We are pleased to offer funding through the Chicago Region Food System Fund for a new granting program, Growing Roots: Building Capacity for Small, Underserved Growers Serving Chicagoland opportunity.

We see a chance to increase consumption of Illinois grown, raised, and produced foods by building the capacity of producers to expand their operations to sell into the Chicagoland market. In an effort to support this, priority will be given to rural farmers or urban farmers looking to transition to rural communities.

From interviews with farmers earlier this year, we learned that a few thousand dollars here or there in the form of a wash-pack awning, a flushable toilet on-site at the farm, a walk-behind tractor, or even a consultation with a financial planner could fundamentally transform a business.

To support these needs, we have $35,000 to grant for farm production & food safety improvements that would increase the farmer’s overall production capacity; and $10,000 to grant to help farmers access professional services, like marketing or financial consulting, to improve their business.

Eligibility Details

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 31, 2024

Eligible Applicants Must Be:

• LGBTQ+, BIPOC, or another underserved farming community (American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Blacks or African Americans, Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders and Hispanics, Veteran Farmer or Rancher, Beginning Farmer or Rancher, Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher)
• Must serve Chicagoland, though not exclusively
• Your farm gross revenue must not exceed $150,000

Eligibility Requirements:

• Resources must be used for one or both of the following:
  • Infrastructure improvement on your farm.  Priority is given to projects that are related to food safety.
  • Consulted services for business improvement.
• Applicants may request awards in the amounts between $500 to $7,500 for full or partial funding of a purchase/project.
• One award per applicant.
• Proposals may be submitted by individuals, groups, partnerships, or collaborations.
• Funds may not be used to pay farm labor wages.
• Upon approval, applicants will receive a grant contract to sign outlining deliverables which will be required for reporting.  Reporting will be required one time a month and consists of a simple update along with a few photo submissions for those with infrastructure projects.  Reporting is needed from the awardee as we are required to report how the grant funds were used.  
• Approved applicants will be required to submit a W9 and setup a bill.com account for direct deposit of funds.
• Approved applicants will be required to submit receipts indicating proof of purchase.
• Projects must be complete or services acquired before June 15, 2025.

Application