Below is a list of grants, loans and technical assistance that are available. Most of the grants and loans only apply towards community initiatives or nonprofit organizations. A few exceptions, such as the USDA Value-added Producer Grants, Mildred V. Horn Foundation, and the Kentucky Tourism Development Cabinet Loan Program focus on the individual farm owner.
Purpose: To help eligible producers of agricultural commodities, agricultural producer groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives, and majority-owned producer-based business ventures develop business plans for viable marketing opportunities and develop strategies to create marketing opportunities in emerging markets.
Authorized Purposes: To assist in the economic planning of a project such as completion of a feasibility study, business plan, or market development plan or to provide working capital.
Tourism Publications
Media Advertising
Billboard Advertising
Rack Rental Services
Postage and Freight Expenses
Consumer Travel Show Expenses
Group Tour Marketplace Expenses
Web Site Design and Maintained
KY Ag Development Fund - Cultivating Rural Prosperity Project Application Packet (new Agritourism Competitive Awards Program & Farmers Market Competitive Grants Program.
Agritourism: (Agritourism Advisory Council from USDA funds awarded to West Kentucky Corporation)
Development and Improvement of New or Emerging Markets for Kentucky Horticulture Products, click here for downloadable PDF application.
Applications for Model Programs as well as information for entrepreneurs such as writing a business plan, and conducting a feasibility study
Click here for an excellent list of other funding sources
Funding for Education and Promotion Activities, Word Document or Funding for Organization & Market Development,Word Document or PDF File
This is an Equal Opportunity Program. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law. Any complaints of discrimination may be filed with the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250.
The Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program recognizes the value and importance of On-Farm Research in developing solutions to agricultural production problems.
SEEK stands for “support for Sports, Education, protecting the Environment and Kids. The SEEK Fund was created to specifically address those areas and encourage a well-informed, active, environmentally friendly and, perhaps most importantly, kid-friendly community.
RBEG grants are made to public bodies, nonprofits, and Indian tribes to encourage the development of small and emerging private business enterprises in rural areas.
Federal Survey and Planning grants are intended to identify historic resources, evaluate their significance, and plan for their future maintenance.
The other main grant program, known as State Preservation Grants, provide funding and technical support for the restoration/rehabilitation, stabilization, and protection of historic properties.
Mildred V. Horn Foundation Foundation Headquarters: Louisville, KY
Eligible Applicants: Tax-exempt nonprofit organizations wishing to preserve historic homes (1760-1860) that are open to public. Grant Mission/Description: Includes restoring historic homes in Kentucky
Minimum/Maximum Award: Not specified. Typical Funded Recipient/Project: Not listed
Status of Foundation Operations: Active Currently no website; call Scott Davis at 502-895-8908
OTHER GRANTS – For Community Improvements
Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program: - Community Food Projects - inc. innovative marketing activities to help producers and low-income consumers such as creating farmers' markets.
- Training and Technical Assistance Projects include addressing food security issues.
The goal of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) is to promote the economic viability of rural communities through partnerships with public and private community based organizations. RBS programs provide financial and technical assistance to rural businesses and cooperatives to create or preserve quality jobs in rural areas. RBS programs include:
Funds made available through this program are for the financing of fixed assets only with a maximum loan of $250,000. Projects approved for funding thus far include rock climbing experience, an equine show facility and a winery/restaurant being constructed with an existing historic bed & breakfast.
Excellent website with information on how to start a business, write a business plan and finding capital (which does not mean they have grants available),
Business Growth and Innovation Program provides technical assistance to small, disadvantaged and minority businesses within the Tennessee Valley Regional Area.
