The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (“MDAR”) seeks proposals from state and local governmental entities (including, but not limited to, state agencies, municipalities, and universities/colleges), Non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, and individual farmers for projects that will advance urban food production in the Commonwealth.
Donor Name: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
State: Massachusetts
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 05/19/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
The purpose of the MDAR Urban Agriculture Program is to advance Commonwealth goals and objectives, leverage collective resources, and support commercial projects designed to increase the production, processing, and marketing of produce grown and sold in urban centers across the Commonwealth. Expenditures will promote strategies to address food insecurity and to increase access of fresh, local produce in urban neighborhoods with a high concentration of low-moderate income residents.
Project Areas
- Soil Management
- Land
- Equipment
- Green Infrastructure
- Climate Change Infrastructure
- Community Urban Farming Projects
- Innovative Growing Technology
- Marketing, Distribution, Transportation.
Funding Information
- This call for grant proposals is subject to and contingent upon the availability of funds. Funding is anticipated to be awarded in amounts up to $50,000.00 (maximum).
- Applicants are required to demonstrate a cash match of 25% of total project costs for projects over $15,000.00.
Grant Period
July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
Eligible Projects
- Long-term, capital investments such as infrastructure improvements, building upgrades, land procurement, or purchase of farm equipment. Projects will also foster youth development, small business development, and job training directly related to commercial urban farming.
- The Program also seeks proposals in 2 additional areas:
- Community Gardens and Community Food Production projects.
Eligibility Criteria
Massachusetts municipalities federal and state recognized tribal governments, nonprofit organizations 501(c)(3), public or non-profit educational or public institutions, and established urban farmer with more than three years of commercial urban farming experience. Community Garden and Community Food Production applicants must be a Municipality or Non-Profit Organization.
For more information, visit MDAR.
