Deadline: 31-Jan-22
Tilth Alliance is accepting applications for its Washington State Organic and Sustainable Farming Fund from farmers who seek financial assistance in support of projects that improve the economic viability, social impact, or environmental sustainability of their farm businesses and/or their community.
The goal of this grant program is to support organic and regenerative agricultural practices and mitigate climate change; projects that further these objectives, will be considered for an award.
Funding Priorities
- Projects that enhance and measure carbon sequestration, restore soil health, utilize cover crops, preserve and create habitats, increase biodiversity, and employ environmentally safe waste management practices.
- Projects that involve resource sharing (i.e. Will more than one farm benefit from the project? Can the research, knowledge, and resources acquired through the grant be shared with others?)
- Conventional farmers who want to transition to organic, sustainable, or regenerative practices.
- Projects led by or emphasize working with women, BIPOC, veterans, immigrants, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Funded Topics
Grant funds are available for projects that support organic and regenerative farming practices and mitigate climate change. Successful projects will improve a farm’s environmental, social, and economic impacts via strategies which create new revenue streams, improve quality of life and operations, or increase sustainability.
Funding Information
Grant requests can be made up to $10,000. Proposals should have objectives that are realistically achievable in a 9-month period (April-December).
Eligibility Criteria
- Below are the eligibility requirements. Note that an individual farm business is not eligible to receive more than $20,000 over a five-year period. This grant program is open to all Washington State farmers who:
- Currently employ or are adopting practices that follow regenerative, sustainable, and/or organic principles (this includes conventional farms that are transitioning into organic, sustainable, or regenerative production).
- Have been in business for at least two years.
- Are seeking to improve and/or expand their operation, improve environmental impacts, or become a more sustainable business.
- Previous grantees are eligible to apply but priority will be given to new applicants.
- Projects will be scored in the following categories:
- Environmental Sustainability Impact – Does the proposed project have the potential to significantly improve the environmental sustainability of the farm and/or community?
- Farm Business Impact – Will the proposed project significantly contribute to the success and livelihood of the farm business?
- Community Impact – Will the proposed project contribute to community well-being?
- Justification – Is the budg8et reasonable and well-justified? Is the proposed project feasible given the time period and resources?
- Demonstrated Need – Does the farm have other means to fund this project? Will this project be able to be completed if grant funds are not awarded
For more information, visit http://www.tilthalliance.org/about/apply-washington-state-organic-and-sustainable-farming-fund
