American Farmland Trust
American Farmland Trust (AFT) is a public charity based in Washington, DC, founded in 1980. It works to protect farmland, promote sound farming practices, and help farmers and ranchers remain on the land through conservation, research, advocacy, and on-the-ground projects.
American Farmland Trust at a glance
In short: American Farmland Trust gave $4.1M across 119 grants in 2025 (avg $35K), top state Texas. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $4,140,851
- +39.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 119
- -22.7% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $34,797
- +80.1% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $19,000
- Total assets
- $95,412,179
- -5.4% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Texas (27% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to American Farmland Trust
- Contact
Mailing address: 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue Nw 5005, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202) 331-7300
Website: https://farmland.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
7 open opportunities from American Farmland Trust
Brighter Future Fund
American Farmland Trust
Amount
Up to $5,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Brighter Future Fund
American Farmland Trust
Amount
Up to $5,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
New England Regenerative Livestock Farming Grants
American Farmland Trust
Amount
Up to $10,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who American Farmland Trust funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Indigo Ag Inc ($1.0M). Together the top 10 received $2.0M.
Grant Size Distribution
420 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 395 grants of 420 (94%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
AFT describes its work as nationwide. Its 2024 filing lists state, local, and federal programs in California, the Midwest, New York, New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest, the Southeast, and Texas, alongside national initiatives. In 2025, the largest shares of reported grant dollars went to recipients in Texas (27%), New York (11%), Maine (8%), Virginia (6%), and California (5%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 119 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How American Farmland Trust gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $252K (2020) to $4.1M (2025). In 2025 it made 119 grants totaling $4.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Indigo Ag Inc Dallas, TX | Promoting Sound Farming Practices/Keeping Farmers on the Land | $1,003,290 |
| University of Maine Orono, ME | Promoting Sound Farming Practices/Keeping Farmers on the Land | $200,000 |
| Cornell University - Small Farms Program Ithaca, NY | Promoting Sound Farming Practices/Keeping Farmers on the Land | $160,470 |
| Baranski Hammer & ASSOCIATES2 Galena, IL | Promoting Sound Farming Practices/Keeping Farmers on the Land | $110,650 |
| Trustees of Dartmouth College Hanover, NH | Promoting Sound Farming Practices/Keeping Farmers on the Land | $101,993 |
| Growsmart Maine Augusta, ME | Promoting Sound Farming Practices/Keeping Farmers on the Land | $100,000 |
| Earthoptics Inc Arlington, VA | Promoting Sound Farming Practices/Keeping Farmers on the Land | $98,223 |
| Integrity Beef Alliance Association Ardmore, OK | Promoting Sound Farming Practices/Keeping Farmers on the Land | $91,062 |
| The Dry Farming Institute Corvallis, OR | Promoting Sound Farming Practices/Keeping Farmers on the Land | $67,791 |
| Black Family Land Trust Inc Durham, NC | Promoting Sound Farming Practices/Keeping Farmers on the Land | $52,590 |
Ready to take the next step with American Farmland Trust?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $95,412,179 | $48,402,808 | $47,009,214 | $4,140,851 | 119 | $1,117,020 |
| 2024 | $100,845,162 | $52,095,962 | $44,093,608 | $2,975,447 | 154 | $4,692,520 |
| 2023 | $78,028,581 | $34,930,764 | $33,252,655 | $1,001,519 | 55 | $1,058,895 |
| 2022 | $69,949,057 | $36,692,176 | $27,910,473 | $1,062,318 | 69 | $1,832,557 |
| 2021 | $63,889,323 | $36,734,548 | $22,132,720 | $273,137 | 23 | $1,126,438 |
| 2020 | $46,332,584 | $31,104,144 | $26,260,377 | $252,084 | 16 | $644,275 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
AFT’s mission is to save the land that sustains us by protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land. Its work includes farmland protection, soil health and climate initiatives, farm viability, land transfer, water, policy, and support for women in agriculture.
AFT’s grants to farmers and ranchers support work such as improving farm resilience, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening local food systems, expanding opportunities for underserved farmers, and improving farm viability. Its grants to organizations include support for a range of agricultural and conservation work. For example, the Dry Farming Institute describes its mission as supporting growers’ exploration of dry farming and other water-resilient practices, while the Black Family Land Trust says it works to protect and preserve African American land ownership. California Farmlink describes its work as investing in farmers, ranchers, and fishers with limited access to financial resources.
