2026 CLIMATE SMART MINI-GRANT PROGRAM

The 2026 Climate Smart Mini-Grant Program can help farmers in south Georgia fund and implement conservation practices and solar projects on their farm.

Farmers can apply for the Climate Smart Mini-Grant to fund one of the following:

    • Must have a current EQIP contract and provide contract details in application

    • Must provide a financial breakdown for the implementation of the EQIP contract

    • Awardees will receive up to $2,000 in mini-grant funds; the final award amount will be determined based on the number of accepted applications

    • Must implement a new solar array project

    • Must provide a financial breakdown for the implementation of the project

    *If you need assistance creating a cost estimate, email lydia@georgiaorganics.org 

    • Awardees will receive up to $15,000 in mini-grant funds; the final award amount will be determined based on the number of accepted applications

Climate Smart Mini-Grant Program Details

  • Application period will be open March 23 – April 27, 2026; applications will be reviewed and awardees will be notified by May 18, 2026.

  • Due to our funder's requirements, only farms in South Georgia are eligible to receive the mini-grant.

  • Funded projects must begin by August 2026, with the intention to be completed by March 2027.

  • Awardees will receive funds up-front and are required to submit proof of purchase documentation within 30 days of purchase(s) for the funded project.

  • Awardees must complete a post-award reporting requirement (such as a survey or short report).

Ideal farmer candidates must fit all of the following criteria: 

  • Are a part-time or full-time farmer based in South Georgia

  • Are selling products

  • Are a soil-based farmer with a soil-based operation

  • Are using sustainable and/or organic farming practices

  • Are a Georgia Organics Farmer Member (membership can be acquired after award notification)

Ideal farmer candidates fit most or all of the following criteria:

  • Currently own land or in a long-term lease of at least 5 years

  • Have at least two years of farming experience

  • Have a commitment to building climate resiliency on your farm

  • Have clear farm goals and intended outcomes in mind

  • Are ready to use the mini-grant funds and start your project by August 2026

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • You can only request to fund one project in your application. We encourage you to be intentional in deciding which project to apply for by considering which would have the most meaningful impact for your farm and what makes sense to execute within the timing parameters of the mini-grant.

  • Applications will be reviewed after the application deadline on April 27, 2026. You can expect to receive a decision by May 18, 2026.

  • Yes. The mini-grant funds will be paid to the farmer up-front. You will need to submit proof of purchase documentation, receipt(s), and/or invoice(s) within 30 days of purchase(s) for the funded project.

  • Yes! Previous Climate Smart Farmer Program cohort farmers are eligible to apply for a 2026 Climate Smart Mini-Grant.

  • For Conservation Projects (support current EQIP contract, or implement new climate-smart conservation practice), awards will be made up to $2,000.

    For Solar Projects, awards will be made up to $15,000.

    The final award amounts will be determined based on the number of accepted applications. If your application is selected, you'll be informed of your final award amount and can decide whether to accept the mini-grant at that time.

  • Your Conservation Project or Solar Project needs to start by August 2026, and you must have a plan in place to complete your project by March 2027. The Climate Smart Mini-Grant is intended for farmers who are currently ready to use the funds and implement projects.

Click below to apply for a 2026 Climate Smart Mini-Grant!

CLIMATE SMART MINI-GRANT APPLICATION

OPEN NOW! Apply by April 27, 2026

Award decisions will be sent by May 18, 2026

Note: To complete your application, you must click SUBMIT on Page 5 of the application, or you risk losing your responses. You will see a confirmation page and receive an email with a copy of your responses after you successfully submit your application.

Georgia Organics is committed to protecting your privacy. Any personal, farm, or demographic information shared through this program will remain confidential and will only be used to determine your eligibility and to help us strengthen our farmer programming.

Questions? Email farmerservices@georgiaorganics.org