005 in San Francisco, with a mission to expand financial access to help underserved communities thrive.

Kiva does this by crowdfunding loans and unlocking capital for the underserved, improving the quality and cost of financial services, and addressing the underlying barriers to financial access around the world. Through Kiva's work, students can pay for tuition, women can start businesses, farmers are able to invest in equipment and families can afford needed emergency care.

Unlike traditional bank loans, Kiva loans don’t require a minimum credit score, years of cash flow documents or collateral. But you do need to meet the following minimum criteria in order to be considered:
- You and your business must be based in the United States.
- You must be over 18 years old.
- You must be using the loan for business purposes.
- Your business must not be engaged in any of the following activities: multi-level marketing / direct sales; illegal activities (e.g. gambling, scams); or pure financial investing (e.g. stocks)
- You cannot currently be in foreclosure, bankruptcy, or under any liens.
- You must be willing to demonstrate your social capital by having a small number of your friends and family make a loan to you.

A payment that must be returned to the provider following specified terms of repayment and interest rate.

Loan

A way of raising money to finance projects and businesses by interacting with investors, whether crowdfunding or venture capital, often in exchange for equity.

Fundraising

Apply through MDA's online application system.
- If you are a new user, you will need to create an account.
- Once you are logged in, select New Markets: Marketing Investment Cost-Share Program (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023).
If this is your first time applying for reimbursement, you must also submit a W-9 (Request for Taxpayer ID and Certification) by either:
- Uploading a completed and signed IRS form W-9 (PDF), or
- Within the application system, completing the online W-9 PowerForm hosted by DocuSign.

Brian Erickson

Jennifer Alexander

The AGRI New Markets Cost-Share Program can help your Minnesota farm or branded food, beverage, or pet food company take advantage of market opportunities through E-commerce, digital and e-mail marketing, Business-to-Business (B2B) tradeshows (virtual and in-person), and store demos.

This year's program combines two previous programs – the _E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Cost-Share_ and the _Wholesale Cost-Share_.

**MDA processes applications as they come in (first-come, first-served) until the application deadline or the funds are gone, whichever is first.** 



The AGRI New Markets Cost-Share Program can help your Minnesota farm or branded food, beverage, or pet food company take advantage of market opportunities through E-commerce, digital and e-mail marketing, Business-to-Business (B2B) tradeshows (virtual and in-person), and store demos.
This year's program combines two previous programs – the E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Cost-Share and the Wholesale Cost-Share.
MDA processes applications as they come in (first-come, first-served) until the application deadline or the funds are gone, whichever is first. 

To apply for either of these programs, your business must be:
- A Minnesota farm, or a branded food, beverage, or pet food making company registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State, 
- A small-to-medium enterprise, which is an entity with fewer than 500 employees, AND
- A current holder of an MDA Food or Feed License or Minnesota Grown License number
You must also agree to:
- Promptly return post-event and follow-up surveys that ask for information including the number of leads generated and sales projections.
- Retain receipts and records for three years and make them available for audit or inspection by the MDA or state auditor on request.

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

Cost Share

- How to Fill Out Your Online Application

Certification

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Certified Organic

Trade Relief

These cost-share programs are reimbursed at a rate of 50% of eligible investment made.

Make an account here to start you application.

Steps to expect:
1. Apply: Complete the online loan application, telling us more about your business and financial needs.
2. Approval: Work with the Steward team to confirm loan terms and plan for your raise campaign on Steward’s lending platform.
3. Private Raise: Start by sending emails and making phone calls to invite qualified “anchor lenders” in your network to participate early in your campaign to build momentum.
4. Public Raise: Once a campaign reaches a certain percentage funded (typically 20-25%), the raise is featured on Steward’s public website. Here we co-market the campaign with outreach to prospective lenders in your community, as well as Steward's national lender network.
5. Receive Capital: After a successful raise, Steward will finalize its loan to your farm business by disbursing funds through our secure lending platform.
6. Grow: Expand your business and share your success! Begin repaying your loan to Steward starting 90 days* after the loan funds are received. At that point, Steward will automatically begin repayments to participating lenders in this project.

Unlike traditional banks or lenders, Steward is 100% focused on the growth of regenerative farms, ranches, fisheries, and local food producers. Steward offers business loans tailored to your specific financial situation. So whether you’re looking to add a hoop house, purchase new equipment, or acquire the land you cultivate, a Steward loan may help propel your business forward.