Grantmaking
In 2025, AFT reported 119 grants totaling $4,140,851. Grant amounts ranged from $5,331 to $1,003,290, with a median of $19,000. The stated purpose for the largest listed grants was “promoting sound farming practices/keeping farmers on the land.”
The largest reported grants included $1,003,290 to Indigo Ag Inc. in Dallas, Texas; $200,000 to the University of Maine; $160,470 to Cornell University’s Small Farms Program; $110,650 to Baranski Hammer & Associates2; and $101,993 to the Trustees of Dartmouth College. Other listed recipients included GrowSmart Maine ($100,000), EarthOptics Inc. ($98,223), Integrity Beef Alliance Association ($91,062), the Dry Farming Institute ($67,791), the Black Family Land Trust ($52,590), Oregon State University ($52,590), and California Farmlink ($52,243).
AFT’s Brighter Future Fund offers direct grants to farmers and ranchers. Its National Farm Viability Grant page lists awards of up to $10,000 per project for eligible U.S. for-profit farmers and ranchers engaged in terrestrial, soil-based agricultural production. Eligible project types include professional services, equipment, or infrastructure for secure land tenure, farmland acquisition or transfer, regenerative practices, and improved business operations. The listed application window, June 8–18, 2026, has passed; the page lists fall 2026 as the planned disbursement period. AFT’s Emergency Resilience Grant page says applications are closed. The funder also lists a currently open Pollinator Habitat Incentive Program offering $100 per acre for qualifying new pollinator habitat in the Midwest, with a deadline of November 15, 2026. Its currently open Soil Health Stewards Program provides small grants to agricultural land trusts and public PACE programs in exchange for developing and reporting on a multi-year soil-health action plan for permanently protected farmland.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Grant Winthrop as chair; Helene Dillard and Ralph Grossi as vice chairs; and Robert E. Egerton Jr. as treasurer. Directors listed include Lillian Ebonie Alexander, Emily Broad Leib, Lynn Clarkson, Jonathan Coppess, Otto Doering, and Val Dolcini.
American Farmland Trust is led by John F. Piotti, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 10 of 29 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
John F. Piotti
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$293K (2020) → $645K (2025)
Grant Winthrop
Chair
Vice Chair - → Chair -, 2022
Chair - → Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Timothy Fink
Policy Director
On filings since 2021
37.5 hrs/week
$150K (2021) → $180K (2025)
Cannon Michael
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Emily Broad Leib
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gina Gallo
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jennie Turner Garlington
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lillian Ebonie Alexander
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lynn Clarkson
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Otto Doering
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Abby Stranahan
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Klaas Martens
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Larkin Martin
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Allen Penn
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Val Dolcini
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Alex Hart
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Becky Doyle
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jonathan Coppess
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ashley Bovino Cfo And Vp Of
Finance & Administrator
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$222K (2020) → $327K (2025)
Beth Sauerhaft
Vice President of Programs
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$133K (2020) → $241K (2025)
John Larson
Senior Vice President
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$204K (2020) → $256K (2025)
Kathie Lwanga
Assistant Secretary
Secretary → Assistant Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$69K (2020) → $94K (2025)
Mini Aggarwal
Finance Controller
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$133K (2020) → $194K (2025)
Rick Monk Vice President
Secretary
General Counsel → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2020
37.5 hrs/week
$140K (2020) → $245K (2025)
David Haight
Vice President of Programs
On filings since 2021
37.5 hrs/week
$140K (2021) → $186K (2025)
Lea Harvey
Vice President of Development
On filings since 2024
37.5 hrs/week
$151K (2024) → $203K (2025)
Helene Dillard
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ralph Grossi
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2023
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert E. Egerton Jr.
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (14)
- Former: James Moseley (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Nicholas Herman Vice President (2023) — Of Development -
- Former: Ea'mon O'Toole (2020–2022) — Director -
- Former: John Hardin (2020–2022) — Chair -
- Former: Manya Rubinstein (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Nicholas Herman (2020–2022) — Vice President of Development
- Former: William Boehm (2020–2022) — Vice Chair -
- Former: Barton Buzz Thompson Jr. (2020–2021) — Director -
- Former: Laurie Landeau Vice Chair (2021)
- Former: Alice Sorensen (2020) — Research Director Emeritus & Senior Advisor
- Former: Elizabeth Libby Jones (2020) — Direcotr -
- Former: Julia Freedgood Farms For The (2020) — Next Generation Director & Senior Advisor
- Former: Laurie Landeau (2020) — Vice Chair
- Former: Truman Semans (2020) — Direcotr -
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $645K, to John F Piotti (President & CEO). 10 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about American Farmland Trust
How much does American Farmland Trust give each year?
