https://www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants/urbanaggrant

The AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant Programs encourage urban agriculture youth education and urban agriculture community and economic development within the city limits of urban or peri-urban areas.

Grants help organizations and communities obtain the materials and services necessary to successfully promote urban agriculture youth education and community or economic development through urban agriculture.

NEW, in fiscal year (FY) 2026, there are two funding opportunities:

• The Community and Economic Development Grant if for projects that directly support community development or increase economic vitality through urban agriculture. Projects must benefit multiple growers or community members.

• The Youth Education Grant will support projects that focus on starting or growing agricultural-based education programs from early childhood through post-secondary and young adult-aged students.

Previously, there was one grant to support either youth education or community engagement projects in urban agriculture. This year, there are two separate grants.

Eligible applicants

The following groups are eligible to apply:

• For-profit businesses

• Nonprofit organizations

• Schools or school districts

• Post-secondary institutions

• Local government entities

• Native American tribal communities or governments

Project eligibility

Eligible grant projects must directly support the goals of promoting urban agriculture youth education or urban agriculture community development. Projects must be located in or serve communities that meet one of the following criteria:

• Cities with a population over 5,000, or

• Located within the boundaries of federally recognized Tribal land and serving Tribal community members, regardless of population size.

You'll find a list of eligible cities and Tribal areas in the Request for Proposals (RFP).

Eligible grant expenses include but aren't limited to the purchase and installation of equipment; capital expenditures (costs incurred to make physical improvements to or construct a facility); personnel (staff/contractor) time; transportation costs; and translation costs.

Amounts available

A total of $1.93 million is available in FY 2026. Applicants may request between $5,000 and $75,000 per project. A 25% cash match is required. The MDA will reimburse up to 75% of project costs.

Applying

Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

• Carefully read the 2026 AGRI Urban Ag Community & Economic Development Grant RFP (PDF) and FY26 Urban Ag Youth Education Grant RFP (PDF) for eligibility, requirements, and priorities.

• Apply for an AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant.

  • If you are a new user, you will need to create an account.

  • Once you are logged in, select either "FY26 AGRI Urban Agriculture Community and Economic Development Grant" or "FY26 AGRI Urban Agriculture Youth Education Grant."

Contact us if you need this information in an alternative format.

Information session

We will host an information session about the Fiscal Year 2026 funding opportunities, covering eligibility, allowable expenses, and how to apply, at 2 p.m. CT on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Register for the information session.

This session will be recorded and shared on the website after the event.