USDA opened the Community Food Project Grants and the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program Grants (formerly FINI) early this year. There is a super short turn around with applications due on June 3rd and 10th respectively.
Also, the USDA Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program Grants are open with a deadline of June 18. Check out more information about the programs below.
Community Food Project Grants
Deadline: June 3, 2019
Funding Amounts: $35,000 to $400,000 for one to four-year projects; requires $1 for $1 match, can be met in-kind
Eligible Entities: Non-Profits, Tribal Organizations, or Public Food Program Service Providers
Links: Community Food Project website and the Request for Applications
Overview: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture's Community Food Project Program offers grants designed to help reduce hunger by addressing food insecurity issues at the local level. Successful Community Food Projects involve collaborative partners working together to solve healthy food access issues that affect low-income Americans. To prepare a successful application, it is important to get started early. Let us know if you have questions. KCARD has tools to help.
The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program formerly known as the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive Program (FINI)
Deadline: June 10, 2019
Funding Amounts: $100,000 to $8.5 million depending on project size; requires $1 for $1 match, in-kind is acceptable
Eligible Entities: Government and Non-Profits
Links: https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/food-insecurity-nutrition-incentive-fini-grant-program and Request for Applications
Overview: The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program grants are designed to provide funding incentives or financial inducement that will increase the purchase and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Examples include double dollars and other programs that increase healthy vegetable and fruit access. The program has five project types: Pilot Projects, GusNIP Projects, GusNIP Large Scale Projects, Produce Prescription Projects, and Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information Centers. To apply for more than a pilot project, an organization must have experience with an incentive program. Priority will be given to projects that maximize the share of funds used for direct incentives to participants, use direct to consumer sales marketing, have a proven record, provide local fruits and vegetables, have strong partnerships and the ability to provide service to underserved communities.
Farmers Market Promotion Program Grants
Deadline: June 18, 2019
Funding Amounts: $50,000 up to $500,000 - NEW - 25% match required.
Eligible Entities: Agricultural businesses, agricultural cooperatives, community supported agriculture (CSA) networks, CSA associations, economic development corporations, local governments, nonprofit corporations, producer networks, producer associates, public benefit corporations, regional farmers’ market authorities, and tribal governments.
Links: http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/fmpp and https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/fmpp/awards
Overview: The Farmers Market Promotion Program provides grants for innovative projects to promote new market opportunities for direct producer-to-consumer sales. The purpose/objectives of the FMPP grant program are "to increase domestic consumption of and access to locally and regionally produced agricultural products and to develop new marketing opportunity for farm operations serving local markets by developing, improving, and providing outreach, training, and technical assistance." The funds can pay for a broad range of activities including advertising, marketing campaigns, personnel, education, training, outreach, and some equipment. The earlier you start the process, the better application you can prepare!
Local Food Promotion Program Grants
Deadline: June 18, 2019
Funding Amounts: $25,000 to 500,000 - 25% match required!
Eligible Entities: Agricultural businesses, agricultural cooperatives, community supported agriculture (CSA) networks, CSA associations, economic development corporations, local governments, nonprofit corporations, producer networks, producer associates, public benefit corporations, regional farmers’ market authorities, and Tribal governments.
Links: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lfpp and https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lfpp/awards
Overview: The Local Food Promotion Program can be used for planning or working capital to support businesses or organizations that act as an intermediary between producers and consumers as part of the supply chain by aggregating, storing, processing, and/or distributing local food products.
Planning Grants are designed to help agricultural businesses and local communities conduct feasibility studies, do market research, and develop business plans to determine the viability of local and regional business enterprises. Planning grants must be completed within an eighteen-month time frame.
Implementation Grants are designed to provide technical support and to help expand new local and regional food enterprises and/or to improve and grow the abilities of existing local or regional food enterprises. LFPP grants must be completed in a three-year time frame.