Steward loans range from $10,000 to $1,000,000+ (average loan ~ $50k, largest loan to-date $700k).


**What They Fund:**

- Human-scale fruit & vegetable farms, livestock (animals, poultry, eggs, etc.), seafood & aquaculture, food & textile products, supply chain & food system infrastructure.

- Funds may be used for equipment, infrastructure, land, inventory, working capital, marketing.



Unlike traditional banks or lenders, Steward is 100% focused on the growth of regenerative farms, ranches, fisheries, and local food producers. Steward offers business loans tailored to your specific financial situation. So whether you’re looking to add a hoop house, purchase new equipment, or acquire the land you cultivate, a Steward loan may help propel your business forward.

Steward loans range from $10,000 to $1,000,000+ (average loan ~ $50k, largest loan to-date $700k).

What They Fund:
- Human-scale fruit & vegetable farms, livestock (animals, poultry, eggs, etc.), seafood & aquaculture, food & textile products, supply chain & food system infrastructure.
- Funds may be used for equipment, infrastructure, land, inventory, working capital, marketing.

- 3+ years farming experience (new operations with significant experience)
- U.S. business in good standing (LLC, Inc., or registered nonprofit)
- Incorporate regenerative and sustainable practices
- Securable assets (loan collateralized by land, equipment, inventory, etc.) 


Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Soil Health

Air Quality

High Tunnel

Landscape

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Español

Native Americans

People Of Color

Women

Local Food

Reduced Tillage

Farmers Market

Conservation

Historically Underserved

Regenerative

Carbon Capture

Water Management

- Loan Terms: range from 36 months to 60 months (sometimes longer)
- Interest Rate: range from 5% to 10% depending on purpose of loan and state of business (6%- 8% is most common, all interest passed on to lenders).
- Repayment: typically begin 3-6 months after funds are disbursed.
- Fees: Steward charges a fixed 3% origination fee, that’s it.

How to Apply
1. Review the full Request for Applications (FY 2024 linked as a sample) for the complete details on eligible projects/applicants and the full application process.
2. Register in WebGrants (may take up to two business days).
3. Visit the Working Lands application frequently asked questions for resources and to get support on your application. 
4. Complete your application in WebGrants using our Application Guide.

Key Dates and Deadlines - sample
- October 6, 2023: Request for Applications (RFA) released and application opens for submission
- October 11, 2023 12-1: Applicant webinar with Q&A. View the slides and recording.
- October 30, 2023 at 12:00 PM/noon: Deadline to Request Optional Assistance with Grant Project Planning: Contact Clare Salerno at Clare.Salerno@vermont.gov to be referred to a business advisor from the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program.
- November 20, 2023: Application deadline
- Early January 2024: Applicants notified of funding decisions
- Late January 2024: Grantee documentation due
- February 2024: Estimated project start date
- 

Clare Salerno

Diana Ferguson

WebGrants Technical Assistance

This grant is currently closed for applications. Check back in fall 2024 for the next round, which will be the&#x2004;fiscal year 2025 cycle. Below is information about the most recent round. Many aspects of the application will stay the same but the award amounts, funds available, timeline, process, eligibility, and application questions are all subject to change. 


## **Grant Overview**

- Award amounts $15,000 - $50,000

- Project types:

    - **Market development** – professionalizing a marketing and/or branding approach to new or expanded markets; hiring a professional marketing/branding contractor to develop strategy and/or content; implementing the strategy and/or content developed by the contractor (e.g., branding, website, or social media development) 

    - **Research and development** – testing new systems or technology 

    - **Infrastructure development** – project-specific planning, permitting, engineering or architectural plans; building and equipment costs, including for labor and/or energy efficiency enhancements, such as lighting, refrigeration/cooling, heat pumps, solar panels, low-energy water management, ventilation systems, and/or energy generation; may include equipment installation and/or technical assistance costs 

    - **Workforce training and development** – technical skill training for staff, business management training, and/or business succession planning, including hiring a consultant to support any of these processes 

- Grant recipients must provide matching funds at a 100% (one-to-one) rate using cash (e.g., funds in the bank, paid staff labor hours) or a combination of cash and in-kind items (e.g., businesses time contributed to project, use of equipment, donated goods, pro bono services, volunteer labor) that the grantee organization has a from other sources. Match sources must be identified by the time of application submission and commitments in place by the time of grant agreement signing. Matching funds may not be sourced from other federal funding opportunities. Under limited circumstances, the matching requirement may be reduced or waived for applicants who demonstrate a clear need for this accommodation.



