Tennessee NRCS Small-scale and Urban-focused Agricultural Grants (US)

NRCS Small-Scale Urban-Focused Agriculture Project is an effort to challenge local Conservation Districts, non-profit organizations, non-government organizations, institutions of higher learning and other community partners to work toward the development of demonstration urban, community, and pollinator gardens across Tennessee.   Awarded projects  will demonstrate the process of planning and applying natural resource conservation practices, systems, and treatment in urban agricultural environments. Awarded structural practices will promote agricultural production and optimize environmental benefits in urban agricultural environments.

Objectives

• Eligible entities are invited to apply for NRCS assistance with the following key conservation goals and objectives:
  • Urban gardening projects that develop urban properties into sustainable production sites for fruits and vegetables.
  • Develop healthy and vibrant pollinator habitat.
  • Provide conservation learning experiences to urban communities.
  • Leverage non-federal resources to achieve positive natural resource conservation outcomes.
  • Expand conservation tools and support to address the unique needs of urban farmers and communities.

Funding Information

• Estimated Funding
  • The Federal funding agency expects to award approximately $320,000.00 through this opportunity. However, the agency retains the discretion to award a larger or lesser amount.
• Grants up to $15,000.00 will be available to fund a demonstration community and/or urban garden. Financial resources are to be utilized for garden supplies which can include tools, seed, fertilizer, soil and soil additives, irrigation materials, garden materials, and educational signage. Technical assistance by NRCS staff may  be requested to help determine site, slope, placement, etc.
• Grants up to $15,000.00 will be available for demonstration pollinator gardens/habitat creation. Financial resources are to be utilized for garden supplies which can include seed, soil and soil additives, small trees, seedlings, garden materials, pollinator boxes, and educational signage. Technical assistance by NRCS staff may be requested to help determine site, slope, placement, etc.
• Grants up to $25,000.00 will be available for construction of a seasonal high tunnel and educational signage. NRCS specifications and certification for the construction of a Seasonal High Tunnel must be followed. Technical assistance by NRCS staff shall be requested to help determine site, slope, placement, etc. The project duration of an agreement that includes a high tunnel must be a minimum of three (3) years to include a construction period and a minimum of two growing seasons.
• Grant applicants may request funding for a single grant or a combination of a garden and seasonal high tunnel.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to the following entity types:
  • City or township governments
  • County governments
  • Independent school districts
  • Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education)
  • Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education)
  • Private institutions of higher education
  • Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education
  • Special district governments
  • State governments

For more information, visit Grants.gov.