Pennsylvania Agriculture Grants

The Infrastructure Grants, part of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, aim to enhance the middle of the food supply chain through improved aggregation points, food processing infrastructure, and storage facilities. This grant supports projects that upgrade equipment, facilitate transition to licensed spaces, and expand storage capacities to boost local food production. Priority is given to projects that benefit underserved and veteran farmers, and socially disadvantaged individuals. Funding is prioritized for needs such as food hubs, cooperative developments, and increased cold storage, especially in urban areas.

This grant provides funding to organizations and businesses in the Northeast to develop and expand dairy workforce training programs, enhancing opportunities for current and potential employees in the dairy industry.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and government entities in Philadelphia to plant and care for at least 35,000 trees by 2035, focusing on community engagement and environmental equity.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is offering grants under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program. This program aims to transform the food system by increasing options, improving access, and creating new and better markets for small and mid-size producers. The core mission is to build a more diversified, distributed, and local food system to enhance its resilience and benefit consumers, producers, and rural communities. The RFSI program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including agricultural producers and processors (or groups thereof), nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the middle of the food supply chain in Pennsylvania. Expected outcomes include increased production capacities for food processors, improved storage for produce and grains, and enhanced aggregation points like food hubs and farmer cooperatives. Funding priorities are aligned with addressing critical gaps in Pennsylvania's middle food supply chain. Specifically, the program prioritizes projects that establish or enhance aggregation points, improve food processing infrastructure (including equipment upgrades and moves to licensed spaces), and expand storage facilities, particularly cold storage in urban areas and storage for identity-preserved grains and dry beans. The USDA also encourages projects that benefit underserved farmers and ranchers, new and beginning farmers, veteran producers, and businesses owned by socially disadvantaged individuals. The grant program offers Simplified Equipment-Only Grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, which do not require cost sharing or matching. These are fixed-price grants solely for equipment purchases, with funds to be awarded no earlier than July 1, 2024, and projects completed by June 30, 2026. This focused approach on equipment aims to directly support tangible improvements in the food system's infrastructure, enabling producers and processors to expand and diversify their operations.

The Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) has established a grant program to fund research and development proposals addressing critical issues in wastewater, drinking water, water resource management, solid waste management, and energy resource development within Ohio. This program aligns with OWDA's mission to engage in research and development in these key areas, aiming to foster innovation and implement solutions that benefit the state. The grants are designed to support projects that fulfill a general need in Ohio and fall within the Authority's scope of powers. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are a range of public entities and academic institutions. Eligible participants include Local Government Agencies (Cities, Villages, and Counties), Water/Sewer Districts, Conservancy Districts, State agencies, and Institutions of higher learning that conduct research and/or development. The program seeks to achieve broad impact across the state by funding projects that address environmental and natural resource challenges, ultimately improving public health, water quality, and resource management for Ohio residents. Priority for grants will be given to projects that demonstrate statewide environmental and/or natural resource applications. OWDA has historically awarded grants in diverse areas such as surface water, wastewater, drinking water, solid waste, agriculture, and public health, indicating a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. The program focuses on fostering research and development that can lead to tangible and widespread benefits throughout Ohio, ensuring that the funded initiatives have a significant and positive impact on the state's natural resources and infrastructure. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of research and development projects that provide solutions to identified challenges in water, waste, and energy management. Grantees are required to submit a final report, which will serve as a measurable result of the program's effectiveness and the specific achievements of each funded project. While specific funding amounts can vary, the program typically offers between $100,000 to $500,000, with an allocated $200,000 dependent upon available funds, supporting eligible project costs such as start-up and research. Indirect/overhead costs are capped at 35% of the grant amount to ensure that the majority of funds are directed towards direct project activities.

The Agricultural Fair Operational & Premium Reimbursement Program is designed to support Pennsylvania's certified agricultural county and community fairs by offering partial reimbursements for their annual general operating costs and premium expenses for exhibitors. This initiative is in accordance with the Pennsylvania Agricultural Fair Act of 1986 and State Premium Guidelines. Eligible fairs, which are classified into five classes based on size and scope, can receive a basic operational payment up to specified limits, ranging from $2,500 for Class E fairs to $14,000 for Class A fairs. Additionally, fairs can be reimbursed for 50% of the money paid out for agricultural premiums beyond the basic payment, with a cap of $15,000 for these additional premiums. There's also a provision for county and independent agricultural societies conducting harness horse racing during their annual fairs, with possible reimbursements up to $13,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: November 15th

Under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and funded by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Simplified Equipment-Only Grants are designed to support Pennsylvania's food system transformation. These grants, focusing on equipment purchases for small to mid-size producers and processors, aim to diversify, distribute, and localize food systems to enhance consumer access, producer options, and rural community markets. Grant amounts range from $10,000 to $100,000, requiring no cost sharing. Eligible equipment expenses include purchase costs, delivery, and installation if included in the official bid. Applications are accepted electronically, with project completion required by June 30, 2026.

