FAQs

• Can I apply for grant funds for a project I've already done?
  Answer: No, you cannot have started the project for which you're applying. 
• Can I pay employees' salaries with the grant?
  Answer: Employee salaries and fringe benefits paid to execute the project can be reimbursed with grant funds. However, the amount of grant funds for this purpose cannot exceed 25% of grant funds requested.  Salaries paid to employees to execute the project are also an allowable match expense.  Additional information on eligible and ineligible expenses can be found in the grant guidance.  
• Can I purchase equipment with the grant?
  Answer: While it can vary, general purpose equipment - tractors, trucks, boats, etc. - are not an allowable purchase.  However, each application and project is unique and may be considered.  Equipment directly related to the project may also be an allowable match expense.  
• Can I start the project as soon as I know that Ive been awarded
  Answer: No, you may not start the project until signatures of the grantee, Commissioner of Agriculture, and the Attorney General’s Office (if applicable) have signed the contract. You will be notified when you are cleared to begin work on your project.
• Can I submit my application by mailing it to the Department of Agriculture
  Answer: No, applications are only accepted through the Cognito link found on the “Apply” page. 
• Can I use whatever format I desire to apply for the grant?
  Answer: No.  You must submit the application through the “Apply” page and attach the required Budget Form, Grant Narrative, and any budget justification items.
• Can I view the application of a previously awarded project
  Answer: No, we cannot share or distribute applications from projects that were awarded.  Applications, which are primarily based on a business/project plan, are considered proprietary information and must remain confidential.
• Can someone from the Department of Agriculture help me write my business/project plan and complete the application?
  Answer: No, agency staff cannot be involved in the development of a business/project plan.  Information is available above to help develop a successful application.  The Connecticut Small Business Development Center, UConn Cooperative Extension, and Farm Credit East have varying resources to help you submit an application.
• How do I apply for this grant?
  Answer:

  1.  Review the grant application guidelines. 

  2.  Applications for the Farm Viability Grant must be submitted through the “Apply” page of this website.  

• How is the grant money paid to someone who's been awarded?
  Answer: Once a contract is fully executed and a State of CT Purchase Order is issued, grantees may request an advance payment of up to 50% of the total award. The balance of the award will be provided after the project is successfully completed, a final financial report outlining all expenses associated with the project has been received and approved, a final project report has been received and approved, and site inspection by agency staff is conducted (if applicable). For any building a certificate of occupancy must be obtained as well.
• How long do I have to complete the project
  Answer: Projects must be completed within 18 months of contract execution. Contract and project extensions are not allowed.
• If I apply by the deadline, does it mean I'll be funded?
  Answer: No.  This is a very competitive grant program, and all received applications will be evaluated prior to awards being made. 
• If I've already received this grant in the past can I apply again?
  Answer: Yes.  However, past performance and open grant contracts will be taken into consideration.  
• Is there an applicant match involved?
  Answer: Yes. A 40% match for the total project costs must be provided. The match can be through cash or in-kind services. Micro Grant applicants are required to provide 25% match through cash or in-kind contributions.
• Is there any reason my grant award may be rescinded?
  Answer: If grant funds are awarded, failure to provide the necessary information to establish an agreement or failure to sign and return a complete grant contract by the deadlines provided at the time of contract issuance will result in rescindment of the award and reallocation of funds back to the program. The awardee may reapply through future funding opportunities, but there is no guarantee of future funding.
• What is maximum amount an applicant could be awarded?
  Answer: Applicants addressing a Question of Focus may receive up to $49,999. Applicants applying for a Micro Grant may receive up to $5,000.
• What projects can the grant money be used for?
  Answer: Projects must directly impact and/or foster agricultural viability.  A list of funding priorities for the current year are outlined in the guidance, however all projects which directly impact and/or foster agricultural viability will be considered.  A “project” is defined as “a set of interrelated tasks with a cohesive, distinct, specified, and defined goal. It follows a planned, organized approach over a fixed period of time and within specific limitations” (cost, performance, quality, etc.). Additionally, it uses resources that are specifically allocated to the work of the project and usually involves a team.  Projects are different from other ongoing operations in an organization because, unlike operations, projects have a definitive beginning and end, they have a limited duration. One way to think about this is that a project has an overarching goal that you want to accomplish through a series of individual activities or tasks.
• When will applications be accepted again?
  Answer: The 2024 round will accept applications from January 5, 2024, through February 16, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
• Who is eligible for the Agricultural Enhancement Grant?
  Answer:

  • Agricultural non-profits

  • Municipalities

  • Regional councils of governments organized under the provisions of sections 4-124i to 4-124p, inclusive

  • Groups of municipalities that have established a regional inter-local agreement pursuant to sections 7-339a to 7-339l, inclusive