One of the most common requests I hear through American VetFarm Network is help finding farm funding.
USDA programs through FSA and NRCS are often a good place to start, but they are not the only tools available. There are also nonprofit grants, private funding opportunities, cost-share programs, and funding libraries that can help farmers find options that may fit their farm goals.
Before applying for most grants, it helps to have a few basics in place:
You do not need a perfect business plan, but having a simple plan will make most applications stronger. Many grants are designed to fund a specific project, not a general idea, so it helps to be clear about what you need, why it matters, and how it fits your farm.
Many grant programs also have narrow application windows. It is worth checking funding resources regularly and planning ahead so you are not trying to pull everything together at the last minute.
Here are a few places to browse:
Ambrook Funding Library
Ambrook has a searchable farm funding library where you can filter by funding type, location, project type, and more. This link is filtered for regenerative agriculture opportunities:
https://ambrook.com/funding?tag=Regenerative
MAD Agriculture: Sources of Government Funding for Regenerative Farmers
MAD Agriculture has a guide focused on government funding sources for regenerative farmers in the United States. It can be a useful reference for farmers trying to understand where public funding may fit into their farm plans.
https://stage.madagriculture.org/assets/files/sources-of-government-funding-for-regenerative-farmers-in-the-usa.pdf
Farm Aid Ag Funding Library
Farm Aid’s Ag Funding Library includes grants, loans, and relief payment programs for farms, ranches, and agricultural businesses. It is a good place to browse current opportunities.
https://www.farmaid.org/our-work/resources-for-farmers/ag-funding-library/
FACT Fund-a-Farmer Grants
Food Animal Concerns Trust, also known as FACT, offers Fund-a-Farmer grants for livestock and poultry farmers working to improve animal welfare and humane farming practices.
The next Fund-a-Farmer grant cycle is expected to open in November 2026, so this is a good one to keep on your radar if you raise livestock or poultry.
https://www.foodanimalconcernstrust.org/blog/facts-fund-a-farmer-grants-are-now-open
Grant listings are a starting point, not a guarantee of funding. Always read the eligibility requirements, check deadlines, and make sure the opportunity fits your farm’s actual goals before applying.
If you are working on a grant application and would like another set of eyes on it, I am happy to review applications or talk through whether an opportunity looks like a good fit.
— Kate
VetFarm Network Project Director
Kate@ateaseorchard.com