How Do I Find Funding?
Grant development is often informed by individual organizations’ priorities and many organizations have developed a regular schedule of grant programs they track.
With a statewide food system Plan in hand, we’re seeing new collaborative grant development between partners that takes into account how projects align with the food system Plan.
Start planning early - Grants by yourself can be challenging enough. Collaborating on grants requires thoughtful planning and often is most successful between organizations with established relationships and existing collaboration. Be prepared to be thinking 2-3 years ahead for collaborative grant development, but start dreaming today!
Most grants require some level of “match”. Lining up capacity to fulfill that match is another step in early planning.
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Click HERE for a local food funding resource page from ISU Extension Food, Farm, and Enterprise Development Program. Note that there are tabs for producers, local food coordinators/NGOs, Youth/F2S, and Tips for Grant seekers
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The grant programs that have been leveraged by multiple partners to date are often USDA grants such as:
NCSARE series - a couple of specifics to call out:
Farmer Rancher Grant
Research and Education Grant
Partnership Grant
Professional Development Grant
USDA AMS LAMP series - specific programs include
Farmers Market Promotion Program
Local Food Promotion Program
Regional Food System Partnership
Value- Added Producer Grants
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Click HERE to sign up for regular updates from the USDA Ag Marketing Services - From the Ground Up and keep current on USDA grant programs.