The Community Climate Action Grant program, spearheaded by Albemarle County, aims to foster local projects that bolster the community's capacity to diminish greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative directly aligns with the county's broader mission to implement its Climate Action Plan, which was adopted in 2020. By leveraging external community resources and local groups, the program seeks to make climate action a more inclusive and participatory process, thereby extending the reach and impact of governmental efforts to combat climate change. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are community-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or those affiliated with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, that are principally and physically located in Albemarle County. Groups located outside the county may also apply if they can demonstrate that their services will primarily benefit people or places within Albemarle County. The impact goals are centered on tangibly advancing the goals, strategies, and actions outlined in the County’s Climate Action Plan, with a clear focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors, including transportation, buildings, waste, agriculture, and natural areas. Additionally, it supports initiatives that increase carbon sequestration in agriculture or natural systems. The grant explicitly aims to achieve four key program goals: reduce greenhouse gas emissions, advance equity and inclusion, build community, and support thoughtful and achievable projects. These goals underscore the county's strategic priorities, emphasizing not just environmental impact but also social equity and community engagement as integral components of effective climate action. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within Albemarle County, an increase in community participation and inclusivity in climate action efforts, and the successful implementation of diverse projects that align with the county’s Climate Action Plan. The program's theory of change posits that by empowering and funding local community groups, the county can harness a wider range of innovative solutions and foster a more widespread commitment to climate resilience. Grant requests can range from $5,000 to $25,000, with a total of $100,000 available for 2024, indicating a strategic investment in multiple, impactful local initiatives rather than a single large-scale project.

The FFA Reimbursement Program provides funds to county FFA organizations in Pennsylvania to support a portion of their annual expenses for activities promoting leadership development. This program is structured to allocate funds based on enrollment data across three tiers: Tier I organizations with 100 members or less receive base funding of $1,000 plus an additional $4.00 per member; Tier II organizations with 101 to 210 members receive $2,000 base funding plus an additional $2.00 per member; Tier III organizations with more than 211 members receive $2,000 plus an additional $2.00 per member for every member under 210 and $4.00 per member for every member over 210. The program aims to enhance leadership skills among young agricultural leaders through various educational activities. As a reimbursement grant, organizations must cover all costs upfront, with awards given based on the funds available. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: November 15th

This program provides essential financial support to small businesses in Pennsylvania that have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, helping them access working capital to sustain their operations.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

This funding opportunity supports community-led projects in Philadelphia that promote food justice by empowering marginalized groups to access, grow, and sell healthy food in areas with limited fresh food availability.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program aims to advance sustainable agriculture practices by enhancing the knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support sustainable agriculture through education and professional development. The grant focuses on empowering professionals who work with farmers, enabling them to teach, advise, or assist in the adoption of sustainable methods. The program seeks to create a ripple effect, where trained service providers then apply their learned expertise to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable food system within the Northeast region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are agricultural service providers, including those in non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension, and other entities that serve the farming community. Additionally, the program extends its reach to other service providers such as real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys, who can indirectly influence farmers. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in the Northeast by equipping these professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge. Expected outcomes include increased adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers, improved ecological and economic resilience to climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The program prioritizes a wide array of topics, encompassing marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture, and traditional ecological knowledge. A significant focus is placed on climate-smart agriculture practices, which are intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as reduced and no-till farming, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with addressing contemporary agricultural challenges through education and practical application. Northeast SARE actively encourages projects from, or in collaboration with, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Furthermore, it encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusivity in agricultural development. The theory of change behind these priorities is that by supporting a diverse range of voices and institutions, the program can foster more innovative and equitable solutions for sustainable agriculture, leading to broader and more effective adoption of sustainable practices across the region. The expected measurable results include an increase in the number of service providers trained in sustainable agriculture, a documented increase in farmers adopting climate-smart practices, and the successful implementation of projects that demonstrate improved ecological, social, and economic resilience. Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, with project lengths usually spanning 2 to 3 years, and a maximum allowed duration of 3.5 years. The program's geographical focus is exclusively on the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., ensuring targeted and localized impact within this specific area.

The Fairs Capital Improvement Grant Program provides essential funding to certified agricultural fairs in Pennsylvania for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of fairground structures. Eligible fairs can receive up to $25,000 in grants, which require a 50% funding match by the recipients. This reimbursement grant aims to support the physical infrastructure of fairgrounds, enhancing their capacity to host agricultural events. Grant funds can be used for various projects, including new construction, renovation of existing buildings, utility upgrades, fencing improvements, roadway and pathway development, stormwater management, public address system installations, and land purchases. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: June 30th

