Funding Tip Tuesday is a weekly series that offers practical guidance to help producers prepare for farm funding.

So, you found a grant program that looks perfect. The amount is right, the examples of past recipients look impressive, and you can already picture how your project would benefit.

But what now? What is the first step in figuring out whether this funding program truly fits you as a farmer, your operation, and the project you have in mind?

The answer is simple: start by checking eligibility. 

Before you invest any time in an application, it is important to understand whether you meet the core requirements of the grant so you can move forward with confidence.

Why eligibility matters

Each grant program sets its own rules about who can apply, where the project must take place, and what activities it will fund. 

Reviewing this information early is key. It prevents surprises later and helps you focus on opportunities that genuinely fit your operation. 

When producers spend time preparing an application for a program they are not eligible for, all of that effort ends up going to waste.

Questions to check your applicant's eligibility

Most programs outline who they are designed to support. Reviewing the following details helps you confirm that your farm qualifies.

• Are you an eligible applicant type?

Some grants are designed for nonprofits, public entities, or research partners. Others focus on individual producers or for-profit farm businesses. Make sure your operation fits the category the program supports.

• Are you located in the eligible geography?

Many grants require that applicants live, farm, or operate in a specific county, region, or state. Confirm that your project site falls within the program’s boundaries.

• Does your business meet the size requirements?

Programs may outline criteria such as years in business, annual revenue, number of employees, or characteristics of your workforce. Check these details carefully to ensure your operation meets the baseline.

Questions to check your project's eligibility

Even if the applicant qualifies, the project itself must also align with the grant’s goals and rules.

• Does your project advance the outcomes the grant wants to fund?

Review the program’s priorities. For example, a climate-focused grant may require measurable conservation benefits, while a value-added program may emphasize new markets or processing capacity.

• Do your budget items fit under the program’s eligible activities?

Each grant defines what it can and cannot pay for. Make sure your planned costs fall within the approved categories so you do not risk ineligibility.

How to check whether you and your project are eligible

Grant programs outline eligibility in the Request for Proposal (RFP). When reviewing a new opportunity, focus on sections that explain who can apply and what types of projects the program will fund. Look for headings such as:

• Eligible applicants
  
  

• Eligible project types or priorities
  
  

• Eligible and ineligible costs
  
  

• Geographic or location requirements
  
  

If anything is unclear, reach out to the program contact listed in the RFP. Staff can confirm whether your farm and your project fit the requirements before you spend time preparing an application.

Long-term value

Learning how to properly evaluate eligibility builds confidence and speeds up future applications. 

With practice, you can quickly sort through opportunities, prioritize programs that match your operation, and design projects that stand a stronger chance of being funded year after year.

One more tip

Many producers review eligibility once and consider it done. It is more effective to check it again as you refine your idea and build out your project outline.

Program requirements can guide how a project is shaped, and small changes early on can significantly strengthen your alignment with the grant.

If you want help identifying grants that fit both your operation and your project plans, Lasso can support your search. We gather programs from multiple sources and filter them based on your location, goals, and project details so you only see opportunities that match your eligibility. Learn more at app.joinlasso.com.

Do you want to stay updated on practical grant tips, funding opportunities, and ways to strengthen your farm’s competitiveness in the application process? Follow us on our Lasso social media pages!

Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin