Urban Agriculture Cost-Share Grant Program

Description

The Urban Agriculture Cost-Share Grant Program assists small agribusinesses operating in urban areas. Acceptable projects should focus on:

• Growth and development of agribusinesses
• Development of production infrastructure or direct distribution venues
• Providing training and developing skills for agribusiness sustainability
• Projects that demonstrate economic growth

Projects should support urban agriculture. Acceptable projects include, but are not limited to:

• Business Plan Development
• Marketing Plan
• Feasibility Study
• Community Gardens

FY26 Grant Timeline

Applicants will be responsible for following the timeline and communicating in advance if deadlines cannot be met:

Application Submission Deadline: Sept. 15, 2025
Anticipated award date: Mid-Oct. 2025
MOVERS Registration: Dec. 1, 2025
Reimbursement Request Form Deadline: March 31, 2026
Final Report & Documents Deadline: May 15, 2026
Initial Inspection: Late May 2026
Follow-up Inspection: Spring 2027

All reimbursable project expenses must be made between the award date and March 31, 2026.

Grant Amount

The grant amount awarded to any person, group of individuals, business or organization related to addressing urban agriculture and economic development is 75% of the total project expenditures, up to $10,000.

Examples:

This is a reimbursement-only grant, therefore funds will only be released upon the receipt of all paid invoices showing proof of payment, completion of required registrations and after an inspection has been performed by MDA staff. You do not need to determine specific items to be used for a match. The grant only reimburses for 75% of the total eligible project costs. The remaining 25% represents your “match” for this grant.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants may be an individual, groups of individuals, businesses, and organizations related to agriculture. Eligible projects must aid small agribusinesses and provide workforce development to Missouri residents and reside within one of the following urban areas, as designated by the 2020 US Census:

The United States Census Bureau defines urban areas as: densely developed territories that encompass residential, commercial, and other nonresidential urban land uses. Each urban area must encompass at least 2,000 housing units or at least 5,000 people. This is a change from the previous minimum of 2,500 people which had been in place since the 1910 Census.

If you have questions about your location qualifying, please reach out to grants@mda.mo.gov, or call (573) 751-7794.

How does the Program Work?

Projects will be selected on a competitive basis. Each application will be evaluated and scored using the following criteria:

• Credibility and merit
• Impact potential
• Timeliness of impact
• Partner support

Once awarded, grantees may begin making all approved project expenditures during the outlined grant period. Reimbursements will only be made for expenditures paid for between the date of award and March 31, 2026. All expenses submitted must include detailed receipts with clear proof of payment and dates listed. Grant recipients will be required to submit a final report to MDA by May 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Grantees will be responsible for meeting ALL of the following requirements prior to reimbursement:

• Register as a vendor with the State of Missouri through the MOVERS web portal and be in “Approved” status by December 1^st, 2025.
• Register to do business in Missouri and be in good standing with the Secretary of State, if applicable.
• Provide MDA a Certificate of No Tax Due (valid for 90 days).
• Must have proof of enrollment in E-Verify by providing an MOU.

Eligible & Ineligible Expenses

Awarded funds are intended to be used on project supplies including the following examples:

• Garden tools (Any tools requiring fuel must be pre-approved)
• Plants, seeds, soil, fertilizer
• Greenhouse materials and installment
• Fencing materials
• Construction materials
• Electrical supplies
• Plumbing supplies
• Contracted work within grant period
• Kitchen equipment
• Food processing equipment and supplies
• Storage facilities and equipment

Awarded grant funds are NOT intended for the following:

• Paying off existing loans
• Costs incurred prior to the date or grant award
• Food purchases
• Livestock or poultry purchases
• Security system equipment and/or installation
• Operational costs such as payroll, utilities, or insurance
• Salaries/fringe benefits of those involved in the grant project
• Buying or leasing land or buildings
• Buying or leasing of machinery or equipment, unless previously approved
• Fuel purchases
• Grant writing expenses
• Costs incurred through other MDA financial opportunities