The following is a listing of funding opportunities potentially available for projects related to Agriculture and Food with focus on programs applicable to North Central Kansas. Click here for helpful tips on seeking project funding.
Barn Adaptation And Restoration Needs (BARN) Grant
This grant program is designed to support and expand agritourism businesses across Kansas through converting underutilized or vacant historic barns into new venues. Barns can be owned by Kansas residents, for-profit business, not-for-profit organizations, government agencies (cities, counties, townships, federally recognized Indian Tribes), Indian tribe or a consortium of Indian tribes, or institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education. Check the program website for additional eligibility criteria. BARN is a 50/50 grant.
Deadline: Check website for details.
Organization: Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce
Business Builder – Heartland Regional Food Business Center
A limited time, regional funding opportunity made available by USDA through the Heartland Regional Food Business Center. The program provides sub awards of $5,000 to $50,000 each to support projects focused on meeting regional needs and increasing capacity among food and farm businesses working toward expansion in local and regional food markets. Small food and farm businesses or nonprofit organizations located in Kansas are eligible to apply.
Deadline: Check website for details.
Organization: Heartland Regional Food Business Center
Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge
Rural entrepreneurs compete for startup funds in this competition focused exclusively on innovative entrepreneurs working on food and agriculture businesses. To submit an idea, must be a for-profit company, a current Farm Bureau member and at least 18 years of age.
Deadline: Annually, generally in summer.
Organization: American Farm Bureau Federation
Clif Bar Family Foundation Small Grants
Grants are awarded annually for general operational support as well as for specific projects. Priority is given to applicants that address two or more of the following funding priorities: Strengthen our food system; Enhance equitable community health outcomes; and Safeguard our environment and natural resources. Only 501(c)3 organizations (or groups with a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor) are eligible to apply.
Deadline: 1st of February, June, and October
Organization: Clif Bar Family Foundation
Frontier Farm Credit Working Here Fund
Grants for projects and organizations making an impact in eastern Kansas.* Awards are designed to impact Agriculture Education, Young and Beginning Producers, Hunger and Nutrition and Essential Services/Disaster Relief needs. Two separate funding options are available—one for up to $2,000 and another for up to $10,000. The larger grant is targeted to communities with a population of 5,000 of less.
*Qualifying applications must be for serving programs that benefit communities within the Frontier Farm Credit service area of eastern Kansas. Those counties that meet the Frontier Farm Credit criteria AND are located within the NCRPC service area include the counties of Clay, Dickinson, Marshall, and Washington.
Deadline: Quarterly review for applications up to $2,000; Semiannual review for applications up to $10,000.
Organization: Frontier Farm Credit
KidsGardening – Youth Garden Grant
Youth Garden Grant supports school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for students and their communities. The program is open to any nonprofit organization, public or private school, or youth program planning a new garden program or expanding an established one that serves at least 15 youth between the ages of 3 and 18.
Deadline: Annually, generally in December
Organization: KidsGardening
North Central SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education)
Grant programs for projects that support research or educational projects related to Sustainable Agriculture. Several different grants and grant amounts are available based on the specific project proposal. Grant applicants can range from farmers and ranchers to educational institutions to non-profit agencies.
Deadline: Check website for application deadlines.
Organization: North Central SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education)
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) – Farmers Market Promotion Program
The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) funds projects that develop, coordinate and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. A 25% match is required.
Deadline: Annually, typically in May
Organization: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) – Local Food Promotion Program
The Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) funds projects that develop, coordinate and expand local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer to consumer marketing to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. A 25% match is required.
Deadline: Annually, typically in May
Organization: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) – Regional Food System Partnerships Program
The Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) program supports partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local or regional food systems. A 25% match is required.
Deadline: Annually, typically in May
Organization: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) – Value-Added Producer Grant Program
The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. A 1:1 match required.
Deadline: Annually, typically in April
Organization: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
USDA Food and Nutrition Service – Farm to School Grant Program
The Farm to School Grant Program provides support to incorporate local products into school meal programs, integrate agricultural education into the classroom, and cultivate and expand school gardens. School districts, State and local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, agricultural producers, and non-profit organizations are eligible.
Deadline: Annually, generally in December
Organization: USDA Food and Nutrition Service
