This week we are featuring the Kentucky Proud: Farm to Fork Grants, Kentucky State University Small Scale farm Grants, and USDA Rural Business Development Grants.

Kentucky Proud: Farm to Fork

Deadline: On-going, events must take place before November 15, 2019
Funding Amount: 50-50 cost share for eligible expenses, up to $750 per event
Eligible Entities: Community organizations and agricultural groups. Applicants must designate a registered 501c3 non-profit as the beneficiary of the dinner.
Links: http://www.kyagr.com/marketing/farm-to-fork.html
Overview: The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Farm to Fork Grant program is designed to help community organizations host Farm to Fork events that promote and build awareness for local food. The proceeds from the events should benefit a farmers market or other local charity. The funds can be used to purchase KY Proud farm products for meals, and promotional and branding materials to promote the events.

Kentucky State University’s Small Scale Farm Grant

Deadline: April 1, June 1, and August 1, 2019
Funding Amount: Up to $5,000 for farmers and $15,000 for agriculture groups; plus, up to $500 for farmer education
Eligible Entities: Kentucky farmers and Kentucky agriculture groups including farmers markets
Link: https://kysu.edu/academics/cafsss/research-extension/small-scale-farm-grant-program/
Overview: The Kentucky State University’s Small Scale Farm Grant was created with the small farmer in mind. The grant application is simple to complete, and the funds can be used to purchase needed equipment related to a proposed project. Applicants can qualify for this grant under one of four categories: aquaculture, USDA certified organic, food insecure area, or value-added products. Farmers markets are often eligible. Previously approved projects have included canning equipment, a hot water line to a hoop house, a root cellar, a display refrigerator, a cool-bot for vegetables, freezers for keeping meat cool, and maple syrup equipment. Also, there is a separate education application to this program that will help farmers with up to $500 in educational expenses.

Rural Business Development Grant

Deadline: April 30, 2019
Funding Amount: Range from $10,000 to $500,000 with priority given to smaller projects
Eligible Entities: Towns, communities, state and local governments, 501c3 non-profits, institutions of higher education, and rural cooperatives
Links: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-business-development-grants
Overview: Rural Business Development Grants can be used for a wide range of activities including planning, training, technical assistance, acquisition of land, construction, renovation, and equipment. Successful projects should focus on ways to improve rural community economic development. This grant is sometimes a good fit for farmers markets. Contact your local USDA Rural Development Office for more information.