Farm Grant Program

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The Farm Grant Program supports economic development and food security in Mendocino and Lake Counties by funding capacity-building projects on small farms.  When small farms are successful the result is a strong local food system and a resilient agricultural community.

Strong grant candidates maximize food production for local consumption and prioritize providing affordable food for underserved members of our community.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 GRANT CYCLE ARE NOW OPEN! 

Click here to apply for a 2026 Good Farm Fund Grant

2026 FARM GRANT APPLICATION GUIDELINES
The Good Farm Fund distributes grants to local food farms and ranches, who apply for grants in three tiers:

  • Tier 1: up to $3,000 (most are in this range)
  • Tier 2: $3,000 – $5,000 (several will be in this range)
  • Tier 3: Multi-Farm Applications: $5,000 – $10,000. (One or two will be in this range.) The Good Farm Fund will consider proposals up to $10,000 for collaborative projects submitted by two or more farms that are intended to provide a wider community benefit and/or serve multiple agricultural providers. 

Application Process
Applications are submitted by completing this google form

Grant recipients are determined by the Farm Grant Committee, a group comprised of experienced local farmers from Mendocino or Lake County, local food security advocates, and community members committed to food security. Any committee member who has an economic interest or tie to an applicant recuses themselves for that application decision (occasional purchasing does not apply). 

If you would like to join the 2026 Farm Grant Committee please email us at goodfarmfund@gmail.com

Applicant Requirements
Applicants must: 

  • Own or have decision-making power in their farm or ranch operations.
  • Provide a Certified Producers Certificate, or other proof of business 
  • Have owned and/or managed a commercial food farm/ranch operation for at least one year in Mendocino or Lake County.

Farm: The farm or ranch for which the money will be used must have a foundation of commercial food production, and all grant funding must be applied 100% to agricultural production. 

Land: Applicants are not required to own land or machinery to apply. They should, however, show a dedication to farming and/or a contribution to the Mendocino and Lake County food system and have a written agreement establishing ongoing access to the property where the grant project will be implemented. 

Crops: Grant money may not be used to purchase and/or propagate genetically engineered crops. 

Grant Recipients: As a grant recipient, you will be expected to document your project including providing receipts for major purchases (if requested), proving photos, and tracking and reporting on the outcome and achievement of your project in a brief final report. Grant recipients may also be asked to present publicly about their project. Photographs and descriptions of completed projects may be featured on the Good Farm Fund website and in marketing materials produced by Good Farm Fund or its sponsors.

These capacity-building grants are designed for small to mid-sized fruit, vegetable, seed, and livestock farmers in Lake and Mendocino Counties who have been farming as a business for more than 1 year. Good Farm Fund does not fund flower farms, hobby farms, farm tourism, non-profit organizations, or value-added businesses such as bakeries. The farm grant is intended to provide one-time funding to capacity building projects that will increase access to local food in our communities, we do not fund operating costs. 

Applications will be graded by the committee on a 100-point scale: 

NOTE: IF YOU RECEIVED A GRANT IN 2025, YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO APPLY IN 2026, WE’LL SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

Section 

Guidelines 

Points 

Quality and Impact of Proposed Project 

Strongest applications will increase the capacity and/or efficiency of the farm business and/or an improved ability to support a farming livelihood, demonstrating one or more of the following: increased annual revenue, decreased inputs such as time or labor, increased food production, increased financial stability. 

30 

Community Impact
  • Will the project create or expand a local food access point or significantly enrich a local market?
  • Will the project meaningfully increase the local food supply?
  • Does the project increase food access for underserved populations including (but not limited to) low-income, local tribes, senior citizens, undocumented community members, or children?
  • Does the project enrich our local farming community through increased education/awareness of local food or sustainable farming practices? 

20 
     

Farming Experience and Professional References 

Applicant meets the requirements described in these guidelines. Longevity in farming will be considered. Provides at least two relevant references with their contact information. 

20 

Description of Project, Goals, and Timeline 

Clear and detailed descriptions are provided. The application is completed in full and easy to understand. The proposed budget is realistic, thorough, and includes estimates. 

30 

   

KEY DATES FOR GRANT APPLICANTS 

Application published (2026 grant cycle opens) 

February 20th, 2026

Application Deadline 

March 20th, 2026 5:00 PM PST

Grant recipients notified by phone/email 

early April 2026

Award celebration / distribution of checks

Date and location TBD

Final Report Due

December 1, 2027