URBANA, Ill. — The United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency Outreach Office and Illinois FSA Office, in cooperation with University of Illinois Extension, announces an opportunity for urban farmers and producers, beginning farmers, historically underserved producers, and food entrepreneurs in Chicago, Illinois to apply for an Innovative Agriculture Micro-grant​​​.

IAM-Chi grants are small, one-time allocations between $1K to $25K designed to fund innovative, forward-thinking, and novel projects to advance urban agriculture in Chicago. Grants will be awarded to eligible producers on a first-come, first-served competitive basis, beginning now until Nov. 30, 2026, for projects that will be completed within three months of acceptance.

IAM-Chi Grants Support

• Conservation practices that improve soil quality;
• Cost-sharing for infrastructure and on-farm equipment;
• Improvements in supply chain issues; and
• Other innovative projects that support urban agriculture.

Grants must not trigger environmental assessments or evaluations. Funds for accepted proposals will be available as soon as possible or within two months after grant submission. Applicants not selected in one year may be considered for funding in a future year, depending on available funds.

Download the request for proposal details and grant application form at: go.illinois.edu/IamChiGrant

For more information or to ask questions about the application process contact Illinois Extension at iam-chi-grant@illinois.edu.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

SOURCE: Shelly Nickols-Richardson, Associate Dean and Director, Illinois Extension