Find It Locally
Search CISA’s online guide to local farms, food, and more!
Find Local FoodResources for Farmers
Financial and Technical Assistance
The resources below focus on grants available to local farm and food businesses working on climate change adaptation practices and solutions. This section also includes a list of organizations that provide technical assistance to farms including guidance on many aspects of the adaptation process.
Visit the grantor’s website before applying to make sure you have the most up-to-date information. If you would like support from CISA staff planning a grant application or reviewing a draft, please reach out well before the deadline.
Grants (Non-governmental)
The grants listed below are offered by non-governmental organizations and private institutions working to support sustainable, resilient farms. Grants and grant information and deadlines are reviewed annually, please excuse any out-of-date information. While CISA is not able to write grants, we are able to review proposals, upon request.
CISA Climate Change Adaptation Grants
American Farmland Trust Farmer Micro-grants
Harold Grinspoon Foundation Local Farmer Awards
The Fruit Guys Community Fund for Small Farms and Sustainability Projects
Grants (State)
The grants below are offered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and other state programs working to support sustainable, climate resilient farms. Grants and grant information are reviewed annually, please excuse any out-of-date information. While CISA is not able to write grants, we are able to discuss your ideas and review proposals, upon request.
Please note that not all MDAR grants are specifically focused on climate change adaptation and mitigation, check out the Agricultural Grants Storyboard for an introduction to all of MDAR’s grants.
Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources Grants and Financial Assistance Programs
MDAR Massachusetts Farm Energy Program
MDAR Organic Certification Cost Share Program
Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental Protection (MDEP) Gap Energy Grants
Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Food Security Infrastructure Grants
Grants (Federal)
The grants listed below are offered by federal offices and departments working to support sustainable, climate resilient farms. Grants and grant information and deadlines here are reviewed annually, please excuse any out-of-date information. While CISA is not able to write grants, we are able to review proposals, upon request.
REAP Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) – Massachusetts Office
Farm Lending Programs and Organizations
In our region, with it’s long history of agriculture, there are a number of organizations, banks and agencies that provide loans and other financial assistance and planning services to start-up and established farm businesses. All of the organizations below understand the climate change challenges faced by local farms and food businesses and are prepared to help you plan for resiliency.
Technical Assistance Providers
The following Massachusetts and national-level organizations provide technical assistance to local farm and food businesses addressing climate change impacts on their businesses.
Massachusetts NRCS Technical Assistance Programs
Massachusetts Department of Agriculture (MDAR)