We will work to keep this page as updated as possible. If your organization has a grant opportunity that might be a good fit for us to add, please email Melissa Anderson.
PENNSYLVANIA AND NORTHEAST GRANTS
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Dairy Decisions Consultants (DDC) Grants (Center for Dairy Excellence)
Are you looking to work one-on-one with consultants to help make decisions that will shape the future of your farm? Consultants can work with farms in one of seven key areas, including employee management, business and financial planning, direct marketing and more. Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
> DDC information: https://www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/ddc
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Transition / Transformation Team Grants (Center for Dairy Excellence)
Are you considering a major business transformation or looking to start the farm transition process? Using a team approach through a Transition or Transformation Team Grant can provide greater insight into your business’s decision-making process. Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis,
> Transition/Transformation Team Grant information: https://www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/grants
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PA Farm Vitality Grant (PA Department of Agriculture)
The Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program helps fund professional services for those planning for the future of a farm—designed to enhance the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania’s farms through business planning, efficient transitions of ownership, strategic expansion, diversification of agricultural production, and building a team of financial and technical expertise as a resource for farmers.
> PA Farm Vitality Grant information: https://www.pa.gov/services/pda/apply-for-the-farm-vitality-grant.html
STATE FUNDING FOR ENERGY PROJECTS
For energy-efficient pollution prevention equipment or processes, or natural resource protection projects:
DEP Small Business Advantage Grant Program (DEP)
- Who can apply: Pennsylvania for-profit small businesses, including farms, with 100 or fewer full-time employees.
- Grant amount: 50 percent match, up to a max of $7,000. Funding is available first come, first served.
- Example: Use SBAG funds to offset the purchase of an energy-efficient grain dryer.
- More info: Contact the Small Business Ombudsman Office at 717-772-5160 or visit www.dep.pa.gov/smallbusinessadvantagegrant
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Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP)
- Who can apply: Pennsylvania farmers
- Grant amount: Reimbursement grant based on approved, eligible technical and financial costs related to Best Management Practices (BMPs) on farms. Conservation districts will give priority to projects that meet specifications listed under “Guidelines & Uses” on the linked webpage below. Grants over $500,000 must be submitted to the State Conservation Commission for prior approval.
- Example: Vegetative buffer installation around cattle housing
- More Info: Contact your local conservation district or Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission ACAP Coordinator, Eric Cromer, at (223) 666-2556 for more information
FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ENERGY PROJECTS
Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program (NRCS)
- Who can apply: Farmers and ranchers who own or lease land for agricultural production.
- Funding amount: Cost-share amounts and practices vary from year to year but can cover up to 100% of approved, qualifying expenses. NRCS and EQIP offer producers technical and financial support by
- implementing structural, vegetative, and management practices. EQIP applications are ranked nationally to choose which contracts receive funding. Unless producers opt of an advanced payment option, producers will have to pay up front and be reimbursed after the practice certified and meets NRCS standards and specifications.
- Example: Producers receive assistance on pastureland renovation through EQIP.
- More info: Contact your local NRCS office or check out this fact sheet. Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Is EQIP Right for Me? (usda.gov)
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For purchase or installation of renewable energy systems or energy-efficiency improvements:
Rural Energy for America Program (USDA)
- Who can apply: Agricultural producers and rural small businesses.
- Funding amount: Loan guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs. Grants for up to 25 percent of total eligible project costs. Combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs.
- Example: Use REAP funds to offset the costs of installing efficient irrigation pumps.
- More info: Contact USDA Rural Development or visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/pa