Regenerative Farmer Assurance Fund (RFAF)

Geographic Scope: Midwest United States, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin

Focus Areas:

• Emergency bridge funding for farmers facing delays in federal reimbursements
• Support for organic and regenerative farmers implementing conservation practices
• Infrastructure and market development tied to regenerative agriculture

Types of Funding Supported:

• Cash flow reimbursement-based funding (EQIP, CSP, REAP, CRP, FLSP)
• Signed market and buyer contracts requiring upfront investment
• Emerging market opportunities tied to regenerative practice adoption
• Time-sensitive on-farm infrastructure with clear line of sight to reimbursement

Eligibility:

• Organic and regenerative farmers in the Midwest
• Those experiencing delays in executed public grant reimbursements
• Farmers with immediate financial need to sustain operations
• Farmers must provide evidence of executed contracts, public grant documentation, market development opportunities, or on-farm conservation practice adoption

Award Structure:

• Recoupable grants: If reimbursement arrives, farmers repay the grant, and funds are redeployed to other producers
• Non-recoupable aid: If reimbursements don't come, funds convert to direct aid
• This structure preserves philanthropic dollars for circulation and maximizes impact

Background:
Launched in March 2024 in response to widespread federal funding delays and freezes affecting USDA conservation programs (EQIP, CSP, RFSI, VAPG). The program expanded in Round 3 (October 2025) to address evolving challenges beyond delayed USDA reimbursements.

How to Apply

1. Online Application: Visit healingsoils.org/programs
2. Required Documentation:
   • Evidence of executed contracts
   • Public grant documentation showing delayed reimbursements
   • Market development opportunities (if applicable)
   • Documentation of on-farm conservation practice adoption
3. Submission: Submit documentation of delayed reimbursements along with application
4. Application Type: Rolling applications accepted as funds allow
5. Processing: Rapid-response model designed for swift approval and funding deployment