Direct grants to BIPOC farmers for on-farm infrastructure — irrigation, high tunnels, cold storage, equipment — alongside free technical assistance and advocacy support.
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
Tribes, tribal producers, and tribal enterprises are eligible
Beginning, veteran, and historically underserved producers are prioritized
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 RAFI-USA 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
Timeline & contact
Rolling review — expect roughly 1–3 months from submission to decision
Get help: RAFI-USA — contact details are on the official program page
Ready to apply?
Applications go through RAFI-USA, 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.
Funds community organizations, tribes, and colleges that deliver outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged and veteran producers. Producers benefit through the funded organizations.
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Non-profits, co-ops, and community organizations may apply
Small equipment and supply grants for military veterans in the early years of a farm business. Funds are paid directly to vendors for the specific items in your application.
Open nationwide — check for state-level ranking or set-asides
Individual farmers, ranchers, and farm businesses may apply