This grant is currently closed for applications. Check back in fall 2024 for the next round, which will be the fiscal year 2025 cycle. Below is information about the most recent round. Many aspects of the application will stay the same but the award amounts, funds available, timeline, process, eligibility, and application questions are all subject to change. 

Grant Overview
- Award amounts $15,000 - $50,000
- Project types:
    - Market development – professionalizing a marketing and/or branding approach to new or expanded markets; hiring a professional marketing/branding contractor to develop strategy and/or content; implementing the strategy and/or content developed by the contractor (e.g., branding, website, or social media development) 
    - Research and development – testing new systems or technology 
    - Infrastructure development – project-specific planning, permitting, engineering or architectural plans; building and equipment costs, including for labor and/or energy efficiency enhancements, such as lighting, refrigeration/cooling, heat pumps, solar panels, low-energy water management, ventilation systems, and/or energy generation; may include equipment installation and/or technical assistance costs 
    - Workforce training and development – technical skill training for staff, business management training, and/or business succession planning, including hiring a consultant to support any of these processes 
- Grant recipients must provide matching funds at a 100% (one-to-one) rate using cash (e.g., funds in the bank, paid staff labor hours) or a combination of cash and in-kind items (e.g., businesses time contributed to project, use of equipment, donated goods, pro bono services, volunteer labor) that the grantee organization has a from other sources. Match sources must be identified by the time of application submission and commitments in place by the time of grant agreement signing. Matching funds may not be sourced from other federal funding opportunities. Under limited circumstances, the matching requirement may be reduced or waived for applicants who demonstrate a clear need for this accommodation.

Eligibility
- Applicant organizations/businesses must be based in Vermont. Businesses or organizations headquartered outside of VT may be eligible if the project or service being proposed is 100% focused on Vermont’s working landscape and businesses. Please contact Clare.Salerno@vermont.gov to discuss eligibility for out-of-state applicants.
- All structures are eligible (e.g., Partnerships, Limited Liability Corporations, Sole Proprietorships, Cooperatives, Corporations, S Corporations, L3Cs, B Corporations, and/or non-profits that are involved in the support of production of agriculture and/or forest products).
- All legally incorporated enterprises must be registered with the VT Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using a business name other than their own name must have their assumed business name (formerly known as a trade name) registered with the Secretary of State. 
- Previous Working Lands Standard Business and COVID-19 Response Business Development grantees are eligible to re-apply for funding during Fiscal Year 2024. Previous Working Lands Supply Chain Impact, Market Level Infrastructure Impact, ARPA Primary Producer, or Meat Slaughter and Processing Development Grants are eligible to apply for further Working Lands funding after three years, meaning that Fiscal Year 2021 and earlier grantees are eligible to apply this year.


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

Grant

- Request for Applications
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Application Guide

Trials

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Irrigation

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

Biofuel

Hydro Power

Solar Power

Wind Energy

Legal & Finance

Infrastructure

Equipment

Alternative Energy

Labor

Transition

How to Apply
1. Review the full Request for Applications (FY 2024 linked as a sample) for the complete details on eligible projects/applicants and the full application process.
2. Register in WebGrants (may take up to two business days).
3. Visit the Working Lands application frequently asked questions for resources and to get support on your application. 
4. Complete your application in WebGrants using our Application Guide.

The mission&#x2004;of the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Initiative is to strengthen and grow the economies, cultures, and communities of Vermont's working landscape. The Working Lands Enterprise Board achieves this by making essential, catalytic investments in critical leverage points of the Vermont farm and forest economy, and facilitating policy development to optimize the agricultural and forest use of Vermont lands.


This grant is currently closed for applications. Check back in fall 2024 for the next round, which will be the fiscal year 2025 cycle. Below is information about the most recent round. Many aspects of the application will stay the same but the award amounts, funds available, timeline, process, eligibility, and application questions are all subject to change. 


