Farmers of Color Network Infrastructure Fund Grant

RAFI-USA's Farmers of Color Network Fund provides support to farmers for projects that will increase farm viability, support community food sovereignty efforts, preserve traditional & cultural farming practices, as well as assist local food economies.

To be eligible for this grant, farmers must: 

• Earn a significant amount of their personal income from their farm operation.

• Identify as a farmer of color.

• Have at least three years farming experience and have worked two years in their current farming operation and location.

• Be farming in the Southeast region of the US: this includes AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, and VA.

• Complete and submit an application by the deadline. Farmers may only submit one application (as an individual or a collective)

Guidelines

We fund promising on-farm projects that demonstrate an ability to increase farm sustainability; establish new markets for local products and services; develop new uses for existing structures and equipment; add value to existing farm products through processing, packaging or marketing; make optimal use of on-farm and natural resources; and Cultural/Heritage projects which are focused on preserving and continuing a specific agrarian tradition.

Funding priority will be given to proposals with:

• High expected impact on farm viability and sustainability 

• Strong project feasibility and planning: a clear plan, detailed budget and timeline, and all supporting documentation included. 

• Individual financial need, or location in an economically disadvantaged area

• Farmers who have not previously received an infrastructure grant from RAFI.

Applicants may request up to $10,000 in funding. This applies to individual farm projects as well as collaborative projects for cooperatives, collectives, or two or more farms. Please note, grant awards are taxable income.

Apply directly online at this portal.

• Information Page

• Blank Application Example

• Completed Application Example