The EQT Foundation Grant program is designed to support nonprofits that demonstrate positive, needed, and trusted impacts within their communities. The foundation is deeply committed to fostering education and training for both children and adults, developing diverse and livable communities, and preserving natural environments. This mission aligns with their belief in meaningful community engagement and responsible corporate citizenship, emphasizing trust-based philanthropy to ensure resources directly contribute to community stability and, in turn, support successful business operations in their operational footprint. The foundation's funding strategy prioritizes organizations and programs that directly impact community residents. They seek proposals grounded in analysis that demonstrate creative approaches to addressing critical issues. The target beneficiaries include children and adults receiving education and training, residents of diverse and livable communities, and those benefiting from natural environment preservation efforts. The impact goals revolve around creating positive and needed change, fostering community stability, and contributing to the overall well-being of the areas where EQT Corporation operates. The EQT Foundation focuses on three core areas: Community Enrichment, Education & Workforce, and Environment. Community Enrichment encourages the development of diverse, safe, healthy, and sustainable communities, with examples ranging from food banks and libraries to arts programs and community festivals. Education & Workforce aims to promote STEM proficiency for youth and create a skilled future workforce through initiatives like in-school STEM curricula, computer camps, and career planning. The Environment focus supports natural resource preservation and educates communities on conservation techniques, including community gardens, watershed conservation, and green space restoration. Beyond these thematic priorities, the EQT Foundation also seeks evidence of a geographic setting that aligns with EQT Corporation’s business locations, effective management of available resources, and outreach that garners solid public recognition and support for the nonprofit, its programs, and sponsors. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed, the emphasis on "positive, needed, and trusted impacts" and "creative approaches to addressing critical issues" suggests a commitment to tangible community benefits. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in education, community development, and environmental preservation in their operational areas, they contribute to the long-term stability and success of these communities, which in turn supports their business operations.

The William Penn Foundation is offering a grant of over $1 million for one to two-year projects aimed at securing and preserving urban garden and farm parcels in Philadelphia, with activities including planning, technical assistance, stewardship, advocacy, and direct acquisition, open to 501(c)3 public charities, educational institutions, and government entities.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants (AFIG) with approximately $5 million in funding. This program aims to support school districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in Pennsylvania in their transition to cleaner fuel transportation. The grant's mission aligns with environmental protection efforts by promoting the adoption of alternative fuels such as electricity, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, hydrogen, hythane, biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, and other advanced biofuels, ultimately working towards reducing emissions and improving air quality. The AFIG program targets a broad range of beneficiaries across Pennsylvania, including public and private entities. Specific eligible organizations include counties, townships, municipalities, municipal authorities, public school districts (including charter schools), 501(c)3 organizations providing services to vulnerable populations (seniors, low-income individuals and families, individuals with disabilities, veterans, or medical services), businesses registered as Small Diverse Businesses with the Commonwealth, and county/local government-supported or contracted organizations providing similar services. The program intends to impact environmental health and economic development by fostering a cleaner transportation infrastructure and supporting diverse businesses. The program prioritizes businesses headquartered or with principal operations in Pennsylvania, zero-emission vehicle projects, medium-duty and light-duty fleet refueling infrastructure projects, renewable natural gas vehicle and infrastructure projects, and projects located in or predominantly serving environmental justice areas. Additionally, minority-, veteran-, or woman-owned businesses are also prioritized. These priorities reflect a strategic approach to maximize environmental benefits, support local economies, and promote equity in the transition to alternative fuels. Expected outcomes of the AFIG program include a significant increase in the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles and associated refueling infrastructure across Pennsylvania. Measurable results will include the number of vehicles retrofitted or purchased to operate on alternative fuels, the installation of new fleet- or home-refueling equipment, and the advancement of research and development in alternative fuel technology. The program's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on catalyzing a widespread shift towards cleaner transportation options, driven by financial incentives and targeted support for innovative projects and underserved communities, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and healthier Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is inviting applications for agricultural research grants for projects to be conducted from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. The projects should address various critical areas such as pest infestation impacts, Chesapeake Bay farm management practices, pollinator protection, food action plans, urban agriculture, energy in agriculture, animal health, and robotic technology in farming. Funding is contingent upon the 2024-2025 budget appropriations, and the deadline for application submission is June 7, 2024. The department will evaluate the proposals based on a 100-point scale considering project needs, research outcomes, methodology, evaluation and replicability, industry support, and research team diversity.

The 4-H Reimbursement Program is designed to support county 4-H organizations in Pennsylvania by reimbursing a portion of their annual expenses for activities that promote leadership development. The program classifies organizations into four tiers based on membership, offering base funding plus additional per-member reimbursement. Tier 1 organizations with up to 1,000 members receive $1,000 plus $1.50 for each traditional member and $1.00 for each school enrichment/special interest member. Tier 2 covers 1,001 to 2,000 members with $2,500 base funding; Tier 3 includes 2,001 to 3,000 members with $3,000 base funding; and Tier 4 supports over 3,001 members with $3,500 base funding, with a maximum reimbursement of $9,000. The program aims to support the overall activities of the 4-H organizations, including public speaking, judging contests, scholarships, and administrative costs, among others. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: November 15th

This program provides up to $2,000 in professional services to support small farms and agribusinesses in Chester County, Pennsylvania, particularly those facing financial barriers and led by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals.