Farm & Ranch Transition Support Grant - 2
Opens Apr 8 2026 09:00 AM (EDT)
Description
Start Here: Quick Overview
- Grant amount: up to $10,000 per project.
- Who this is for: farmers, ranchers, and landowners actively working with a Land Transfer Navigator (LTN) on a farm or ranch transfer.
- Core requirement: the land in the transfer must be permanently protected, or in the active process of being permanently protected, by an agricultural conservation easement (federal, state or local easement programs are all allowable).
- What the grant funds: professional services and equipment/infrastructure that directly support the transfer, access, or permanent protection of farmland or ranchland.
- Application timing: applications are reviewed quarterly (quarters end Dec. 31, Mar. 31, Jun. 30, Sep. 30). Notifications are made within 90 days after the quarter closes.
Eligibility at a Glance
Eligibility Criteria | Requirement |
Active work with an LTN organization | Required. Applicant must already be working with a LTN; provide organization name; LTN must receive approval from the AFT microgrants team for project proposal prior to application submittal. |
Land protection status | Required. Land is permanently protected or in process of being protected via an agricultural conservation easement. |
Operation status | For-profit operation producing for sale, barter, or exchange (not primarily for personal/household use). |
Award Limits | Up to two grants per land-transfer scenario: one grant for outgoing owners and one grant for incoming owners/successors. Awardees may apply for additional grant funding a minimum of 12 months after previous award if in good standing. |
Conflicts of interest | AFT staff, board, substantial contributors, and their family members are ineligible. Staff and family members of navigator organizations should seek guidance from AFT grant team before applying. |
What We Fund
Professional Services (examples)
- Land transfer support (facilitation, succession planning, crafting agreements).
- Legal/transaction costs (survey, appraisal, title work) tied to purchase, lease, or easement development.
- Business, financial, or estate planning related to transfer or expansion.
- Down payment assistance associated with a farm/ranch transfer or loan, consistent with program guidelines.
Infrastructure & Equipment (examples)
- Purchase of essential equipment or implements needed to complete a transfer or operational handoff.
- Purchase of livestock necessary for farm viability or continued operation.
- Critical infrastructure improvements (e.g., on-farm housing related to transfer, infrastructure to support continuity of operations or new income streams).
What We Do Not Fund (examples)
- Personal household expenses not tied to the agricultural operation.
- Expenses incurred prior to written award without AFT approval.
- Projects that do not directly support land access, transfer, or permanent protection.
Review Frequently Asked Questions here
Timeline, Award Process & Terms
Timeline
- Applications accepted starting October 1, 2024 and reviewed quarterly (quarters end Dec 31, Mar 31, Jun 30, Sep 30).
- Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2027 or until available funds are expended.
- Notification within 90 days after each quarter closes.
- If awarded, spend funds within 365 days of receipt. For multi-step planning projects, progress updates may be requested.
Award Process
- Approved applicants receive a Letter of Award via email outlining approved timeline and payment process.
- AFT generally disburses approved funds directly to the awardee within 120 days of receiving requested documentation.
- AFT does not pay third parties. Awardees pay vendors and request reimbursement (or receive direct payment for documented, approved expenses).
Terms & Conditions
- Pre-award expenses are not eligible unless AFT gives written approval.
- AFT has no obligation to disburse more than the approved amount; costs above the grant maximum are the awardee’s responsibility.
- Unspent funds may be redirected to related services with AFT’s written approval.
- Awardees must submit a W-9 via AFT’s secure portal for IRS reporting; AFT does not issue Form 1099s for this grant.
- Funding is contingent on signing and returning award agreements within 14 days of notification; awards may be forfeited if agreements are not received by the deadline.
Reporting & Story Sharing
- Within one year of receiving funds, be prepared to provide receipts, a brief narrative of outcomes and progress. (photos optional)
- AFT may share selected awardee stories with consent; declining publicity will not affect funding.
- Sample Reporting Doc available upon request.
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility with your Land Transfer Navigator (LTN).
- Prepare your budget estimate and timeline.
- Complete the online application. Translation services available upon request.
- Respond to any follow-up requests from AFT within the stated deadlines.
Applicant Checklist
- All required fields completed in the online form.
- Estimated project budget (and optional supporting documents).
- Land protection status is clearly described.
- LTN organization name and staff contact provided.
Questions & Support
- Email: brighterfuture@farmland.org
- Land Transfer Navigator info & organizations: Land Transfer Navigators
- Note on Language: Applications are not evaluated on grammar or writing style. Use the narrative sections to share your context and goals in your own words and preferred language.
