Future Organic Farmer Grant Fund

CCOF Future Organic Farmer Grant Fund: Growing Future Organic Professionals

With fewer young people going into agriculture, many experts and sector leaders are concerned about the future of American farming. New organic farmers and entrepreneurs are needed to meet the demand for organic products that are healthy for both people and the planet. The Future Organic Farmer Grant Fund provides financial support for organic education from kindergarten through college. Meet previous grant recipients.

Future Organic Farmer Grant Funds are available for applicants in three categories:

Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Teachers: Receive funds to incorporate organic into your classroom’s project-based learning.

GRANT AMOUNT: Up to $1,000

NUMBER OF GRANTS AWARDED: Up to 33

GRANT PURPOSE: The CCOF Foundation and the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom administer the Look at Agriculture…Organically! grant program for K-8 teachers who educate their students about organic agriculture.

ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must be certified K-8 teachers in the United States. Applicants must submit a project proposal with an itemized budget for a project to be completed in the 2020-21 school year. A significant percentage of grant funds will be awarded to teachers in school districts with 50% or more of its students enrolled in the free/reduced lunch program.

DEADLINE: Applications open April 1 and close May 6, 2019.

Middle and High School Students: Receive a grant for your organic FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project.

GRANT AMOUNT: $1,000

NUMBER OF GRANTS AWARDED: Up to 33

GRANT PURPOSE: The CCOF Foundation offers grants to help middle and high school students cover the expenses of conducting FFA SAE projects using organic production methods.

ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must be students in grades 7-12 who are current FFA members planning to do a SAE project. Proposed SAE project must follow USDA organic production standards. Applicants’ financial need is considered as part of the grant decision process.

DEADLINE: Applications open September 5, 2019. Deadline is November 15, 2019. Apply on the FFA website.

Vocational and Higher Education Students: We can help you pay for your studies in organic agriculture.

GRANT AMOUNT: $2,500

NUMBER OF GRANTS AWARDED: Up to 33

GRANT PURPOSE: The CCOF Foundation offers grants to higher education and vocational students pursuing degrees or certificates in organic agriculture to help with tuition and educational expenses.

ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must be enrolled in an educational program in the United States that will benefit their career in organic agriculture, including vocational training/certificate programs, junior college/two-year degree programs, and bachelor’s/four-year undergraduate degrees. Prior grantees are welcome to re-apply. Graduate studies are not eligible for grant funding. Applicants’ financial need is considered as part of the grant decision process.

DEADLINE: Applications open April 1 and close May 6, 2019

To learn more about the Future Organic Farmer Grant Fund, please contact us at ccoffoundation@ccof.org or (831) 423-2263.