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2026 Grant Guidelines

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Due to changes in PA Dept. of Ag Funding for this program, the guidelines and process have  been updated for this round of Force Multiplier Grants (FMG). Please review carefully before applying.

 

Applications open Monday, 27 July 2026 for the PA Veteran Farming Network (PAVFN)  2026 Force Multiplier Grants.  Funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), this grant program recognizes veteran owner-operator farmers in Pennsylvania and supports them in building strong and resilient farms. Applications close Monday, 17 August 2026 at 5 pm ET, and will only be accepted online.

 

Match requirement: Competitive grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded, not to exceed 75% of the total project cost, per PDA regs. Awardee must provide 25% of the total project cost as a cash match; in-kind match (your labor, materials or supplies you already have on hand--must be cash/funds) is not allowed. Maximum project cost is $20,000. You must be able to complete the entire project with available funds; awards will not be made for projects exceeding $20,000 projects.

 

Period of Performance: Projects may begin once awardees receive their fully executed contracts, and must be  completed by June 1, 2027. Awardees will tentatively be notified in September, but reviewing timeline may be delayed if a large number of applications is received.

 

Funding amounts: FMG funds= 75% of total project cost up to $15,000. Recipient match =25% cash match of total project cost.                                               

 

Example A: You’re awarded a $15,000 grant to construct a new on-farm store with a total cost of $20,000. Once you return your award contract, we’ll process a check to you for $10,000. You use your cash match of $5000 to complete the project. Once finished, you’ll submit your final report and receipts and host a farm visit, if requested, and we’ll process the remaining $5000 payment.

 

Example B: You’re are awarded a grant for $3750 toward a $5000 baler. Once you return your award contract, we’ll process a check to you for $1875. You must provide $1250 in matching funds to make the purchase. Once finished, you’ll submit your final report and receipts and host a farm visit, if requested, and we’ll process the remaining $1875 payment.)

 

Eligibility:

• Honorably discharged U.S. military veterans.

• Pennsylvania resident; proposed project must be located in PA.

• Veteran must be the primary owner and operator of the farm and must invest significant daily effort in farm operations.

• For-profit farms in business for 2 or more years. 

• Previous Force Multiplier grantees are eligible to apply; however, new applicants will receive priority.

 

Eligible projects:

• New on-farm projects only; projects begun prior to the period of performanace will not be funded.

•  Projects may address food safety, biosecurity, natural resources conservation, equipment or working capital needs.

• If applying for reimbursement of EQIP/ACAP cost share, it must be fully implemented by June 1, 2027. Prior approval from the grant program manager at pavetsfarm@gmail.com is required before submitting an application for this type of project.

 

Timeline:

• Application closes August 17, 2026, 5 PM ET. No late applications accepted.

• Review of applications is anticipated to be completed by early September.

• Once signed award contracts ("fully executed") are received by PAVFN, you may begin your project.

• PAVFN will invoice PDA for funds upon award selection; receipt of funds can take up to 60 days. Initial grant checks will be processed as soon as possible once PDA funds are received by PAVFN.

• Projects must be complete and final reporting to PAVFN received no later than June 1, 2027. Late reports will not be accepted. Grantor retains the right not to issue final payment to awardees who do not comply with the reoporting deadline.

• Once certification of project completion is accepted by PAVFN, remaining funds (25% of project cost) will be processed. A site visit may be required to certify completion.

 

How will awardees be selected? Each application will first be reviewed for administrative completeness and eligibility. Eligible proposals will then be scored and ranked by an independent panel of reviewers. Decisions of the Grantor are final.

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Impact: Successful applicants will demonstrate how your business practices and proposed project will move your farm operation from its current state to the next level of efficiency, production quality, safety, viability, and/or profitability. Proposals should clearly explain the short and long-term impacts of your project.

 

Tip: grant reviewers may not have specific knowledge of your type of farm operation. Be concise, but provide enough detail so that they understand the components of your project, and how it will impact your operation.

 

Other important information:

• One application per farm. If jointly owned by veterans, you may apply as co-applicants, but only one grant per farm will be awarded.

 

• FMG funds may not be used to supplant state or federal funding. If you are the recipient of another farm grant, FMG may not be used to duplicate expenses of another project (no double dipping).

 

• Are FMGs taxed? Yes. Awardees will be required to submit a W-9 (IRS miscellaneous income form) with your signed grant contract before you may begin your project. Consult your tax professional about how a grant may impact your tax returns.

 

• Allowable costs:  Equipment, supplies, contracted labor necessary to complete the project as described in your application. Grant funds may not be used to pay labor costs for applicant, their family members, or employees. Purchases made prior to awardee receiving a fully executed grant contract are not allowable.

 

​Reporting: To receive the final payment, awardees will be required to file a grant report including completion form, receipts*, and photo(s) of your project on the ground. Awardees must agree to an on-site visit if requested by PAVFN staff to verify project completeness.  *Retain all your receipts for purchases with grant funds and matching funds to demonstrate the total project cost.

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Questions? Contact us at pavetsfarm@gmail.com or 724-691-1087.