USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is accepting applications for its Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) through Thursday, January 21, 2016. This program funds collaborations aimed at addressing the needs of beginning farmers and ranchers through new and established local and regional training, education, outreach and technical assistance initiatives.
North Central Region SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) is accepting applications for numerous grants, including:
The Notah Begay III Foundation’s Native Strong: Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures is accepting grant applications up to $20,000 for its Seeds of Native Health Capacity Building Grant funded through generous support by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The grant is aimed at understanding the root causes of diabetes and obesity through 1) community health assessments and 2) community planning and capacity building. Applications are being accepted until August 18th, 2015.
USDA’s Rural Development has $30 million in funding available through its Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) for efforts assisting farmers, ranchers, and food entrepreneurs in adding value to their raw agricultural products. The electronic submission date through grants.gov is July 2, 2015 and the paper submittal deadline is July 7th.
The Intertribal Agriculture Council will be hosting a national webinar on the VAPG program in conjunction with Rural Development staff in the next couple weeks. Recorded webinars on other topics are available on the IAC “IndianAg” YouTube channel.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting pre-proposals for $235 million in total funding through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which is promotes coordination between NRCS and its partners to deliver conservation assistance to producers and landowners. The pre-proposal application deadline is July 8, 2015.
First Nations Development Institute is accepting applications for their Native American Food Systems Initiative (NAFSI) Seeds of Native Health grant through May 21, 2015 that is made possible through generous support of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC). Grant awards will range between $30,000-40,000.
USDA’s Rural Development is now accepting applications for its Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG), which combines the former Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) and Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG). Funding may be used for a variety of purposes ranging from equipment and construction to training and education. Interested applicants should contact their local USDA Rural Development Office and/or regional IAC Technical Assistance Specialist since application details vary by state. The program does include a Tribal funding set-aside.
UDSA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is currently accepting applications for their Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP). FMPP grants range between $15,000-100,000 for a range of projects improving direct market access. LFPP assists local and regional business enterprises through planning grants ranging between $5,000-25,000 and implementation grants ranging between $25,000-100,000. LFPP does require 25% matching funds. Both applications are due May 14, 2015.
USDA is accepting applications for its Community Food Project (CFP) grant for projects assisting low income individuals and communities in developing local and independent food systems. $9 million in total funding is available for projects ranging from $10,000 to $300,000 and lasting up to 36 months. A 1:1 match is required. Application deadline is March 17, 2015.
USDA’s Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Outreach Grant Program (2501) is currently accepting applications for projects that assist socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers in owning and operating farms and ranches while increasing their participation in agricultural programs and services provided by the USDA. $9.1 million is available for projects up to $400,000. Applications are due April 13, 2015.
Great Lakes Region IAC Website 