farmer justice microgrant

Since 2023, California Farmer Justice Collaborative has distributed over $100k in grants directly to BIPOC-owned California agriculture businesses.

(EN ESPAÑOL)

The Farmer Justice Microgrant is a low-stress application providing funding relief for up to $10,000 for BIPOC farmers, farmworkers, and producers in the state of California.

Our goal in providing this financial opportunity is to provide support for vulnerable producers to overcome the challenges posed by climate change so they can continue to provide essential local food production services for their communities.

The funds are eligible to be used for general operating funds and/or immediate relief from emergency climate disasters.

FAQ

Click here for the Microgrant Toolkit

What is the Farmer Justice Microgrant Program?
The CFJC Farmer Justice Microgrant (FJM) is a low-barrier, relational grant program that provides financial assistance to California farmers who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Our approach to funding is grounded in community relationships and trust, with the goal to build lasting partnerships with farmers. Our Farmer Justice Microgrant model offers CFJC a direct means of hearing, understanding and responding to marginalized farmers’ needs and concerns. Because we invest deeply in the people and communities we work with, our funding decisions are informed primarily through in-person engagements, farm site visits and ongoing collaborations with our farmers. All grant recipients will receive: 

• A grant of up to $10,000 to support general operating needs, emergency climate relief (drought, flood, extreme heat, winds, etc). 

• A quarterly site visit with a member of the CFJC Team. 

• Partnership with CFJC Farmer Community.

What are the eligibility criteria to apply for the Farmer Justice Microgrant?
Here are some important Eligibility Guidelines before applying:

• For individuals, applicants must identify as BIPOC, and for organizations 50% of your leadership must be BIPOC farmer members.

• Both individuals and organizations are eligible to apply as long as the request is within the eligibility guidelines.

• Applicants must be operating on a land based project that uses traditional ecological farming practices. (permaculture, agroecology, organic, sustainable, regenerative etc).

• Funds being asked for must be in relation to general operating needs, emergency climate relief (drought, flood, extreme heat, winds, etc).

• Some examples of general operating needs include but are not limited to: soil amendments such as mulch, compost or fertilizer, hand tools, fencing, equipment rentals, cold storage, irrigation supplies, investment in renewable/sustainable energy technology etc).

• Recipients of the Farmer Justice Microgrant are able to reapply on a bi-annual basis and this application is open on a rolling basis.

Who is FJM open to? 
At this time, the FJM program is designed to support farmers and land stewards with whom we have existing relationships or who have been referred through our network of collaborative partners. 

If I don’t have a relationship with CFJC yet, can I still apply?
If you are new to CFJC, we invite you to begin building a relationship with us! We welcome inquiries from all farmers and land stewards who want to learn more about CFJC and the Farmer Justice Microgrant! We are happy to connect you with our Strategic Director, share upcoming CFJC events and opportunities to engage and explore whether our relational approach is a good fit with your farm. This will give us the chance to learn about your farming and land work, and will give you the chance to learn about CFJC’s values and farmer partnerships. As our relationship develops, we will encourage eligible applicants to apply for future grant cycles! 

How much can I receive in grants for the CFJC Farmer Justice MicroGrant? What are the grant amounts?
Microgrants are awarded for up to $10,000 to support a variety of project needs. These funds are eligible to be used for general operating funds and project expenses.

What if my farm has emergency funding needs?
While our regular FJM program is geared towards existing relationships, if your farm is experiencing immediate challenges that threaten your farming or land stewardship work, please let us know and we will welcome your application for up to $5,000 in emergency FJM funding. 

How can I apply? 
Applications for the 2026 FJM Cycle are by invitation only. Upon invitation, please review the complete eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and the online application form.

When are funds distributed? 
Grant awardees will receive their full fund disbursement by the end of December 2026.

When is the application deadline? 
Applications are open from September 7, 2026 to October 9, 2026

Can I reapply?
Yes! Past recipients of the Farmer Justice Microgrant are able to reapply on a bi-annual basis. We also encourage applicants who do not receive the grant this cycle to continue building relationships with CFJC!

California Farmer Justice Collaborative is a fiscally sponsored project of Pesticide Action Network North America.