CISA Farm Business Funding Opportunities

Beginning Farmers

In partnership with state-wide Buy Local groups, Massachusetts Farm to School, Land For Good, and The Carrot Project, we provide business services to farmers who are in their first 10 years of ownership or operations. We provide 1×1 assistance and cost shares to work with outside consultants. Ends August 2019

For more information on this funding opportunity please contact Stevie Schafenacker: stevie@buylocalfood.org

Direct Market Farmers

In partnership with state-wide Buy Local groups, we work with farmers who sell direct to consumers. We provide 1×1 assistance and cost shares to work with outside consultants. This includes farms with potential or existing farm stands, CSAs, farmers market sales, and online direct to consumer sales. Ends August 2019

For more information on this funding opportunity please contact Stevie Schafenacker: stevie@buylocalfood.org

Environmental Sustainability and Conservation

Through the generous support of the Lookout Foundation, CISA can provide farms with funding for outside expertise to improve environmental and economic sustainability. Support is available to help farms improve the sustainability of production practices, adapt to changing weather patterns, do financial analysis to improve farm viability, and more. Our funds can cover consultations, design, auditing cost shares, specialized contractors, or general advice and mentorship.

Funding up to $2,500 is available to farms for assistance directly related to the improvement, continuation, or implementation of production practices related to environmental sustainability or natural resource conservation. Funding up to $1,000 is available for assistance that indirectly supports the environmental sustainability of a farm by improving the farm’s economic viability. Ends June 2020

For more information on this funding opportunity please contact Stevie Schafenacker: stevie@buylocalfood.org

Labor Management Assistance

Funding to provide assistance on topics in: labor regulations, employee manuals and policies, harassment/discrimination prevention, leadership skills, employee training, feedback and performance management, workplace communication and team-buidling.

For more information on this funding opportunity please contact kristen@buylocalfood.org