Grants may be a good option for you and your urban farm operation. There are many challenges and specifications that must be taken into account when considering applying for a grant in an urban environment, the basics of which are addressed in this fact sheet in addition to lists of helpful resources and programs to source grants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For updated information on these grant opportunities, sign up for our newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An increasing number of grant programs are available to farmers from federal or state sources each with specific objectives.\u00a0 Grants fall into the three general types:\u00a0 1) grants for business planning, adding value and increasing farm viability; 2) grants for on-farm research and demonstration projects that are mostly production oriented though some include marketing demonstration projects; and 3) grants for farm energy conservation, alternative energy, environmental protection and conservation, waste management, and community building. There is a different pool of grant opportunities for urban farms that are also non-profit 501(c)3 organizations.\u00a0 This guide does not focus on those opportunities, but some resources below may be of assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grants, however, are not a reliable strategy for growing your business.\u00a0 Grants may enable you to expand a particular aspect of your business to make your operation more viable or provide funding to try a new practice on your farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grants are highly competitive so apply only if the project you are proposing clearly meets the grantor\u2019s objectives.\u00a0 Always find out what kinds of projects were funded in the past to determine if your project is in line with what has been funded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It takes significant time and effort to write a winning grant proposal.\u00a0 Instructions must be followed precisely. Grants often require a cash or in-kind match that must be documented in the budget you propose.\u00a0 Grants will not be considered if they arrive late after the deadline for application.\u00a0 Deadlines for application submission and instructions are generally announced once a year.\u00a0 Most grants are not available on an ongoing basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you submit a grant, it may take 3 to 6 months to find out if your application was selected for funding.\u00a0 If funded, it also takes time to finalize the contract. Generally, you will not be reimbursed for money spent prior to receiving the signed contract.\u00a0 Grant contracts require that you write a report of the results and provide an accounting of how the money was spent; therefore, you must keep accurate records. Grants are also considered income for tax purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following grant opportunities pertain especially to farmers in urban centers.\u00a0 More general grant opportunities for farmers are also provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\nApplying for Grants<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Grant Opportunities for Urban Farmers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n