No-strings $1,000 micro-grants from local volunteer chapters. Community gardens, seed libraries, mobile markets, and farm education projects are frequent winners. One-page application.
The eligibility and application details below are general guidance for this kind of program, not text copied from the funder. The facts above — who runs it, how much, and when it closes — are hand-checked. Always confirm specifics on the official page.
Am I eligible?
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply
Non-profits, co-ops, and community organizations may apply
Matching funds or in-kind contribution may be requested
How to apply
1Read the current program page or notice of funding to confirm this cycle's rules
2Contact Awesome Foundation (local chapters) before writing — most funders will tell you if you are a fit
3Draft the narrative, budget, and any required letters of support
4Submit whenever you are ready — rolling review, earlier is usually better
5Sign the award agreement and track spending for reporting
What you'll need
Farm or business name, address, and tax ID / EIN
Project description and itemized budget
Maps, photos, or quotes for anything you plan to build or buy
Proof of land ownership or a lease covering the project period
Organizational documents (501(c)(3) letter, board list) if applying as a non-profit
Timeline & contact
Rolling review — expect roughly 1–3 months from submission to decision
Get help: Awesome Foundation (local chapters) — contact details are on the official program page
Ready to apply?
Applications go through Awesome Foundation (local chapters), not through this site. Open the official page below for eligibility rules, forms, and contacts. For federal programs it's worth calling your local USDA Service Center or Cooperative Extension office first — they help with paperwork for free and know what your county actually funds.
Annual application window — usually opens in spring
Micro-grants to help farmers improve viability, access land, or adopt regenerative practices — explicitly aimed at small, BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, veteran, and beginning producers. Short application, no matching funds.
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply
Typically up to $5,000
Small grantsIndividual producerBeginning / underservedTribal
Annual cycle — applications typically open in fall
Grants for farmers raising animals on pasture — fencing, shade, watering systems, or transitioning to higher-welfare production. Diversified veg-and-livestock market farms are eligible.
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply
Up to $3,000
Small grantsIndividual producerBeginning / underserved
Equipment and infrastructure grants for military veterans in the early years of farming. Funds are paid directly to the vendor for the item you specify.
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply
$1,000–$5,000
Small grantsIndividual producerBeginning / underserved