Farm & Ranch Transition Support Grant - 2
Start Here: Quick Overview
- Grant amount: up to $10,000 per project.
- Who this is for: farmers, ranchers, and landowners actively working with a Land Transfer Navigator (LTN) on a farm or ranch transfer.
- Core requirement: the land in the transfer must be permanently protected, or in the active process of being permanently protected, by an agricultural conservation easement (federal, state or local easement programs are all allowable).
- What the grant funds: professional services and equipment/infrastructure that directly support the transfer, access, or permanent protection of farmland or ranchland.
- Application timing: applications are reviewed quarterly (quarters end Dec. 31, Mar. 31, Jun. 30, Sep. 30). Notifications are made within 90 days after the quarter closes.
Eligibility at a Glance
Eligibility Criteria | Requirement |
Active work with an LTN organization | Required. Applicant must already be working with a LTN; provide organization name; LTN must receive approval from the AFT microgrants team for project proposal prior to application submittal. |
Land protection status | Required. Land is permanently protected or in process of being protected via an agricultural conservation easement. |
Operation status | For-profit operation producing for sale, barter, or exchange (not primarily for personal/household use). |
Award Limits | Up to two grants per land-transfer scenario: one grant for outgoing owners and one grant for incoming owners/successors. Awardees may apply for additional grant funding a minimum of 12 months after previous award if in good standing. |
Conflicts of interest | AFT staff, board, substantial contributors, and their family members are ineligible. Staff and family members of navigator organizations should seek guidance from AFT grant team before applying. |
What We Fund
Professional Services (examples)
- Land transfer support (facilitation, succession planning, crafting agreements).
- Legal/transaction costs (survey, appraisal, title work) tied to purchase, lease, or easement development.
- Business, financial, or estate planning related to transfer or expansion.
- Down payment assistance associated with a farm/ranch transfer or loan, consistent with program guidelines.
Infrastructure & Equipment (examples)
- Purchase of essential equipment or implements needed to complete a transfer or operational handoff.
- Purchase of livestock necessary for farm viability or continued operation.
- Critical infrastructure improvements (e.g., on-farm housing related to transfer, infrastructure to support continuity of operations or new income streams).
What We Do Not Fund (examples)
- Personal household expenses not tied to the agricultural operation.
- Expenses incurred prior to written award without AFT approval.
- Projects that do not directly support land access, transfer, or permanent protection.
Review Frequently Asked Questions here
Timeline, Award Process & Terms
Timeline
- Applications accepted starting October 1, 2024 and reviewed quarterly (quarters end Dec 31, Mar 31, Jun 30, Sep 30).
- Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2027 or until available funds are expended.
- Notification within 90 days after each quarter closes.
- If awarded, spend funds within 365 days of receipt. For multi-step planning projects, progress updates may be requested.
Award Process
- Approved applicants receive a Letter of Award via email outlining approved timeline and payment process.
- AFT generally disburses approved funds directly to the awardee within 120 days of receiving requested documentation.
- AFT does not pay third parties. Awardees pay vendors and request reimbursement (or receive direct payment for documented, approved expenses).
Terms & Conditions
- Pre-award expenses are not eligible unless AFT gives written approval.
- AFT has no obligation to disburse more than the approved amount; costs above the grant maximum are the awardee’s responsibility.
- Unspent funds may be redirected to related services with AFT’s written approval.
- Awardees must submit a W-9 via AFT’s secure portal for IRS reporting; AFT does not issue Form 1099s for this grant.
- Funding is contingent on signing and returning award agreements within 14 days of notification; awards may be forfeited if agreements are not received by the deadline.
Reporting & Story Sharing
- Within one year of receiving funds, be prepared to provide receipts, a brief narrative of outcomes and progress. (photos optional)
- AFT may share selected awardee stories with consent; declining publicity will not affect funding.
- Sample Reporting Doc available upon request.
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility with your Land Transfer Navigator (LTN).
- Prepare your budget estimate and timeline.
- Complete the online application. Translation services available upon request.
- Respond to any follow-up requests from AFT within the stated deadlines.
Applicant Checklist
- All required fields completed in the online form.
- Estimated project budget (and optional supporting documents).
- Land protection status is clearly described.
- LTN organization name and staff contact provided.
Questions & Support
- Email: brighterfuture@farmland.org
- Land Transfer Navigator info & organizations: Land Transfer Navigators
- Note on Language: Applications are not evaluated on grammar or writing style. Use the narrative sections to share your context and goals in your own words and preferred language.
Apply
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