Farmers Advocating for Organic Grant Program

Organic Valley

Relevent Country: United States of America

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

Source: https://www.organicvalley.coop/why-organic-valley/power-of-we/farmers-advocating-organics/