A GUIDE TO USDA FUNDING

• Commodity Procurement Program

• Local Agriculture Market Program

• Farmers Market Promotion Program

• Local Food Promotion Program

• Regional Food System Partnerships Program

• Other AMS programs and services

• Business Programs

  • Rural Business Development Grants

  • Value-Added Producer Grants

• Energy Programs (REAP)

  • Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Loans and Grants

• Community Facilities Program

  • Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program

Research the USDA’s current programs and grants and identify one that is a good fit for you and your project. If possible, review the USDA’s previously funded projects in whatever program you are interested in.

If pursuing a grant, thoroughly review the USDA’s Request for Application (RFA) and carefully study the criteria included in the RFA; the criteria are what reviewers will use to help them select projects. 

Make a timeline for your application process, aiming to be complete with your application several weeks before the grant deadline. 

Organize your information in a way that is clear and relevant. Make it easy for reviewers to understand your idea, how you would use the funding, and your anticipated outcomes.

Create a budget that is reasonable and well justified - i.e., do not include random expenses that are not relevant to your project and/or are excessive.

Share your draft application with others who have experience with grants and invite their input. Also, if there’s time share your draft application with USDA staff to get feedback and confirm that your project idea aligns with the RFA’s eligibility and criteria.

Dot every “i”, cross every “t”, and make sure you’ve answered every section in the USDA’s application and have submitted all required documents and information.

Submit your application to the USDA on time (ideally two weeks early). The USDA does not make exceptions for late submissions!

One of the first things that you should do after you’ve decided to submit a grant application to the USDA, is contact USDA agency staff. You should share your general concept with them to ensure that it is eligible and aligns with the funding’s goals and priorities. Ask them any questions that you have about the grant application and/or process. If possible, share your draft application with USDA’s staff to get their feedback.

Before starting your application, review previously funded projects in the USDA program(s) that you are interested in to help get a sense for the kinds of projects the USDA has supported in the past. If possible, connect with previous USDA grant recipients doing similar work to learn from their experiences. 

Remember that your application will be read by a team of reviewers. While these reviewers will typically be experts in local food systems, do not assume that they know anything about seafood. Therefore, avoid seafood-related jargon and find ways to relate your work to the agricultural sector, including challenges that both family farmers and fishing families face (e.g., graying of the fleet). 

Think of your application as a sales pitch - you need to get your audience as excited about your project as you are. Make your application stand out by telling a compelling story that brings your project to life, supported by solid data that reinforces why your project matters and will make a difference.

For good reason, the USDA likes to see collaboration and partnerships between entities; this helps increase reach and impact of USDA funding throughout the food system. Aim to engage a diverse network of partners.

Get feedback and advice from people who are familiar with USDA grants, including previous USDA grant recipients, as well as people who are not already familiar with your project. If you have the resources available, consider contracting with a grant writer familiar with USDA to help you write and submit your grant application.

USDA grants are usually highly competitive with a limited amount of funding available. The USDA uses a point system to help narrow down the applications and determine which ones will be funded or not. If you are uncertain whether you qualify or not for extra points, call USDA staff for their direction and to confirm whether you are eligible for those points.

After you have completed the application, go back and make sure you have not missed any boxes or sections in the application. The USDA can immediately disqualify you for funding if you do not fill out and submit your application correctly.