## **Grant Overview**

- Award amounts $15,000 - $50,000

- Project types:

    - **Market development** – professionalizing a marketing and/or branding approach to new or expanded markets; hiring a professional marketing/branding contractor to develop strategy and/or content; implementing the strategy and/or content developed by the contractor (e.g., branding, website, or social media development) 

    - **Research and development** – testing new systems or technology 

    - **Infrastructure development** – project-specific planning, permitting, engineering or architectural plans; building and equipment costs, including for labor and/or energy efficiency enhancements, such as lighting, refrigeration/cooling, heat pumps, solar panels, low-energy water management, ventilation systems, and/or energy generation; may include equipment installation and/or technical assistance costs 

    - **Workforce training and development** – technical skill training for staff, business management training, and/or business succession planning, including hiring a consultant to support any of these processes 

- Grant recipients must provide matching funds at a 100% (one-to-one) rate using cash (e.g., funds in the bank, paid staff labor hours) or a combination of cash and in-kind items (e.g., businesses time contributed to project, use of equipment, donated goods, pro bono services, volunteer labor) that the grantee organization has a from other sources. Match sources must be identified by the time of application submission and commitments in place by the time of grant agreement signing. Matching funds may not be sourced from other federal funding opportunities. Under limited circumstances, the matching requirement may be reduced or waived for applicants who demonstrate a clear need for this accommodation.




The mission of the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Initiative is to strengthen and grow the economies, cultures, and communities of Vermont's working landscape. The Working Lands Enterprise Board achieves this by making essential, catalytic investments in critical leverage points of the Vermont farm and forest economy, and facilitating policy development to optimize the agricultural and forest use of Vermont lands.

This grant is currently closed for applications. Check back in fall 2024 for the next round, which will be the fiscal year 2025 cycle. Below is information about the most recent round. Many aspects of the application will stay the same but the award amounts, funds available, timeline, process, eligibility, and application questions are all subject to change. 

Grant Overview
- Award amounts $15,000 - $50,000
- Project types:
    - Market development – professionalizing a marketing and/or branding approach to new or expanded markets; hiring a professional marketing/branding contractor to develop strategy and/or content; implementing the strategy and/or content developed by the contractor (e.g., branding, website, or social media development) 
    - Research and development – testing new systems or technology 
    - Infrastructure development – project-specific planning, permitting, engineering or architectural plans; building and equipment costs, including for labor and/or energy efficiency enhancements, such as lighting, refrigeration/cooling, heat pumps, solar panels, low-energy water management, ventilation systems, and/or energy generation; may include equipment installation and/or technical assistance costs 
    - Workforce training and development – technical skill training for staff, business management training, and/or business succession planning, including hiring a consultant to support any of these processes 
- Grant recipients must provide matching funds at a 100% (one-to-one) rate using cash (e.g., funds in the bank, paid staff labor hours) or a combination of cash and in-kind items (e.g., businesses time contributed to project, use of equipment, donated goods, pro bono services, volunteer labor) that the grantee organization has a from other sources. Match sources must be identified by the time of application submission and commitments in place by the time of grant agreement signing. Matching funds may not be sourced from other federal funding opportunities. Under limited circumstances, the matching requirement may be reduced or waived for applicants who demonstrate a clear need for this accommodation.


- Value-added food businesses that source at least 50% of raw ingredients from Vermont OR are applying for a Working Lands grant to significantly increase use of ingredients sourced from Vermont are eligible. • Businesses that sell “unique food products” are not eligible unless the business will use grant funds to increase production of raw ingredients in Vermont. o Unique food products are processed foods made from ingredients that are not regularly produced in Vermont or are not available in sufficient quantities to meet production requirements. 
- Secondary forestry businesses are eligible if at least 50% of the wood they use is grown in the Northeast OR the Working Lands grant project will significantly increase use of wood sourced from the Northeast.
- Applicant organizations/businesses must be based in Vermont. Businesses or organizations headquartered outside of VT may be eligible if the project or service being proposed is 100% focused on Vermont’s working landscape and businesses. Please contact Clare.Salerno@vermont.gov to discuss eligibility for out-of-state applicants.
- All structures are eligible (e.g., Partnerships, Limited Liability Corporations, Sole Proprietorships, Cooperatives, Corporations, S Corporations, L3Cs, B Corporations, and/or non-profits that are involved in the support of production of agriculture and/or forest products).
- All legally incorporated enterprises must be registered with the VT Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using a business name other than their own name must have their assumed business name (formerly known as a trade name) registered with the Secretary of State. 
- Previous Working Lands Standard Business and COVID-19 Response Business Development grantees are eligible to re-apply for funding during Fiscal Year 2024. Previous Working Lands Supply Chain Impact, Market Level Infrastructure Impact, ARPA Primary Producer, or Meat Slaughter and Processing Development Grants are eligible to apply for further Working Lands funding after three years, meaning that Fiscal Year 2021 and earlier grantees are eligible to apply this year.


