Grants

Gothic Arch Greenhouses participates in the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which offers financial assistance to qualified growers. Grant-approved products and structures are backed by the USDA to extend growing seasons, promote optimal growing conditions and good conservation practices, and make best use of farmland areas.

The USDA’s NRCS High Tunnel Initiative provides funding for greenhouses that help producers make conservation work for them. The goal of this program is to conserve natural resources for the future while also improving agricultural operations.

The EQIP program provides grants to implement conservation practices to encourage farming practices that can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitats.

The program is administered through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and is offered in all 50 states. Follow this link for NRCS EQIP Grant Application Information by State

Each State's EQIP page includes application ranking criteria, priority resource concerns, lists of eligible practices, payment rates, information about where you can submit applications, and view eligibility requirements.

Other USDA-sponsored grant and farm loan information can be found here: https://www.usda.gov/topics/farming/grants-and-loans

If you’re an organic farmer, or are interested in transitioning to organic production, the National Organic Initiative can help. Funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), this conservation program provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in exploring organic practices. NRCS can help organic producers improve their operations or help producers transition to organic using a conservation plan tailored to their needs.

For more information, https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/financial/eqip/?cid=nrcs143_008224

Gothic Arch Greenhouses supports educators and participates in promoting agricultural and horticultural vocational training via the Carl Perkins Grant program.

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) was signed into law on July 31, 2018. This bipartisan measure reauthorized the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins IV) and continued Congress’ commitment in providing nearly $1.3 billion annually for career and technical education (CTE) programs for our nation’s youth and adults.

Schools, colleges, and technical training facilities may apply at https://cte.ed.gov/grants/state-formula-grants

The National Garden Bureau provides grants for the building and growth of therapeutic gardens across North America. Past NGB President Heather Kibble says, "Caring for plants and experiencing nature brings healing and purpose to people whose lives have been affected by illness, addiction, violence or military service."

For more information, click: https://ngb.org/therapeutic-grant-program/

Commercial growing education grants are important for growing the future.

Also a part of the Perkins grant structure, Congress authorizes roughly $14.1 million annually under the Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP).

This aid to federally-recognized Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Alaskan Native entities, and eligible Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)-funded schools provides career and technical education programs for Native Americans and Alaskan Natives.

Apply at: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/ctenavtep/eligibility.html

NIFA grants support the science of agricultural learning from kindergarten through post-graduate studies with grants available at every educational level.

There are three grants which promote K-12 education, targeting teachers from primary grades to high school to give students a foundation in math and science relating to agriculture.

Two more grants are available for University level research and instruction, and the Special Projects Data Research Program targets graduate and post-graduate Ag research.

Find out more at: https://nifa.usda.gov/program/k-12-and-higher-education-programs

Supporting the cultivation of native plants, Gothic Arch Greenhouses works with federally recognized Indian tribes for cultural and historic preservation projects. Tribal Heritage Grants assist Indian Tribes, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiian Organizations in protecting and promoting their unique cultural heritage and traditions through herbs and plants sacred to our nations’ tribes.

More information can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/thpo/tribal-heritage/index.html

Commercial growers often need additional support to cultivate specialty crops. The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) can enhance your specialty crop growing needs. Specialty crops are defined as "fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture)."

Details are available at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp

Access to fresh, locally grown produce is something Gothic Arch Greenhouses believes in. The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) aims to increase consumption of and access to locally and regionally produced agricultural products. Farms and ranches can reach new markets within their region to develop, improve, and expand. FMPP supports domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.

Entities that are eligible to apply include agricultural businesses and cooperatives, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) networks and associations, economic development corporations, local governments, nonprofit corporations, producer networks and associations, regional farmers’ market authorities, and Tribal governments.

Application information is: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/fmpp/how-do-i-apply-fmpp-grant

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) offers competitive grants to fund research and education projects that advance sustainable agricultural practices in the United States.

Eligible entities include farmers and ranchers, researchers, extension agents, educators, and graduate students. SARE grants are intended for projects involving research and education only, not to defray the costs associated with starting a farm.

Grants are available for projects within the United States and U.S. territories only.

Apply at: https://www.sare.org/Grants

The Farm to School Grant Program (F2S) provides grants to increase local food procurement for school meal programs, helping schools to source local food, and connect children to farming and gardening.

Gothic Arch Greenhouses believes that when students develop a deeper understanding of where their food comes from, they reap health and knowledge benefits. Local farmers gain access to critical economic opportunities, while schools add critical STEM learning through educational agriculture and gardening activities. F2S grants can be used for training and technical assistance, planning, purchasing equipment, developing school gardens, developing partnerships, and implementing farm to school programs.

Learn more here: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cfs/farm-school-grant-program

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture offers the White-Reinhardt Mini-Grant Program to fund projects that will increase agricultural literacy and education. They also fund a scholarship, and have downloadable lesson plans and resources on the site.

Click here to find out more: https://www.agfoundation.org/projects/mini-grants-home

Many additional grant and funding opportunities can be found at: https://nifa.usda.gov/page/search-grant

Food security, sustainability, education, native plants, and many other focuses are covered in the available grants on this page. Gothic Arch Greenhouses is happy to work with any US-approved program to ensure access to top quality greenhouses and equipment for those who are growing our future.