Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program (NY): Track 1

Note:
There are two funding opportunities under the Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program: Track 1 and Track 2. The proposal deadline, use of funds, and process for both opportunities are the same.The deadline for submission of questions is indicated above as the due date for Letter of Inquiry.
New York Farm Viability Institute
The New York Farm Viability Institute is a nonprofit grantmaking organization. We run a competitive grant program seeking to fund agricultural research and education projects that will create and share knowledge to improve the economic viability of New York’s farmers.
We strive to achieve our mission through a farmer-driven grant making process connecting farmer-identified needs to practical research and education solutions.
NYFVI administers both research and education as well as direct grants for farms and food businesses.
The BFCG is a competitive funding opportunity administered in partnership with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The program will provide 1.7 million to support beginning farmers in building financially sustainable, independent, commercial agricultural enterprises throughout New York State. All projects must be based completely in New York State.
Purpose of Grants
The use of these grant funds is deliberately broad to allow a wide range of applicants to determine what will create the strongest financial benefit for their business or the business they plan to start. Applicants should be ready to explain why each item they are requesting is a good investment in their business and how it aligns with their proposed project goals. All applicants must be able to provide a reasonable estimate of the operational outcomes and the potential short- and long-term economic benefits that the use of these funds will create.
What can be funded?
Grant Size and Duration
There are two funding opportunities (Track 1 and Track 2); the proposal deadline, use of funds, and process for both opportunities are the same. Both tracks will utilize the ame application.
The smaller Track 1 projects are anticipated to be simpler and, therefore, able to be completed in a shorter timeframe.
Award Range: $5,000 - $50,000; Project Timeline: 18 Months from contract