- Working Lands Business Grant 2024 Presentation Power Point
- Working Lands Business Development Directory

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

Storage

- Grant recipients must provide matching funds at a 100% (one-to-one) rate using cash (e.g., funds in the bank, paid staff labor hours) or a combination of cash and in-kind items (e.g., businesses time contributed to project, use of equipment, donated goods, pro bono services, volunteer labor) that the grantee organization has received from other sources. Match sources must be identified by the time of application submission and commitments in place by the time of grant agreement signing. Matching funds may not be sourced from other federal funding opportunities. Under limited circumstances, the matching requirement may be reduced or waived for applicants who demonstrate a clear need for this accommodation.
- Match waiver or reduction request: • In budget table, enter amount of match you can realistically commit to (if full waiver requested, enter $0) • Explain why match waiver is needed at this time


Visit the Women in Agrifoodtech Directory to connect with women founders in the space.
If you would like to add your own name to the directory fill out the survey here! You may use the same survey to update your information.

Amy Wu

Connie Bowen

Lenders and grantors care as much about a farmer's network and mentors as they do about a farmer's business plan and physical collateral. Ambrook is proud to&#x2004;share the Women in Agrifoodtech Directory which can be found on the Farms to Incubators website. It is a great living resource highlighting the contributions of women in the industry who are open to being great partners and mentors. 

The “Women in Agrifoodtech Directory” is a searchable Airtable directory that lists the names and social media platforms  of women founders and leaders in agrifoodtech in the U.S. and internationally. 

The idea was started in 2018 by Alison Kopf who was motivated by a "stark vacancy of diverse voices on panels and events in our industry and wanted to elevate women to the table, especially when in ag — mostly corporate ag — there are already strong women voices at the top.” Since then, it has extended into a joint team effort by Kopf, Amy Wu of From Farms to Incubators, Connie Bowen, Pam Marrone of Marrone Bio Innovations, Louisa Burwood-Taylor of AgFunder, Danielle Gould of Food+Tech Connect and Sarah Nolet of Tenacious Ventures.

The Directory is intended to be an accessible resource for those seeking to add diverse leaders in agrifoodtech to their events as speakers, to their teams as employees/partners, and to their networks as peers. The initiative is currently being led by Amy Wu and Connie Bowen. 

Wu hopes that "the directory will someday grow to include every woman who works in agrifoodtech in the U.S. and internationally." 

Read more about the directory in a recent [Agfunder article](https://agfundernews.com/list-of-701-women-in-agrifood-is-growing-but-are-we-making-progress).



Lenders and grantors care as much about a farmer's network and mentors as they do about a farmer's business plan and physical collateral. Ambrook is proud to share the Women in Agrifoodtech Directory which can be found on the Farms to Incubators website. It is a great living resource highlighting the contributions of women in the industry who are open to being great partners and mentors. 
The “Women in Agrifoodtech Directory” is a searchable Airtable directory that lists the names and social media platforms  of women founders and leaders in agrifoodtech in the U.S. and internationally. 
The idea was started in 2018 by Alison Kopf who was motivated by a "stark vacancy of diverse voices on panels and events in our industry and wanted to elevate women to the table, especially when in ag — mostly corporate ag — there are already strong women voices at the top.” Since then, it has extended into a joint team effort by Kopf, Amy Wu of From Farms to Incubators, Connie Bowen, Pam Marrone of Marrone Bio Innovations, Louisa Burwood-Taylor of AgFunder, Danielle Gould of Food+Tech Connect and Sarah Nolet of Tenacious Ventures.
The Directory is intended to be an accessible resource for those seeking to add diverse leaders in agrifoodtech to their events as speakers, to their teams as employees/partners, and to their networks as peers. The initiative is currently being led by Amy Wu and Connie Bowen. 
Wu hopes that "the directory will someday grow to include every woman who works in agrifoodtech in the U.S. and internationally." 
Read more about the directory in a recent Agfunder article.

