NOFA NJ Mini-Grants up to $10,000 to Support Small & Beginning Farm Access to Key Farm Infrastructure
Overview
In 2023, the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey (NOFA NJ) successfully advocated for increased resources for organic and regenerative farmers in the New Jersey state budget. A $1M Grant-in-Aid was awarded to NOFA NJ and is being facilitated through the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
One targeted use of this funding is the disbursement of mini-grants to obtain and/or improve key farm infrastructure. Applications will also be accepted for community-oriented food, farming or gardening projects that have a measurable impact beyond the individual applicant/organization.
Applications that meet the minimum eligibility criteria (see below) will be scored and awarded in the order the applications are received. NOFA NJ will continue to receive applications and make awards until all available funds are expended. All activities supported by the mini-grant funding must be completed by June 30, 2024. The maximum amount funded per awardee is $10,000 and only one award can be issued per farm/business/organization/project.
Any municipal permits required for any improvements, installations, or projects associated with grant funds are the sole responsibility of the applicant. NOFA NJ reserves the right to make partial awards and/or deny applicants for any reason, and NOFA NJ reserves the right to request additional documentation as necessary to disburse grant funding.
Eligibility Criteria
Successful applications must satisfy the following criteria:
NOFA NJ Member – Applicants must be a current NOFA NJ Member in good standing at the time of application
Farm as Primary Income – Priority will be given to applicants whose majority of annual income is derived from their farm business
Proof of secure land tenure – Proof of ownership or a lease, license, or other written agreement for a reasonable time period will be required. If land tenure is less than three years, applicants should explain how the tenure is sufficient in relation to the improvements being made or purchased.
Commitment to organic practices – Applicants should provide explanation of farm management practices showing adherence to or movement towards organic management practices
Ownership of Item(s) Purchased – Applicants requesting funding for purchase of equipment, tool, or supplies agree to maintain ownership and primary use of said purchases for at least three (3) years following the grant award
Annual Gross Revenue – In order to support beginning & small farms with less access to capital, applicants with less than $500,000 in annual gross revenue (or community organizations with annual budgets less than $500,000) will be prioritized; businesses with annual gross revenue over $500,000 will be considered on a case-by-case basis
Project Narrative & Budget – Applicants must provide a 1-2 paragraph narrative description of how the proposed funds will be used to improve farm viability & profitability, increase capacity to successfully steward land, and/or support local and organic food production; Applicants must also provide a simple budget justifying all project expenses
Eligible Projects
Successful applications may involve one or more individual farm businesses or community organizations. Examples of eligible projects and expenses that will be supported by this funding opportunity include (but are not limited to):
Purchasing, installing and/or improving key farm infrastructure (walk-in coolers, high/low tunnels, irrigation equipment, post-harvest equipment, wash/pack structures, fencing, livestock facilities, etc..)
Purchasing farm equipment, implements, or tools (tractors, tractor implements, equipment, tools, etc..)
Hiring a service provider to support business planning, profitability analyses, and other professional services that support and improve the overall viability of the farm business
Hiring a subcontractor or other qualified professional to install key infrastructure items that require expertise and specialized knowledge (e.g. electrical, plumbing)
Community-oriented projects that support food access, provide farm & garden education, expand market opportunities for local & organic farms, or other related pursuits (e.g. tool-share program within a community garden)
Award Process
Approved applicants will receive an award notification and grant agreement via email within 30 days of the application submission. The award notification will detail the funding provided, performance and reporting requirements, and the process for disbursement of funds. Awardees must read, sign and return the grant agreement within 14 days of award notification to initiate funding disbursal; failure to respond by this deadline could result in loss of award funds. All expenses supported by the funding must be completed by June 30, 2024.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications can be submitted via this submission form. If you have questions or need additional assistance completing your application, please contact NOFA NJ at nofainfo@nofanj.org