Center for Regional Food Systems

• USDA Food and Nutrition Service Farm to School Grant Program

  The purpose of the USDA Farm to School Grant Program is to assist eligible entities in implementing farm to school programs that improve access to local foods in eligible schools.

• USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture - Agriculture and food and research initiative

  This grant supports projects related to agricultural and rural economies, specifically in the areas of research, education, extension, entrepreneurship, and markets and trade.

• USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture - Agriculture and food and research initiative - Improved Sustainable Food Systems

  This grant funds projects related to research, education, and extension related to sustainable local and regional food systems seeking to improve U.S. food safety and security, support the local economy and more.

• USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture - Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program

  This grant seeks to fund organizations that train, educate, and provide technical assistance to new farmers or ranchers.

• USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program

  Projects that meet the needs of low-income individuals through food distribution and access, and community outreach to assist in participation of federal nutrition programs.

• USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Small Business Innovation Research

  This grant gives small businesses the opportunity to research their technological potential.

• USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)

  This competitive grant aims to improve sustainable innovations in American agriculture.

• USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture: The Equipment Grant Program

  The Equipment Grant Program (EGP) funds equipment purchases for research for use in the food and agricultural sciences programs at institutions of higher education, including State Cooperative Extension Systems.

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NCRS)

  The USDA Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) through the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NCRS) supports producers in developing conservation plans.

• USDA Rural Development Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program

  This loan program bolsters the existing private credit structure through guaranteeing loans for rural businesses, allowing private lenders to extend more credit than they would typically be able to, and improves the economic health of rural communities.

• USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grant and Loan Program

  This program offers either grants or loans to help with the development of community facilities.

• USDA Rural Development Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)

  RBDG is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities leading to the expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas.

• USDA Rural Development Rural Cooperative Development Grants (RCDG)

  The RCDG program seeks to aid the economic development of rural communities by establishing cooperative development centers.

• USDA Rural Development Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG)

  The REDLG program provides funding to rural projects that create or retain rural jobs. Food hubs seeking establishment in rural zones would be good candidates for this grant or loan program.

• USDA Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program: Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loan and Grant Program

  The Rural Energy for America Program helps assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase, install, and construct renewable energy systems.

• USDA Rural Development Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG)

  The goal of this grant program is to assist socially disadvantaged agricultural producers with technical assistance through cooperative development centers.

• USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG)

  The VAPG grant program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities and process or market value-added products.

• Venture North

  Venture North offers small business and loans along with mini-grants for growth

• Washtenaw County Black Farmers Fund

  The Washtenaw County Black Farmers Fund is a grant program specifically for Black farmers producing healthy foods who reside in specific Michigan counties

• Wefunder

  Wefunder is an investment platform that connects financial backers with startup businesses.