Education

- Direct Link to Women in Agtech Directory
- "A New Searchable Directory Focuses on Women Innovators in Agrifoodtech" — AgFunder

Business Plan

Cash Rent

Refinancing

Succession

Socially Disadvantaged

Thoroughly read the RFA and make sure you have your application materials together before continuing. Contact your local USDA service center if you need assistance.
In addition to preparing your application, you will need to complete the following steps to apply for a grant:
1. Apply for a DUNS number
2. Register with System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
3. Register with www.grants.gov

Each application must include the following forms:
- FMLFPP Narrative Form (docx)
- FMLFPP Turnkey Narrative Form (docx)
- FMLFPP Project Narrative Guide (pdf)
- Verification of Matching Funds Template (docx)
- Forms SF-424 can be found with the www.grants.gov website application submission.
- Partner Organization Letter Template (docx)
- Evidence of Critical Resources and Infrastructure Letter Template (docx) [If applicable]
- Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement [If applicable]

Submit your application on grants.gov by searching for opportunity number USDA-AMS-TM-FMPP-G-22-0002.

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, Grants Division

The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) funds projects that develop, coordinate and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products by developing, coordinating, expanding, and providing outreach, training, and technical assistance to domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, online sales or other direct producer-to-consumer (including direct producer-to-retail, direct producer-to-restaurant and direct producer-to-institutional marketing) market opportunities. A 25% match is required.



All applicants must be domestic entities owned, operated and located within the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to be considered eligible. Entities that are eligible to apply include:
- Agricultural businesses and cooperatives
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) networks and associations
- Food Councils
- Economic development corporations
- Local governments
- Nonprofit and public benefit corporations
- Producer networks or associations
- Regional farmers' market authorities
- Tribal governments

- 2023 FMPP Request For Application [RFAs] (pdf)
- FMPP Fact Sheet (pdf)
- FMLFPP Research Brief (pdf)
- FMLFPP FAQs (pdf)
- COVID-19 Resources for Grants
- Farmers Market Promotion Program Overview (Video)
- FY24 LAMP Stakeholder Toolkit (docx)

Agritourism

Food Systems

Marketing

Recreation

If two or more individuals or organizations propose to conduct a project jointly, they should submit one application as co-applicants.

To apply:
- Register Online: Before you can fill out an application, make sure that you have registered and received a username and password at www.fundingmt.org - see attached instructions below "Webgrants Registration Instructions"
- Log In: After registering, log in with your username and password and click "Start a New Application". Then fill out the application forms provided, being sure to "Save" often to avoid losing data. Application Instructions are also provided below.

The purpose of the proposal application is to provide evaluators with a written statement containing sufficient information to demonstrate that the proposed activity is a sound approach to an important area of interest as outlined in the RFP and that it merits financial support. The Committee will conduct their annual meeting at which time the applicant may make a presentation in person. The Committee will then decide whether to fund the project and notify the applicant within 60 days.

Selection of successful proposals will be on a competitive basis and based on availability of funds. All proposals will be judged against the following criteria, consistent with the stated objectives of the program:
- The degree to which the proposed activity addresses a significant industry need or opportunity and evidence of industry support of such an activity.
- Applicant’s demonstrated experience and ability to undertake the proposed activity and to manage the grant compliance, including reporting and financial management.
- The adequacy of plan and time frame to achieve the activity goals. The Montana Pulse Crop Committee will fund successful projects through contracts under the Pulse Crop Research & Marketing Act. Selected projects must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, licensing and regulations for funds to be awarded. Evidence of such compliance may be required. The Montana Department of Agriculture will notify each applicant of selection decisions in writing within 60 days of the Committee’s meeting date.

Zach Coccoli

The primary goal of the Montana Pulse Crop Research & Marketing as stated in the enabling legislation, "In order to protect and foster the health, prosperity, and general welfare of the people of Montana, it is declared to be the public policy of this state to encourage and promote intensive, scientific, and practical research into all phases of agricultural commodity culture, production, marketing, and the development of markets for commodities grown or produced in Montana.” Legal Authority: (MCA) Section 80-11-1001 through - 1008 Montana Code Annotated. The Montana&#x2004;Pulse Research & Market Development Program is overseen by the Montana Pulse Crop Committee.


