Match
- Is there a match requirement?
- There is a 50% match requirement. Sources of the matching funds may include cash, loans, other grants, and liquid capital assets dedicated to the project.
- Can I use grant funds from another Minnesota state agency as part of my matching funds?
- No. State grant funds cannot be used as matching funds, but non-forgivable loans from the state may be used as a match.
- Can I use in-kind services or a consultant's fees as match?
- No, only eligible items can be used as match.
- What if my project cost is greater than $20,000? Can I still apply?
- Yes, you may apply for a project that is greater than $20,000. You will be responsible for the cost exceeding the match of $10,000. For example, if your project is $25,000, you are eligible for $10,000 in grant funds. Your cost would be $15,000.
- Can I be reimbursed for in-kind labor?
- No, in-kind labor is not eligible.
- What are the odds that my application will be funded?
- The grants are competitively awarded so it depends on the number and quality of applications we receive.
- Any tips to getting my application funded?
- The applications will be scored based on the scoring criteria in the RFP. Maximize your points by clearly answering the application questions.
- Where can I get help with writing the grant application?
- University of Minnesota Extension and other agricultural groups have resources to help with grant writing. Some applicants have worked with teachers or small business development centers to help them complete their application.
- I raise both livestock and specialty crops and want to do projects related to both. Can I apply for two grants?
- No. You must combine both requests into your application, but the maximum award per operation is $10,000.
- I want to help multiple farmers apply. Do I need to create a username in the system for each farmer or can I apply for them using my account?
- You can either create an account for each farmer or apply for each farmer using your account. If you use your account, you must create a separate application for each farmer.
- I have a quote from a vendor for my project. Do I have to follow the bidding requirements outlined in the RFP?
- All funded applicants need to follow the state’s bidding requirements. We expect that most grantees will need to follow the Non-governmental/nonprofit organization guidelines. Note that if specific contractors are named in the application, you won't need to undergo a formal bidding process, which can save you time and effort later.
Application
- What are the odds that my application will be funded?
- The grants are competitively awarded so it depends on the number and quality of applications we receive.
- Any tips to getting my application funded?
- The applications will be scored based on the scoring criteria in the RFP. Maximize your points by clearly answering the application questions.
- Where can I get help with writing the grant application?
- University of Minnesota Extension and other agricultural groups have resources to help with grant writing. Some applicants have worked with teachers or small business development centers to help them complete their application.
- I raise both livestock and specialty crops and want to do projects related to both. Can I apply for two grants?
- No. You must combine both requests into your application, but the maximum award per operation is $10,000.
- I want to help multiple farmers apply. Do I need to create a username in the system for each farmer or can I apply for them using my account?
- You can either create an account for each farmer or apply for each farmer using your account. If you use your account, you must create a separate application for each farmer.
- I have a quote from a vendor for my project. Do I have to follow the bidding requirements outlined in the RFP?
- All funded applicants need to follow the state’s bidding requirements. We expect that most grantees will need to follow the Non-governmental/nonprofit organization guidelines. Note that if specific contractors are named in the application, you won't need to undergo a formal bidding process, which can save you time and effort later.
- When will I be notified if I am awarded the grant?
- We will notify all applicants by March 26, 2025.
- If awarded, what do I need to do to receive the funds?
- First, you must accept the grant award. This includes submitting an IRS Form W9 to the grant manager and approving the budget for your project. Next, you will sign a grant contract agreement. After the grant contract agreement is fully signed by all parties, you can begin work on the project. Finally, you will need to provide detailed invoices and proof of payments to receive your grant reimbursement.
- I would like to be notified by phone the status of my application. Is this possible?
- Yes, please mention in your application that you would like to be contacted by phone.
- I applied for a different grant from the MDA. I am waiting to hear if I receive that grant. Can I apply for this grant?
- Yes, you can apply for this grant while waiting for the results of another MDA grant program. If awarded a different MDA grant you may withdraw your application to this program. You can only be awarded one grant per project.
Award Process
- When will I be notified if I am awarded the grant?
- We will notify all applicants by March 26, 2025.
- If awarded, what do I need to do to receive the funds?
- First, you must accept the grant award. This includes submitting an IRS Form W9 to the grant manager and approving the budget for your project. Next, you will sign a grant contract agreement. After the grant contract agreement is fully signed by all parties, you can begin work on the project. Finally, you will need to provide detailed invoices and proof of payments to receive your grant reimbursement.
- I would like to be notified by phone the status of my application. Is this possible?
- Yes, please mention in your application that you would like to be contacted by phone.
- I applied for a different grant from the MDA. I am waiting to hear if I receive that grant. Can I apply for this grant?
- Yes, you can apply for this grant while waiting for the results of another MDA grant program. If awarded a different MDA grant you may withdraw your application to this program. You can only be awarded one grant per project.
Request for Proposals (RFP)226.17 KB
Budget Template11.74 KB
