There will be two opportunities for funding for Regenerative Agriculture and Green Infrastructure projects during the 2023-2028 Climate Investment Plan: Community Grant 2024 and Community Grant 2026 (estimated).
Grant application resources
Preparing to apply for a PCEF regenerative agriculture and green infrastructure grant? The following information will help you develop your project and provide guidance in requesting appropriate funding for your proposal.
Types of grants
There are two types of grants: planning grants and implementation grants. Below, we describe these in context of regenerative agriculture and green infrastructure.
Planning grants. These grants support organizations in conducting assessments or planning needed to develop a full project proposal. Planning grants cannot be used for costs associated with project implementation activities. Receiving a planning grant does not guarantee future project funding.
- Project planning and development of known physical improvement (up to $100,000) that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and advance climate justice.
- Planning, community engagement, and education to identify opportunities(up to $50,000) for specific communities to benefit from/participate in climate action. Eligible expenses include staff time, technical, planning, and facilitation consulting services.
Implementation grants. These grants can be used for projects that reduce or sequester GHG emissions and advance racial and social justice.
- Regenerative agriculture (total funding available: $5 to $9 million). Includes projects that improve access to local food, fibers, and materials using practices that sequester carbon in the soil and support a healthier urban environment. General operating expenses are also an eligible expense in certain circumstances (see below).
- Green infrastructure (total funding available: $1 to $3 million). Includes planting, establishment, and maintenance of trees; restoration, depaving, planting, and establishing native plants and shrubs; and green roofs. All green infrastructure projects must sequester carbon.
- 82nd avenue green infrastructure. As part of the Climate Investment Plan’s Strategic Program 11: 82nd Avenue Climate Infrastructure and Community Resilience Grants, an additional $2.2 million is allocated for community grants for green infrastructure. Projects must be located within 0.25 mile west and 0.5 mile east of the 82nd Avenue. Applicants can enter a project’s physical address into this interactive map to determine if it falls within the geographic boundary.
Helpful things to keep in mind
While you consider your project, it is important to know the following:
- General operating costs: Available for organizations whose primary focus is local food production using regenerative agricultural practices. The amount covered is capped at 25% of operating costs or $100,000 annually, whichever is less. This general operating support is for three-year grants and applies only to organizations that pay their entire staff wages at or above the PCEF minimum wage.
- Budgeting and accounting for timing of grant agreement execution: After awards are announced in summer 2024, onboarding of grantees and finalizing grant agreements can take several months. It is likely that funds will not be disbursed until late 2024.
- Implementation projects: These projects can span 1-5 years.
Uses of funds
The following describes how PCEF dollars can and cannot be used, and what applicants should know when it comes to PCEF funding. This is not a complete list of funding uses or requirements. Please see Uses of Funds on our website or in the Community Grant program guide for additional information.
Allowable expenses:
- Personnel.
- Materials, supplies, and equipment.
- Maintenance costs for regenerative agriculture or green infrastructure investments for the duration of the project.
- Travel.
- Contracts.
- Insurance costs.
- Project reporting.
Allowable expenses, with specific limits and/or restrictions
- Fiscal sponsors fees.
- Overhead costs.
- Grant funds for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).
- Electric vehicles (EV).
If you are considering incorporating clean energy measures like solar PV into your project, check out the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy page for guidance.
Not allowable expenses
- Street tree planting in the public right of way (see Strategic Program 8).
- Land acquisition (see Strategic Program 9).
- Hydroponics and aquaponics.
Note that this is not an exhaustive list – please refer to the Uses of funds page for more information.
Questions?
- Please visit our frequently asked questions page. Someone may have asked the same question.
- Check out our technical assistance page.
- Sign up for open office hours where staff can assist you virtually.
- Still need help? No problem. Contact us.