Funding for Sustainable Farming

SARE grants typically open annually on a regular schedule, either in the spring or fall. Interested applicants may view past "call for proposals" where grants are not currently open. This could help start planning grants early, before busy growing or harvest seasons.

These grants must demonstrate a clear benefit to farms. SARE uses the U.S. Census of Agriculture's definition of a Farm: "Any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year." For more information, see "Northeast SARE's Definition of Farm".

All grants require advisors or collaborators to assist or advise on aspects of the project. Penn State Extension educators may help you locate appropriate advisors based on your grant needs.

Available Grants

Farmer Grant

Farmer grants are for commercial farmers who want to test a new idea using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, marketing initiative, or other techniques.

Application Deadline: December 9, 2025

Typically, one- to two-year projects capped at $30,000.

Details on Farmer Grants can be found under the Latest Call for Proposals - Farmer or under the additional resources tab on the lower right banner of the Northeast SARE Farmer webpage.

Professional Development Grant

Professional development grants fund train-the-trainer projects that increase the knowledge, skills, understanding, and abilities of service providers to teach farmers about sustainable practices and approaches.

Application Deadline: February 2, 2026

One- to three-year projects from $30,000 to $150,000.

Call for Proposals is available now at 2026 Professional Development Call for Proposals.

Partnership Grant

Partnership grants are for agricultural professionals who want to conduct projects working in direct partnership with farmers to further sustainability.

Application Deadline: Typically April

Typically, one- to two-year projects capped at $30,000. May be 3-years.

All details on Partnership Grants can be found under the Past Call for Proposals - Partnership or under the additional resources tab on the lower right banner of the Northeast SARE Partnership webpage.

Farming Community Grant

For farmers and those who work with them, this grant supports social science-focused agricultural research and education projects within the farming community. 

Deadline: February 23, 2026 

Typically one- to two-year projects from $30,000 for smaller projects to $250,000 for complex multi-year projects.

Details on this grant can be found at the Farming Community Grant landing page.

Research for Novel Approaches Grant

Provides funding for applied sustainable agriculture research for which farmer adoption is not yet realistic.

Application Deadline: Proposals Due February 2, 2026

Two- to three-year projects from $30,000 to $200,000.

More information, including the past call for proposals, can be found at Northeast SARE Novel Approaches 

Graduate Student Research Grant

For graduate students at any Northeast college, university, or veterinary school who want to conduct research on sustainable agriculture topics.

Application Deadline: Typically April

One- to two-year grants up to $15,000

The Past Call for Proposals and webinar recording provide vital information on how to apply for the Graduate Student Research Grant Program

Research and Education Grant

This grant category provides funding for education projects that focus on farmers and changes they make that lead to greater sustainability; projects may include an applied research component. Farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program.

Application Deadline: February 2, 2026

One- to three-year projects from $30,000 to $250,000.

The Call for Proposals can be found under the additional resources tab on the lower right banner of the SARE Research and Education Grant Program page.

See a comparison chart of grant options on the SARE Website. For assistance, feel free to reach out to Nicole Santangelo Thompson, Pennsylvania State SARE Coordinator at Penn State Extension.

To view past proposals, search the SARE Funded Projects Database

Northeast SARE is committed to accessibility for all eligible applicants. We encourage you to reach out to us regarding any challenges you experience as you plan and submit your proposal. To do so or to specifically request a disability-related accommodation, please contact Northeast SARE as soon as possible at 802-651-8335 or northeastsare@uvm.edu.