North Carolina Agriculture Grants

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

This funding opportunity supports North Carolina-based universities and nonprofit research organizations in advancing early-stage life sciences projects focused on sleep, hibernation, and the effects of space travel.

This grant provides funding to public entities, nonprofits, academic institutions, and tribal governments for projects that support the conservation and recovery of at-risk wildlife species in Washington State.

This funding opportunity supports economic development projects in North Carolina, particularly for government entities and nonprofits working to benefit rural and economically distressed communities through job creation, workforce training, and infrastructure development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to licensed dairy farms in the southeastern U.S. to improve their infrastructure and operational efficiency, enhancing profitability and sustainability in the dairy industry.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions in the southeastern U.S. to improve aquatic habitats and water quality, particularly for endangered species and key river basins.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to licensed dairy businesses in the Southeastern U.S. and Puerto Rico to adopt precision technologies that improve sustainability, efficiency, and profitability in dairy operations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit conservation organizations and county governments in North Carolina to develop and implement agricultural plans that help preserve farmland and strengthen the agricultural economy.

This program provides competitive funding to nonprofit conservation organizations and county governments in North Carolina to secure agricultural conservation easements on privately owned working lands, ensuring their preservation for agricultural use.

This funding opportunity supports projects that boost the competitiveness of specialty crops in North Carolina, targeting state and local governments, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations to enhance production, sustainability, and consumer awareness.

This program provides financial support to individual family farmers and community organizations in North Carolina for projects that enhance agricultural operations and promote local farming initiatives.

This program provides financial support to veterinarians in rural North Carolina who focus on large animal care, helping to address the shortage of veterinary services in underserved areas.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Forsyth County, North Carolina, that empower Black households through economic initiatives, such as career development, wealth-building, and support for Black-owned businesses.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit conservation organizations and county governments in North Carolina to assist farmers with projects that enhance agricultural production, sustainability, and economic development.

This grant provides financial support to farmers in Western North Carolina for projects that enhance the production, processing, and marketing of agricultural products, promoting sustainable farming practices in the region.

This funding program provides financial support to current grantees for purchasing conservation easements on agricultural and forest lands in North Carolina, helping to combat farmland loss.

This initiative provides matching funds to eligible organizations in Charlotte for projects that maintain and protect the city's urban tree canopy through activities like tree care, education, and community events.

This program provides matching funds to nonprofit conservation organizations and county governments in North Carolina to help preserve farmland and support agricultural conservation efforts.

This grant provides funding to support community development and economic diversification initiatives for agricultural populations and communities in North Carolina affected by the decline of the tobacco industry.