American Farmland Trust gave $4.1M across 119 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $3.0M across 154 grants.
What is American Farmland Trust's typical grant size?
American Farmland Trust's median grant in 2025 was $19,000, and its average grant was $34,797, across 119 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does American Farmland Trust give grants?
American Farmland Trust's top state is Texas, with 27% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were New York (11%) and Maine (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were Ithaca, NY (4 grants), Durham, NC (4 grants), Corvallis, OR (3 grants) and Hanover, NH (2 grants).
Does American Farmland Trust give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 119 grants with a stated purpose on American Farmland Trust's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are American Farmland Trust's largest grantees?
American Farmland Trust's largest 2025 grantees include Indigo Ag Inc ($1,003,290), University of Maine ($200,000) and Cornell University - Small Farms Program ($160,470), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 33% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is American Farmland Trust?
American Farmland Trust reported $95.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $48.4M.
What does American Farmland Trust fund?
AFT’s mission is to save the land that sustains us by protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from American Farmland Trust?
American Farmland Trust has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check farmland.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is American Farmland Trust's EIN?
American Farmland Trust's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-1190211. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 14, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS June 6, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS July 21, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS July 23, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS July 15, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 15, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in American Farmland Trust's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in District of Columbia
Land Trust Alliance Inc
Washington, DC
Land Trust Alliance supports land conservation by funding land trusts and related organizations, particularly for capacity building, conservation work, and lasting protection of land. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,230 to $377,600, with a median of $15,500, and were concentrated in New York; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$24.7M
Grants
122
Total Given
$5.3M
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Washington, DC
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation makes competitive grants for science-based projects that conserve or restore fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats; it does not fund advocacy or litigation. Its 2025 grants had a median of about $106,500, and it supports projects across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Applications are competitive and program-specific; whether pre-proposals are required varies by program.
Assets
$3.6B
Grants
1,286
Total Given
$464.4M
The Nature Conservancy
Arlington, VA
The Nature Conservancy funds conservation work, including land and easement acquisition, research, planning, organizational capacity, and sustainable agriculture, across the United States and internationally. In 2025, its grants had a median of about $31,000, with awards ranging from about $5,000 to $2.1 million; some regional programs offer grants of up to $100,000.
Assets
$10.1B
Grants
671
Total Given
$67.8M
IBM International Foundation
Armonk, NY
The IBM International Foundation funds education and workforce programs that build 21st-century and technology job skills, including initiatives for underserved students and job seekers. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $8.48 million, with a median of $100,000, and went to organizations across several U.S. states, especially Delaware and Massachusetts. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$357.7M
Grants
16
Total Given
$11.7M
The Conservation Fund a Nonprofit Corporation
Arlington, VA
The Conservation Fund supports land and habitat conservation, water and food-system initiatives, and community projects that advance sustainable economies, through grants, loans, and technical assistance. In 2025, grants ranged from $6,000 to $755,000, with a median of $20,000; it works nationwide, with the largest share of recent grant dollars going to North Carolina and Virginia. Unsolicited requests are not addressed generally in the profile; some programs have specific application requirements.
Assets
$942.8M
Grants
191
Total Given
$15.9M
NCRC Community Development Fund Inc
Washington, DC
NCRC Community Development Fund supports affordable housing and homeownership, small businesses—especially minority-owned, women-owned, and low-income businesses—and certain nonprofit programs that provide capital or services to underserved communities. Its listed awards range from $5,000 to $50,000, though typical giving is not stated; it serves communities across the U.S., with some programs focused on Illinois. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$55.6M
Grants
2,666
Total Given
$149.3M
More similar funders
More Funders in District of Columbia
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). American Farmland Trust funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 8, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/american-farmland-trust-morg_57b8cf64af644b61b6c0e1d9ab2c8ba9
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_521190211_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{American Farmland Trust funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/american-farmland-trust-morg_57b8cf64af644b61b6c0e1d9ab2c8ba9},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-08. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from American Farmland Trust's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
American Farmland Trust down — hundreds of funders to go?