We will begin accepting applications Oct. 15th, 2026

Maximum grant award is $10,000 Submission Limit: We will accept a maximum of 150 applications for this cycle. Once 150 applications have been submitted, the Apply for a Farm Grant link will  close. If we do not receive 150 applications the deadline to apply is December 15th at 6 PM, but the submission link will disappear without warning once the 150th person hits submit. 

Overview
NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program is an NC State Extension grant program that provides grants to NC family farms, and local non-profit community organizations to develop agricultural projects which will increase farm profits. NC AgVentures Farm Grant is a competitive grant based on the merits of an application. Last year we awarded 68 grants.

Confirm that you are eligible
Farmers in the following counties are eligible for an NC AgVentures Grant: Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Cabarrus, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Forsyth,, Gaston, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Iredell, Johnston, Lincoln, Martin, Mecklenburg, Nash, Northampton, Orange, Person, Pitt, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Sampson, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Vance, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, Wilkes, Warren, Yadkin   (If your county is not listed please click on this link.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be a current resident of North Carolina with an established independent farm operation in North Carolina.
• Grant recipients from 2025-2026 cycle must wait a year before they can submit another application.
• Farms that received 3 or more grants from NC AgVentures are no longer eligible.
• NC State Extension Agents, their spouses or partners are not eligible to apply for personal grants. Agents can write a Community Grant for the Extension office.
• NC State Employees are not eligible to apply for personal grants
• One Application per farm
• Married couples, domestic partnerships and business partners may only submit one application.
• The farm can be a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or family corporation. Family farms exclude farms organized as nonfamily corporations or cooperatives.

Your Extension Agent is your collaborator on the application proposal

• Contact your Agent early to schedule a time to consult on your project proposal, and review your application.
• If you have not worked closely with your Agent, invite them to visit your farm so they can better assist you with your project proposal.
• If you are not working with an Agent, contact your local Extension office and speak with County Extension Director about your project goals.
• FIND  YOUR LOCAL EXTENSION OFFICE

Attend a virtual application workshop (optional but recommended) For more information about the NC AgVentures Grant Program register for one of the free online workshops. We will provide an overview of the grant program and the application.

Choose a date that fits your schedule, the presentation will be the same at all 3 workshops. You can participate through your laptop, phone or tablet.

Check back in October for workshop dates.

Review Criteria: (To make your application as competitive as possible, it's important to understand the grant's criteria.)

• Project proposals that will build farm capacity, a project that will make the farm stronger, smarter, more efficient and more resilient.
• Does the project proposal show a good potential for success?
• Does the grant proposal incorporate Extension Best Practices?
• Will your project increase income relative to project cost?
• Will the project increase or maintain employment opportunities?
• Has the proposal been adequately researched and is well detailed?
• Does the project plan include strategies to protect soil, water, crops and food products from contamination?
•  Is the budget realistic?
• Does the applicant have the skills to complete the project?
• Does the project present a new direction or opportunity in the region?
• Will the project become self-supporting?
• Will other farmers in your region benefit from the project?
• Budget total for the project must be at least 15% higher than the requested award amount.   

Select and click on the application:

 

1. Apply for a Farm Grant

A Farm Grant is for independent family farms with an established farm operation. The farm can be a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, LLC or Family Corporation.

1. Apply for a Non-profit Community Grant

A Community Grant is for local non-profit community organizations or government organizations such as a farmers market, or livestock association. The grant project should directly benefit three or more family farms, .

Troubleshooting
If you having trouble logging into the application: Please reach out to the support team with any technical questions atsupport@submittable.com

Contact the Program Coordinator for application questions. (jackie_miller@ncsu.edu)