We are not accepting applications at this time
Please check back Oct. 15th, 2023 for the next round of submissions.

NC AgVentures is an NC State Extension program that provides grants to NC family farms and community organizations that support family farms, to develop new and innovative agricultural projects which will increase farm profits.

Grants are available to NC family farms and community organizations such livestock associations, farmer co-ops or farmers markets

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   ((Click on this link if your county is not listed click on this link.))

***Extension agents and their spouses and/or partners are not eligible to apply for a individual farmer grant.
***NC State Employees are not eligible to apply.

Two Grant Options

1. Individual Farmer grants for independent family farms
2. Community Grants
   NC State Extension, farming associations, farmer co-ops, farmers market…
   • A Livestock Association could purchase portable corral equipment for members to share/rent.
   • The local farmers market could get a grant to expand or update the facility.
   • An Extension Agent might apply for funding to set up a food coop that will benefit all the farms in their community.
     • A community grant should directly benefit 3 or more family farms
     • Based in one of the 46 counties.
     • Three of the growers must have a tobacco connection
     • No limit on the size of the collaboration
     • May include farms in other counties

Priority will be given to:

Applicants that are current/former tobacco growers, former quota holders, tobacco workers or close family descendants.

Farms that have not received previous funding from NC Tobacco Trust Commission, RAFI or NC AgVentures will be given a higher priority.

Applicants that earn at least 50% of their gross personal income from their farm operation.

Proposals that present a new direction or innovative opportunity to diversify, expand or implement new entrepreneurial plans for their farm operations that are viable and will increase farm profits.

Tips for writing a successful application:

Let your NC State Extension Agent know that you plan to submit an application and set up a time to meet by phone or in person. If you are not working with an Agent contact your local Extension office and speak with County Extension Director about your project goals.

Criteria:

• Does the project show a good potential for success?
• 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?
• Is the budget realistic?
• Does the applicant have the skills to complete the project?
• Does the project present a new direction or opportunity?
• Will the project become self-supporting?
• Does the proposal have a demonstration plan?                   

Grant Winner Responsibilities:

• Arrange a time for your Agent to visit your farm. Your Agent should continue to be a resource and technical advisor throughout the year as you work on your grant project.
• Provide a minimum of 15% or more of the total project funds
• You need to have insurance that will cover the activities of the grant project.
• Provide copies of receipts and photos to document grant project expenditures
• Provide two grant reports, including income and expenses and a program survey
• Grant recipients must be available by email or phone throughout he year. Email access is very helpful.
• Recipients will recognize NC AgVentures and North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission as the funders/supporters of the project in all materials/marketing/advertising used to promote the project.
• Attend a grant winner’s orientation meeting.
• Allow Extension to include the recipients’ projects in public relations, outreach, demonstration and education in future years
• Complete the project by March 31, 2023.

Workshop Application Video for Nov. 2022

Application Workshop Presentation Slides

APPLICATION

The deadline to apply is Dec. 15th at 8 p.m.

Submittable is the name of our online application submission system.

If you having trouble logging into the application: Please reach out to Submittable’s Customer Support team with any technical questions at support@submittable.co

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