Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) | Deadline: May 2nd

Goals: To ensure that MA farmers, fishermen, and other local food producers are better connected to a strong, resilient food system while providing greater, more equitable access to local food.

Eligibility Factors: Eligible applicants include local food producers, processors, and distributors; emergency food distributors; community and food organizations; school meal programs (including summer meal sponsors); urban farms and community gardens; and nonprofit food security organizations. Applicants that have received more than $1,000,000 from FSIG in previous years are not eligible to apply.

Funding Limitations: Awards of up to $500,000 are available. Projects less than $25,000 require no match; projects of $25,000 or more require a 25% match.

Anticipated Timeline: Contracts are expected to start in September. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2025.

***Check out our fact sheet on this popular program and see how it compares to previous years.***

Urban Agriculture Program (UAP) | Deadline: May 6th

Goals: To support commercial projects designed to increase the production, processing, and marketing of produce grown and sold in urban centers across the Commonwealth, as well as to increase access of fresh, local produce in urban neighborhoods with a high concentration of low-moderate income residents.

Eligibility Factors: Established urban farmers with more than 3 years of commercial urban farming experience, municipalities, 501(c)3 non-profits, and public or non-profit educational or public health institutions may apply.

Funding Limitations: Awards between $5,000 and $50,000 are available for commercial urban ag projects. Awards between $1,000 and $20,000 are available for community garden projects. A 25% cash match is required for requests more than $15,000.

Anticipated Timeline: Awards are expected to be announced in August or September. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2025.

Food Ventures Grant Program (FVGP) | Deadline: May 6th

Goals: To increase access to healthy, affordable food options and improve economic opportunities for low to moderate income communities.

Eligibility Factors: Eligible applicants include non-profit and for-profit organizations, municipalities, and individual MA residents.

Funding Limitations: Grants of $50,000-$250,000 are available. A 50% cash match for the total project cost must be secured at the time of application, either through cash-in-hand or a guaranteed loan.

Anticipated Timeline: Awards are expected to be announced by September or October. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2025.

Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP) | Deadline: May 24th

Goals: To improve food safety practices on produce farms and aquaculture operations, working towards minimizing the risks of microbial contamination and food-borne illnesses, and increasing market access.

Eligibility Factors: MA produce farms and aquaculture operations that have been in business for at least the 3 previous years may be eligible. If the applicant does not own the property, a written lease of at least 3 years should be provided. Previous recipients of AFSIP are eligible, but at a lower priority in the scoring process.

Funding Limitations: Grants of up to $50,000 or 80% of project costs are available. A 20% cash match is required.

Anticipated Timeline: Awards are expected to be announced by September. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2025.

Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program | Deadline: May 24th

Goals: To implement bog renovations that promote more efficient bogs and enhance the business and environmental sustainability of cranberry operations.

Eligibility Factors: Eligible applicants include MA cranberry farms that have been in business for at least the 3 previous years. Bogs must be at least 1 acre. The applicant must own the property or be the co-applicant with the property owner.

Funding Limitations: Grants of $25,000 per acre, up to $125,000, are available. A 25% cash or in-kind match is required, but labor may not be used as in-kind match.

Anticipated Timeline: Awards are expected to be announced by September. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2025.

Climate Smart Agriculture Program (CSAP) | Deadline: May 31st

Goals: To help agricultural operations proactively address risks and strengthen their economic and environmental resiliency, as well as to work towards the goals of the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan (CECP) for 2030.

Eligibility Factors: Eligible applicants include commercial agriculture operations that have been managed by the applicant for at least the 3 previous years. If the applicant does not own the property, a written lease of 3 years should be provided.

Funding Limitations: This application contains two sections. For each section, grants of up to $50,000 or 80% of project costs are available. Applicants may apply for both sections (for a total of up to $100,000 with a 20% match) and each section is reviewed separately. In-kind labor is not an eligible match.

Anticipated Timeline: Awards are expected to be announced in October. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2025.

New England Food Vision Prize | Deadline: May 31st

Goals: To support innovative ideas and collaborations that result in increased regional food sourcing by New England’s educational institutions.

Eligibility Factors: The lead applicant must be a nonprofit organization, government entity, or municipality, though partnerships across the food system are required for successful applications. Farms, food hubs, and processors are highly encouraged to be members of the application team.

Funding Limitations: Awards of $25,000 to $200,000 are available. Funding may not be used for food purchases.

Anticipated Timeline: Letters of interest should be submitted by May 31st. In July, you may receive an invitation to apply, and a full application will be due by August 9th. Recipients will be notified by October 25th and projects should be completed within two years.

Biz-M-Power Crowdfunding Matching Grant | Deadline: June 30th

Goals: To empower MA small businesses to acquire, expand, improve or lease a facility, purchase or lease equipment, or meet other capital needs of a business

Eligibility Factors: Eligible applicants include small businesses located in Massachusetts owned by low-to-moderate income individuals (LMI) and businesses located in economic disadvantaged urban or rural communities, and businesses operating in Gateway Cities.

Funding Limitations: Businesses must crowdfund a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $20,000 to receive a 1:1 matching grant from MGCC between $2,500 and $20,000.

Anticipated Timeline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and applicants will be notified 2-6 weeks after applying. Awardees must then launch their crowdfunding campaign within 30 days. Crowdfunding campaigns may be 30-60 days in length, and funds between $2,500 and $20,000 will be matched at the conclusion of the campaign.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Goals: To address natural resource concerns by planning and/or installing conservation practices that benefit soil, water, plants, air, and animals.

Eligibility Factors: Agricultural or aquacultural producers across the state are welcome to apply. Additional eligibility requirements may be found by contacting your local NRCS field office. Must complete a conservation plan in conjunction with NRCS before submitting an application.

Funding Limitations: Funding possibilities vary based on project. Get in touch with NRCS to learn more.

Massachusetts Food Trust Program (MFTP)

Goals: To increase access to healthy, affordable food in low-income, underserved areas through grants, loans, and business assistance.

Eligibility Factors: Eligible businesses include farm stands, grocery & corner stores, farmers’ markets, food hubs, and more. Must expand food access in underserved areas and align with community needs. Eligible applicants likely accept SNAP, HIP, or WIC. For-profits, non-profits, and cooperatives are all eligible. Preference will be given to applicants who have 3 years of operating experience and who have not previously received state funding.

Funding Limitations: Grants available from $5,000 to $25,000. Loans available from $15,000 to $300,000. Funds may be used for capital expenses, real estate, and more.

Farm Credit East FarmStart Program

Goals: To invest in new Northeast agricultural ventures showing promise of success with limited financial resources.

Eligibility Factors: Farmers, forestry producers, fishermen, farm-related service businesses and cooperatives may be eligible if they are in their first three years of business. Candidates are expected to be rural entrepreneurs or cooperatives with very little accumulated net worth and few financial resources. The applicant also must be an independent enterprise and cannot be affiliated with an established operation.

Funding Limitations: This is NOT a grant. This program offers up to $75,000 in credit for agricultural startups who are not generally eligible for conventional lending programs. Access to advisors, business plan services, and financial management software may also be available to participants at free or discounted rates.

Next Steps: Contact your local Farm Credit East office (probably Middleboro) or email farmstart@farmcrediteast.com.