VAPG Readiness Survey

  • VAPG Readiness Survey

    The Value-Added Producer Grant is a great opportunity to expand your farm business's processing and marketing operations. Funding must go towards a specific project, with expenses such as storage capacity, new packaging, or website upgrades. To see if you're eligible for this grant, complete the survey below. The application window for 2023 closed on May 16th. This eligibility survey is still relevant for 2024, and will be updated once next year's information is released. Please reach out to support@farmraise.com with any questions!
  • For a product to be considered value-added, you can conduct many different methods. Select one or more methods that apply to your project:*
  • Do you own and produce at least 51% of the raw commodity used in the project?*
  • Do you have at least one year's history of sales from your operation?*
  • Are you applying as an individual or entity owned by an agricultural producer, that has filed Schedule F taxes in the past? OR Are you applying as an agricultural producer group, cooperative or majority-controlled producer-based business that represents independent producers?*
  • Will the intended project increase your revenue, expand your customer base, or increase your income?*
  • VAPG requires 1:1 matching funds. This means that you must invest your own resources in the intended project, through cash and in-kind contributions, for at least 50% of the total project costs. For example, if your project's total costs are estimated at $10,000, you can apply for a $5,000 grant, you can contribute up to $2,500 through in-kind contributions (value of raw commodity, labor, etc.) and you must provide at least $2,500 in cash (requires bank statements for proof of assets).*
  • Do you have a Unique Entity Identifier from the System for Award Management?*
  • VAPG offers two different grants: Working Capital Grants and Planning Grants. Working Capital Grants fund the operational costs directly related to the processing and/or marketing of a value-added product. Planning Grants fund the determination of a project's viability, including independent feasibility studies and business plans. This grant is intended for projects with a large budget, who intend on applying for a Working Capital Grant the following year. To which grant do you want to apply?*
  • Working Capital Grants requesting over $50,000 require a third-party feasibility study and business plan. If you are applying for a Working Capital Grant, will your application request over $50,000?*
  • Are you comfortable writing the application yourself as part of a program in which you’ll be coached and supported?*

  • Your are almost done...

  • Thanks for completing the survey! Based on your responses, we recommend the following steps: 

     

    If you would like to pay for grant writing services, we think you'd be a great fit for our experienced grant writer, Richard Barber. If you would like to find out more about their services, fill in your contact information below.

     

    If you do not require the full services of a grant writer, but simply want someone to help draft a budget or review your final application, you can requested support from the grant writing marketplace. Here is a help article on how to navigate two different sites to hire a grant writer, where you can request specific help for a price that fits you.

     

    Lastly, you may always write the grant yourself. Alongside help from your local Rural Development Office, you can complete this grant on your own time. Check out a brief overview of the application process here. We recommend getting started right away. Electronic applications (by email) are due May 11th and paper applications are due May 16th. The application process can take 60-100 hours to complete. 

     
     

  • Thanks for completing the survey! Based on your answers, we are not sure that VAPG is the right grant for you at this time. 

     

    Please fill in your contact information below if you would like to discuss the grant further. We will also send you some information about how you can prepare for the future.

     
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