Beginning Farmer Grants

Beginning Farmer Grants

Para ver esta información oprima aquí

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Are you a farmer with up to three years of experience in the states listed below? The Beginning Farmer Stipend could be your opportunity to grow and thrive! Awards from $3,000 to $5,000.

  • Tailored for historically underserved farmers or ranchers who own or co-own their farming operations by providing essential support to help establish a strong foundation (Federal Definition),
  • Available to farmers in AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA.
  • For those who have been farming for up to three years.
  • Nonprofit organizations are not eligible to apply.
  • A RAFI staff member will review your quiz responses (within an hour during business hours, and 24 hours for non-business hours). You will be emailed an application if you are eligible, or an explanation of why you were not eligible. 

Grant Application Process

To streamline the application process and ensure applicants meet eligibility requirements. This quiz will determine your eligibility for each grant and provide access to the application for qualifying applicants.

  • Completing the eligibility quiz is required to access the grant application.
  • Once eligibility is confirmed, you will receive a link to proceed with the application.

Please note: These grants are highly competitive. In 2025, only 6% of eligible applicants were funded.

Step oneStep twoStep three
Eligibility quizAccess grant applicationSelection and announcement of awardees
Please read the eligibility requirements for each opportunity and select the one you want to apply for. You can only apply for one RAFI Farmer grant per year.Fill out the grant form and upload a quote and your reference’s contact info to ensure the application is complete.Every complete and eligible application will be reviewed by an external committee of farmers and farm experts. This process typically takes two to three months.  
Once you have selected the grant you would like to apply for, take the corresponding eligibility quiz and answer as accurately as possible. Contact grants@rafi.gameflow.design, or 919.542.1396 ext. 206 if you have any questions.Each applicant will be notified about the status of their application via email.
Turn in applications before the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered. 
RAFI Beginning Farmer Stipend deadline is March 10, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. 
Turn in applications before the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered. 
RAFI Beginning Farmer Stipend deadline is March 10, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. 
Awardees will be notified, and those awarded will be announced via a press release and on RAFI’s website.

Questions?
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at grants@rafi.gameflow.design or 919.542.1396 ext. 206.

At RAFI, we are honored to empower farmers to grow their dreams. Together, let’s build a more equitable and sustainable agricultural future.