2026 FARMER HEALTH MINI-GRANT PROGRAM

Due to overwhelming response, applications are now closed.

Stay tuned for updates and future opportunities to apply.

Farmers face a unique and growing set of health challenges driven by long working hours, geographic isolation, and limited access to care. These factors contribute to increased risks for chronic illness, mental health issues, and dental problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rural populations experience higher rates of chronic disease, psychological distress, and dental decay than their urban counterparts. Despite their vital role in ensuring national food security and economic stability, most farmers still lack comprehensive health coverage. 

Farmers deserve better access to care, so we are launching the 2026 Farmer Health Mini-Grant Program to provide Georgia Organics farmer members financial support in accessing the care they need to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Our Farmer Health Mini-Grant Program covers three pillars of farmer health: medical, dental, and mental health services.  

2026 FARMER HEALTH MINI-GRANT PROGRAM DETAILS 

  • Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from April 7 – September 1, 2026. 

  • Funds are limited and awarded on a first come, first served basis, so early submission is encouraged. 

  • Due to our funder’s requirements, funding priority will be given to farms in rural counties. 

  • All awarded Farmer Health Mini-Grant funds must be spent and receipts submitted to Georgia Organics no later than September 30, 2026. 

  • Farm owners and farm workers within the state of Georgia are eligible to apply for financial support for eligible medical, dental, and/or mental healthcare expenses for themselves and/or their dependents, plus eligible travel expense reimbursements (mileage, rideshare, or bus only). 

  • Examples of eligible expenses: dental appointments, mental health appointments, procedures, all vision, physical therapy, medical supplies for specific conditions, chiropractic and acupuncture services, etc.  

  • Examples of non-eligible expenses: co-payments, medically defined elective surgeries, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, first aid kits or similar supplies, etc. 

  • Farmer Health Mini-Grants will be awarded up to $930 for rural county farmers and $780 for urban county farmers. 

  • Post-award reporting (such as a survey or short report) is required. 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • You must be a part-time or full-time farmer or farm worker based in Georgia. 

  • You must have an active Georgia Organics farmer membership. 

  • You must be a soil-based farmer with a soil-based operation, using sustainable, organic farming practices. 

  • You must have at least one year of farming experience and at least three months at your current operation. 

  • You must submit a completed 2026 Farmer Health Mini-Grant application. 

  • You must sign a Farmer Health Mini-Grant Award Agreement. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Yes, you can apply for funds for medical, dental, and/or mental services, up to a cap of $930 if you reside in a rural county and $780 if you reside in an urban county.  

  • No, the mini-grant award must be spent on an upcoming medical, dental, or mental health expense.

  • Yes, an example of that would be mental health visits, and you would need to provide a receipt of payment for each visit, as you would with other expenses. 

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You can expect to hear back from the Georgia Organics team within 1-2 weeks of submitting your application.  

  • Yes. Funds can be received up-front or as a reimbursement. You will need to submit proof of purchase documentation, receipt(s), and/or invoice(s) within 30 days of purchase (for reimbursements) or make your purchase within 30 days of having funds deposited into your account via ACH (for funds received up-front), unless otherwise specified in your communication with Georgia Organics.  

  • No, these award funds are considered a "Charitable Gift" under IRC Section 102 and Rev. Rul. 2003-12 and therefore are non-taxable.  

  • No; however, priority will be given to farms in rural counties, per our funder’s priorities.

  • Yes, you can still apply if you have health insurance.

  • Yes, the mini-grant funds can be used to support a portion of the total cost of the eligible services or purchases. 

  • Georgia Organics reserves the right to partially fund requests based on need, available funding, and the response from the overall applicant pool. Farmer Health Mini-Grants will be awarded up to $930 for rural county farms and up to $780 for urban county farms. If selected, you'll be informed of your final award amount and can decide whether to accept the mini-grant at that time.

  • All Farmer Health Mini-Grant funds must be spent and receipts submitted to Georgia Organics no later than September 30, 2026.  

  • You will need to provide timely receipts of payment, spend funding within the allotted time frame, and complete a post-award survey that will help Georgia Organics assess the mini-grant's impact so that we can continue funding this program.

  • Georgia Organics will only share basic aggregated demographic information and impact tracking information with funders. All information will be anonymous.

  • Because of the sensitive nature of this grant, only Farmer Services programming staff will be reviewing applications rather than a selection committee. 

  • Georgia Organics will not be deciding on awardees based on a subjective review of an application. Rather, Farmer Services programming staff will be reviewing applications to make sure applicants submitted a complete application and meet all eligibility criteria of the program. If the mini-grant funds are running low, we will determine award amounts based on the number of applicants at the time of awarding.

APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED