The Pine Cone Foundation micro-grant program seeks to support those pursuing long-term careers in agriculture, ranching, fishing, and aquaculture.
The application is open to established small California-based farms, ranches, and fishing and aquaculture operations that are looking to accomplish a specific project within one year. Applications are due on November 8, 2024. Four to six grants from $1,000 to $3,500 will be distributed this year. The winners will be contacted by email in early December, and the funds will be distributed in late December.
Make sure to check eligibility requirements on the Pine Cone Foundation’s website: https://pineconefoundation.org/pages/grants-101. And note that all applicants must use the Foundation’s Google Form to apply. You will have to log in with a Google account to access the form. No other submission process is available.
Eligible projects include, but are not limited to the following:
- Paying capital costs associated with improving operations and ramping up production. Examples include irrigation, fencing, refrigeration systems, stainless steel waterers, fishing equipment such as hook and line upgrades, processing tools or machinery needed to bring products to market, water tanks, tumbler/sorters, hoop houses, net bags, floating cages, and greens dryers.
- Replacing infrastructure or equipment that was lost in or compromised by natural disasters.
- Launching value-added products or starting new sales channels. Examples include wholesale, CSAs, and delivery or subscription offerings.
- Acquiring new equipment and making improvements to enhance sustainable practices. Examples include soil improvements, beekeeping equipment, and habitats that sequester carbon or benefit pollinators.
- Launching community programs such as community composting or food access programs for low-income and food desert communities.
- The funds cannot be used for land purchases, new wells, consultants, administrative overhead, or marketing costs.