Current Funding Opportunities
AUGUST
Dairy Processor Modernization Grant | Deadline: August 14th
Goals: Funds will support dairy processors and dairy brands in modernizing their production to allow for increased processing of regional dairy, long-term business viability, and ability to meet consumer demands. Projects funded through this grant will focus primarily on acquiring specialized equipment for dairy processing that offers benefits such as increased capacity, higher efficiency, reduced energy usage, increased quality, or ability to produce new or higher-value products. Projects that benefit more than one dairy business and those that incorporate technical assistance may be more competitive.
Eligibility Factors: Grants are available to dairy processors and dairy brands working with co-packing processors in all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Funding Limitations: Grants will range from $15,000 to $250,000 with a 25% (cash or in-kind) match commitment required. At least 75% of grant funds must be used for eligible specialized equipment purchases. Applicants will qualify into one of two award tiers based on their processing volume. Total funds available: $1,000,000.
Anticipated Timeline: Estimated award date is September 2025. Final report due July 2026-January 2027, depending on project.
Cranberry Renovation & Enhancement Program | Deadline: August 21st
Goals: The Cranberry Renovation & Enhancement Program supports cranberry growers in revitalizing and improving their operations. This program provides funding for both renovation projects aimed at
upgrading existing cranberry bogs, as well as enhancement initiatives that increase productivity, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
Eligibility Factors: This grant is available to Massachusetts agricultural businesses engaged in cranberry production. The property must be in active agricultural use and managed by the applicant for at least the three (3) years previous to the date of application. Bogs must be greater than 1 acre in size and be in agricultural use.
Funding Limitations: Maximum funding is $25,000 per acre up to a total of $125,000 for renovations. Maximum funding for enhancement projects is 80% of total project costs up to $50,000. If applying for both categories, maximum funding is $175,000.
Anticipated Timeline: Estimated award date is October 2025.
NOVEMBER
RI Agricultural Energy Program | Deadline: November 7th
Goals: The goal of this program is to support clean energy projects in the agricultural sector.
Eligibility Factors: Applicants must be agricultural operations with a physical location located in Rhode Island. The operation must be able to demonstrate it that it has produced at least $2,500 in income in the previous calendar year through tax documentation. Applicant must own the property or have otherwise received permission from the property owner on which the project will be implemented. Operation must have received a general energy efficiency audit or commit to schedule an audit prior to the funds being awarded; see application for exceptions.
Funding Limitations: Maximum funding is $20,000 per project.
Anticipated Timeline: Projects must be completed within one calendar year of the award date.
ROLLING APPLICATIONS, NO DEADLINE
Goals: The goal of this award is to support farmers' self-care needs. Examples include dinner with friends and family, deep tissue massage, gym or yoga membership, therapy sessions, family fun day and more.
Eligibility Factors: Farmers and ranchers operating in the contiguous United States, including all U.S. territories, have an annual farming income of $1,000 or more, and have never received a Real Farmer Care self-care award before.
Funding Limitations: Awards are $100 per applicant. Grants will be distributed via Visa/Mastercard e-gift cards.
Anticipated Timeline: Applications will be accepted and reviewed in the order in which they are received. Funds will be awarded when available and award distribution will occur in seasonal rounds. Applications submitted after the initial window or beyond fund availability will be considered for funding in future rounds.
Goals: The Black Farmers Learn educational subsidy will pay tuition or registration fees of up to $500 for Black farmers or land stewards who wish to expand their knowledge or skills via a self-identified training program. This program honors education from structured sources available to the public; this includes schools, farming institutions, land or agricultural collectives, and conferences or training that offer to deepen skills and increase farming capacity.
Eligibility Factors: This program is available to Black farmers or land stewards who are members of the Northeast Farmers of Color (NEFOC) Network and are pursuing publicly available, structured education programs.
Funding Limitations: This program will pay tuition or registration fees up to $500.
Anticipated Timeline: Applications are accepted the first week of every month.
Black Farmer Fund Rapid Response Fund
Goals: The goal of this award is to provide financial support to Black Farmers and Food Business Owners experiencing a one-time emergency.
Eligibility Factors: Black Farmers and Food Business Owners operating in the Northeast (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Rhode Island). The business must be in operation for at least one year. The business has demonstrated engagement, work and support with community members.
Funding Limitations: Up to $10,000 awards granted for general emergencies. For 2025 Funding Freeze/Cancellation emergency award maximum is $50,000.
Anticipated Timeline: Four rounds of funding available per year. See website for timeline.