The Montana Pulse Crop Committee invites proposals to fund market development projects and educational projects designed to address Montana's pulse industry. All funding awards will be determined by the Montana Pulse Crop Committee or the USADPLC Research Review Committee. Generally, to qualify for consideration, proposals must have practical, near-term application involving practices or organizational arrangements that will stimulate an expanded pulse industry.



The primary goal of the Montana Pulse Crop Research & Marketing as stated in the enabling legislation, "In order to protect and foster the health, prosperity, and general welfare of the people of Montana, it is declared to be the public policy of this state to encourage and promote intensive, scientific, and practical research into all phases of agricultural commodity culture, production, marketing, and the development of markets for commodities grown or produced in Montana.” Legal Authority: (MCA) Section 80-11-1001 through - 1008 Montana Code Annotated. The Montana Pulse Research & Market Development Program is overseen by the Montana Pulse Crop Committee.

The Montana Pulse Crop Committee invites proposals to fund market development projects and educational projects designed to address Montana's pulse industry. All funding awards will be determined by the Montana Pulse Crop Committee or the USADPLC Research Review Committee. Generally, to qualify for consideration, proposals must have practical, near-term application involving practices or organizational arrangements that will stimulate an expanded pulse industry.

Proposals for funding will be accepted from:
- Public and Private Agencies and Organizations
- Business and Industry
- Educational Institutions
- State & Local Governments
- Individuals

Applicants must demonstrate a proven ability to carry out all elements of the proposed project. In addition, applicants proposing to rely upon the expertise of another individual or organization to undertake any part of the project must clearly define the responsibilities of that party as well as provide evidence of their willingness and demonstrated ability to undertake that area of responsibility.

Eligible projects are as follows: 

Developing the Pulse markets, including:
- Conducting market assessments
- Planning and conducting publicity and sales promotion campaigns, including media development and trade show exhibition.
- Expanding International/Domestic markets
- Overall market development of pulse crop industry

There is no limit to the grant amount a proposal can request. Eligible costs under the Montana Pulse Crop Research & Marketing may include, but are not limited to:
- Salaries and Wages
- Fringe Benefits
- Consultant Services (professional, technical, operational)
- Travel
- Advertising and Promotion 
- Equipment (preferably leased versus direct acquisition)
- Supplies and Materials
- Communication (telephone, postage, printing, etc.)
- Data Processing

Program funds cannot be used for the payment of institutional overhead or unassociated indirect costs.

Dried Beans

Lentils

Peas

Chickpeas

Dry Peas

English Peas

Green Peas

Snap Peas

Sugar Peas

Pulse Crops

Other Commodities

Stewardship

The Montana Pulse Crop Committee and the Montana Department of Agriculture staff will be responsible for monitoring each funded project. Specific terms and conditions of each funded project will be contained in the formal grant agreement. The Committee reserves the right to determine the extent of reporting requirements, subject to modification during the project. Interim reporting requirements will be based on the cost, duration and nature of the project The grant recipient may be required to make an oral report to the Committee at the conclusion of the project. The oral report will be made at a regularly scheduled Committee meeting. A comprehensive final report will be required upon completion of the project. 

The final report should include:
- A comparison of actual findings and accomplishments of the project with goals and objectives described in the proposal;
- Reasons for any deviation from established goals of the proposal;
- A clear description of the commercial application and economic benefits, which accrued during the course of the project;
- A description of its immediate impact; and
- An estimate of its long-term commercial and economic benefits. 

In addition to the final project report, the Committee reserves the right to conduct a follow-up survey of funded projects in order to determine long-term impact.

To apply, applicants must first complete the pre-proposal document and schedule a call with VDACS program staff using this calendly link. Following that call, the application will complete a full application. 
It is required that all VFAIF applicants attend one "How to Apply" webinar. Select one from the dates on the bottom of this page.

Successful applications will show a clear vision and plan, including a timeline and deliverables; will have a comprehensive budget; and will demonstrate a path to financial sustainability or profitability.

