Congrats to Farm Aid’s 2015 grant recipients

Since joining the Farm Aid staff about five months ago as Program Manager, I’ve had the distinct privilege and pleasure of overseeing our grant program.

Each year, proceeds from Farm Aid’s annual concert are granted to nonprofit organizations working to strengthen family farm agriculture and improve our nation’s food system. Over the last 30 years Farm Aid has issued more than 2,000 grants to 300+ organizations nationwide.

We award grants throughout the year, though most are awarded after our annual concert in September. All Farm Aid staff are encouraged to participate in the grant proposal review process. We all work incredibly hard to produce our annual concert, so it’s awesome that everyone also has a say in how concert proceeds are granted afterward. We received more than a hundred grant proposals this year! It’s both humbling and inspiring to read about the good work being done all over the country to support family farm livelihoods.

After careful review, we announced our 2015 grant recipients earlier this week. Thanks to the support of this year’s concertgoers at Farm Aid 30 and donors all over the country, Farm Aid has awarded nearly $590,000 so far, to 79 talented organizations providing farmers with the tools and resources they need to get started and stay on the land; advocating for local, state and federal policies that defend and bolster family farm agriculture; and building local and regional food systems that connect family farms directly with consumers. Learn more about their amazing work.

In 2015, Farm Aid also granted over $13,000 to farmers and farm advocates for leadership development. We also gave more than $11,000 in emergency funding to farmers addressing economic crises or natural disasters – in total, more than $610,000 invested in a better farm and food future for all.

Learn about Farm Aid's grantees Check out our grant quilt to read stories from this vibrant network of family farm organizations.