General operating support for organizations strengthening food and farming systems, protecting land, and increasing equity in agriculture. Nonprofit or fiscally sponsored applicants only.
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
Non-profits, co-ops, and community organizations may apply
Tribes, tribal producers, and tribal enterprises are eligible
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 Clif Family Foundation 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: Clif Family Foundation — contact details are on the official program page
Ready to apply?
Applications go through Clif Family Foundation, 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.
Multi-year funding for nonprofit-led projects that link low-income communities to local food — incubator farms, food hubs, market access programs, and community gardens with a production component.
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Non-profits, co-ops, and community organizations may apply
Very small, low-paperwork grants for biodiversity, seed saving, school gardens, and community food projects. A realistic first grant for a grower with no grant-writing history.
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply
Typically $500–$5,000
Community food systemsIndividual producerNon-profitOther
A crowdfunding challenge plus matching grants for community food garden projects, including urban farms and school growing spaces. Every participant raises money whether or not they win the top grants.
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Non-profits, co-ops, and community organizations may apply