Sarah Santa Cruz

Coordinator, Virginia Food Access Investment Fund

The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF) is a statewide program that focuses on equity and justice in local food systems by investing in new or expanding food retailers that address food access issues in the Commonwealth. VFAIF offers grants and loans to fund the business development, construction, rehabilitation, equipment upgrades and expansion of grocery stores, small food retailers, and innovative food retail projects in historically low-income, low-access&#x2004;communities.

Food acts as a common thread between history and culture, neighborhood empowerment and economic sustainability, and healthier lifestyles. The VFAIF program has been developed using the Equitable Food-Oriented Development model, a development strategy that uses food and agriculture to create economic opportunities and healthy neighborhoods and that explicitly seeks to build community assets, pride, and power by and with historically low-income, low-access communities.

For the purposes of this program, historically low-income, low-access communities are defined as minority or low-income, low-access, as well as those experiencing low food access. In these communities, the objectives of this program are to:

- improve access to fresh foods and reduce food deserts across the Commonwealth;

- create wealth, support leadership, and improve access to capital in historically low-income, low-access communities;

- assess, support and transform existing or potential businesses into sustainable community-owned businesses;

- foster innovative solutions that uplift and share successful food business models; and

- reduce food insecurity, strengthen food systems and improve health outcomes for historically low-income, low-access communities.



The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF) is a statewide program that focuses on equity and justice in local food systems by investing in new or expanding food retailers that address food access issues in the Commonwealth. VFAIF offers grants and loans to fund the business development, construction, rehabilitation, equipment upgrades and expansion of grocery stores, small food retailers, and innovative food retail projects in historically low-income, low-access communities.
Food acts as a common thread between history and culture, neighborhood empowerment and economic sustainability, and healthier lifestyles. The VFAIF program has been developed using the Equitable Food-Oriented Development model, a development strategy that uses food and agriculture to create economic opportunities and healthy neighborhoods and that explicitly seeks to build community assets, pride, and power by and with historically low-income, low-access communities.
For the purposes of this program, historically low-income, low-access communities are defined as minority or low-income, low-access, as well as those experiencing low food access. In these communities, the objectives of this program are to:
- improve access to fresh foods and reduce food deserts across the Commonwealth;
- create wealth, support leadership, and improve access to capital in historically low-income, low-access communities;
- assess, support and transform existing or potential businesses into sustainable community-owned businesses;
- foster innovative solutions that uplift and share successful food business models; and
- reduce food insecurity, strengthen food systems and improve health outcomes for historically low-income, low-access communities.

Eligible projects include the business development, construction, rehabilitation, equipment upgrades, or expansion of:
- Grocery stores that primarily sell meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, dry groceries, household products, sundries, and healthy food options
- Innovative food retail projects such as mobile markets or delivery models, including food trucks
- Small food retailers, such as small-scale stores, neighborhood stores, small groceries, farmers’ markets, or corner stores
- Small, limited resource or socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; small, limited resource or socially disadvantaged farm co-ops, community gardens, restaurants or cafes with a direct food retail component or in partnership with a qualified food retailer, food hub, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), and/or farm stand
Mandatory Requirements
Projects must meet the following requirements to be considered for funding:
- Be located in the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Have a retail component where consumers can purchase fresh meats, seafood, dairy, produce, and/or healthy food options
- Directly serve residents within low-income, low-access communities
- Demonstrate a history of community engagement, work in the community, and community support for the project
- Accept SNAP benefits and offer Virginia Fresh Match incentives
- Purchase a minimum of 25% of fresh products from Virginia’s small, beginning, limited resource, Veteran, and/or socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers


- VFAIF Grant Guidelines
- How to submit a pre-proposal
- Introduction to the Food Access Research Atlas
- Additional Food System Resources
- FeedVA
- How to become a SNAP retailer

Public Health

Compliance

Prioritization will be given to projects that meet the following criteria: 
- The entity receiving funds is owned or substantially led by individuals from low-income, low-access communities, or is working in an active, ongoing partnership with these individuals, which must include shared leadership, decision-making, resources, and/or shared economic benefit
- Integrate community culture and artistic expression in the business model and/or customer experience
- Provide a path for financial sustainability and positive outcomes to the community, including education, leadership and youth development, employment of community residents, job training, or workforce development
- Demonstrate success in creating partnerships and/or efforts to leverage additional funding. 

List of Agricultural Funding for Digital Technology