Funder: Agricultural Marketing Service
Due Dates: June 27, 2025 (11:59 pm ET)
Funding Amounts: $100,000–$1,000,000 per award; Planning & Design: $100,000–$250,000; Implementation & Expansion: $250,000–$1,000,000; up to 36 months
Summary: Supports partnerships to develop and strengthen local or regional food systems by connecting public and private resources for planning, implementation, and expansion.
Key Information: 25% cash-only cost share required; two project types; broad eligibility for food system stakeholders.
Description
This program funds partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan, develop, and strengthen local or regional food systems. The goal is to enhance the viability and resilience of local and regional food economies through collaborative, innovative, and measurable projects. Partnerships are expected to coordinate efforts, set priorities, connect resources and services, and measure progress toward shared goals. Projects may include planning, outreach, technical assistance, and implementation activities that catalyze food system development.
Due Dates
- Applications are due by June 27, 2025 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
- Only applications submitted and validated by the deadline will be considered.
Funding Amount
- Total program funding: $4,500,000 (estimated)
- Award range:
- Planning & Design Projects (24 months): $100,000–$250,000
- Implementation & Expansion Projects (36 months): $250,000–$1,000,000
- Expected number of awards: ~10
- Cost share: 25% cash-only match required (of the federal portion)
Eligibility
Eligible Lead Applicants
- Producers
- Farmer or rancher cooperatives
- Producer networks or associations
- Majority-controlled producer-based business ventures
- Community supported agriculture networks or associations
- Food councils
- Local governments
- Nonprofit corporations
- Public benefit corporations
- Economic development corporations
- Regional farmers market authorities
- Tribal governments
Eligible Partners
- State agencies or regional authorities
- Philanthropic corporations
- Institutions of higher education
- Private corporations
- Commercial, federal, or farm credit system lending institutions
Note: Partnerships must include a variety of financial and technical capabilities and demonstrate readiness to work collaboratively across sectors.
Application Process
- Review the FY 2025 Request for Applications (RFA) for detailed requirements and instructions.
- Prepare a proposal that addresses the program’s goals, project type, partnership structure, and cost share.
- Submit your application via Grants.gov by the deadline.
- For application guidance, see the How to Apply page.
- AMS will host a webinar for applicants; registration details are on the AMS Grant Webinars page.
Additional Information
- Cost Share: A 25% cash-only match is required (in-kind contributions do not count).
- Project Types:
- Planning & Design (24 months): Focused on system assessment, partnership building, and project design.
- Implementation & Expansion (36 months): Focused on executing and scaling food system projects.
- Technical Assistance: Partnerships may coordinate with AMS for technical support.
- Other Funding: RFSP recipients may apply for other LAMP programs on behalf of eligible entities.
For examples of previously funded projects, visit the RFSP Awarded Grants page.
External Links
Contact Information