PITTSBORO, N.C. — The Livestock Conservancy Microgrants Program continues to put funding into the hands of its most important conservation partners – those stewarding genetic treasures for the security of tomorrow’s food and fiber systems. The Livestock Conservancy awards more than $22,000 annually in $500 to $2,000 microgrants to farmers, ranchers, shepherds and breed organizations keeping endangered breeds of livestock and poultry from going extinct across the country.

“Small financial awards can make a big difference for heritage breeders,” said Dr. Alison Martin, Livestock Conservancy executive director. “These strategic investments are selected by a panel of judges as excellent examples of livestock conservation in action across the United States.”

Grant applications may be submitted for one of four categories:

• National Microgrants: Residents and organizations of the United States working with livestock and poultry breeds listed on the Conservation Priority List. Support will be provided through this competitive program for a variety of farm-related operations, including, but not limited to, livestock, poultry, processing, milk, meat and egg production and sales, agritourism, wool milling, promotions and marketing.
• Youth Microgrants: This U.S.-based program provides funding for youth projects for individuals 8 to 18 years of age who are actively working with breeds listed on the Conservation Priority List.
• Premier 1 Microgrant: This program provides funding for residents and organizations of the United States working with livestock and poultry breeds listed on The Livestock Conservancy’s Conservation Priority List. Support will include fencing products available through Premier 1 Supplies and other project related needs.
• Breed Association Microgrants: This program is open to U.S.-based associations and clubs working with breeds listed on The Livestock Conservancy’s Conservation Priority List. Funds are intended to help associations and clubs improve services for their membership and conservation of their breeds. Applicant organizations must be in existence for a minimum of three years, meet their state’s requirements for operating as a business or corporation, be incorporated (no Sole Proprietors or Partnerships), and have board approval to pursue the project. Suitable expenditures of Breed Association Microgrants include, but are not limited to, marketing materials, website improvements, gene banking, software, educational events, developing strategic plans, DNA studies, flock or herd rescues.

Complete applications must be submitted no later than Aug. 19 and include a detailed plan for the use of the grant funds, a clear timeline for achieving proposed goals, a detailed project budget for matching funds or other resources, how the project will impact the breed and other producers, and how you will evaluate the success of your project. Applications should also include two letters of recommendation from a professional relationship or educator. If the applicant is under the age of 18, a letter of support from a parent or guardian is also required.

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— The Livestock Conservancy