Farmer and Backyard Grower Grants - Farmer Grant

Farmer Grant

Funder: Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society, funded by Slough Farm Foundation

Geographic Scope: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Program Type: Project-based grant awards (reimbursement grants)

The Farmer and Backyard Grower Grants are project-based grant awards administered by the Agricultural Society and funded by Slough Farm. The call for applicants is typically posted in late winter with award notifications by early spring. Special consideration is given to innovative solutions or needs that cannot receive funding through traditional sources.

Award Amounts

• Typical awards range from $1,000 to $5,000
• Reimbursement-based: receipts reimbursed up to awarded amount

Eligibility

• Must be an active member (2026 or lifetime) of the Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society to apply
• Membership must be confirmed before applying

Evaluation Criteria

Applications scored on five criteria:

1. Islandwide impact
2. Innovation
3. Sustainability
4. Feasibility
5. Long-term viability

What Is Funded

• Small projects not easily funded through other sources
• Equipment purchases
• Infrastructure improvements
• Food safety improvements
• Soil health projects
• Energy efficiency projects

What Is NOT Funded

• Employee labor
• Consulting
• Marketing
• Permanent fencing
• Education

Contact

Lucy Grinnan

• Email: programs@mvagsoc.org
• Phone: 508.693.9549

Application Process

1. Submission Method: Applications must be submitted via online application portal only. Cover letters, PDFs, and other formats are NOT accepted.
2. Separate Applications: Farmer grants and backyard grower grants have separate applications—use the appropriate one for your project type.
3. Required Materials:
   • Project description with explanation of how it meets the five evaluation criteria
   • Budget and timeline
   • Proof of active membership in the Agricultural Society
4. Deadline: 5:00 PM on Monday, January 12th, 2026
   • Note: As of today (2026-04-03), applications for 2026 are closed. Next application period expected late 2026 for 2027 grants.
5. Award Notifications: All applicants notified by end of January

Post-Award Requirements (for grant recipients)

1. Reimbursement Process:
   • Submit one-page invoice summarizing all relevant purchases
   • Attach all relevant receipts
   • Submit receipts together if possible; contact Lucy if timeline adjustment needed
2. Reimbursement Deadline: All claims must be submitted by December 1st of the year granted
   • Funds not expended/reimbursed by this date are forfeited
3. Project Report (REQUIRED):
   • Due: December 1st of the year of grant acceptance
   • Content: 150-300 word summary of project activities and value to operation
   • Attachments: At least 3 images in JPEG or PNG format supporting the report
   • Note: Grant recipients who do not submit a report become ineligible to receive the grant in the following year
   • Image Use: Unless otherwise specified, photos may be used for publicity by Slough Farm and the Agricultural Society