Grant Ratings
Grants are rated by the level of difficulty and the applicant's required expertise.
- Limited Grant Experience = L
- Moderate Grant Experience = M
- Expert Grant Experience = E
About the Guide
This list was last updated on November 25, 2025. Please note that not all grants are available to all types of organizations and farms in all locations. Make sure to do your research before applying. Programs supported by federal funds are also subject to change.
FY2025 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program (E)
FY2025 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program (E): In FY 2025, the USDA will award up to $12 million in competitive grants to eligible entities through the grant program. Each grant will help eligible entities implement farm to school programming that increases access to local food in eligible schools, connects children with agriculture for better health, and inspires youth to consider careers in agriculture. For more information and webinar links, visit the program's webpage
Illinois Public Health Institute Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Fund (E)
Illinois Public Health Institute Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Fund (E) includes the Spark Award and the Innovation Collaborative Award. The deadline to apply is January 23, 2026 at 5:00 pm CST. Spark Awards support one-year projects that need funds for school food system and school meal product improvements, ranging from $30,000 to $100,000. Innovation Collaborative Awards fund projects that promote systems-level change of the school food system and marketplace, ranging from $250,000 to $500,000 total per award.
Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program (M/E)
Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program (M/E): The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program to now include medium-sized businesses in addition to small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification. The program has also been expanded to include assistance for 2024 and 2025 expenses. Producers can apply for assistance on their calendar year 2024 expenses beginning July 1, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025. For program year 2025, the application period will be Jan. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026. Please click the link above for more information.
The Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) (M/E)
The Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) (M/E) supports the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing; local and regional food markets and enterprises; and value-added agricultural products.
The USDA Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (E)
The USDA Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (E) is intended to bring together stakeholders from distinct parts of the food system and to foster understanding of national food security trends and how they might improve local food systems. Projects should address food and nutrition security, particularly amongst our nation’s most vulnerable populations. The average individual award will range from $25,000 to $35,000 for a 12- to 36-month project.
SARE Youth Educator Grants (M)
SARE Youth Educator Grants (M) are competitive grants up to $6,000 for educators to provide programming on sustainable agriculture for youth.
SARE Farmer Researcher Grants (E)
SARE Farmer Researcher Grants (E) for ideas initiated by farmers and ranchers and are offered as individual grants ($15,000 maximum) or team grants for two or more farmers/ranchers who are working together ($30,000 maximum).
Additional USDA Resources
- A Guide to USDA Resources for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers: Minority, Women, Veteran, Beginning, and Limited Resource Producers
- USDA Grants and Loans: USDA provides financial support including crop and livestock insurance, grants and loans, and disaster resources for farmers and ranchers.
- Cook County USDA Farm Service Agency: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides services related to loans, disaster assistance programs, and more.
- Illinois State USDA Farm Service Agency Office: Illinois Statewide Services