Applicants are now invited to submit applications for the Farmers Advocating for Organic (FAFO) Grant Program.
FAFO is a grant program funded entirely by annual, voluntary contributions from Organic Valley farmers. It’s the largest farmer-funded grant program in the U.S. and one of the few focused solely on organic.
The fund provides a way for Organic Valley farmers to address the long-term needs of the organic marketplace and the future of organic agriculture by supporting the development of long-term solutions. Through combining resources, Organic Valley farmers are able to invest in projects that affect the livelihoods of organic farmers across the country.
Funding Information
One-time grants are awarded in the amounts of $5,000-$50,000, with an average grant award of $20,000 and the size of the award corresponding to the scope and impact of the project. Grants exceeding $50,000 and multi-year grants are considered under extraordinary circumstances by invitation only.
FAFO funds projects that make a difference
Grants are awarded to research, education and advocacy projects that advance FAFO’s mission: to protect and promote the organic industry and the livelihood of organic farmers.
Within this context, FAFO is currently prioritizing projects that focus on:
Projects that benefit family farmers who produce organic dairy, eggs, meat, produce, and grain/forage
Projects that focus on organic soil health and biology
Projects that strengthen CROPP Cooperative (internal)
Eligibility Criteria
Check if your organization and project meet the following criteria before applying:
Non-profit or academic/research institution
Advances FAFO’s mission of protecting and promoting the organic industry or the livelihood of organic farmers (with an explicit focus on organic)
Category of research, education, or advocacy
Aligned with FAFO’s strategic priorities (optional, but projects meeting this criteria will be prioritized)
Organization’s impact reaches beyond local community
Administrative overhead does not exceed 5% of amount requested
