LAKE SUPERIOR

Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association Mini-Grant Program

The Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association (LSSFA) offers this Farmer Resilience Mini-Grant Program to provide small, flexible grants (up to $1,500) to help respond to urgent needs, strengthen skills, and invest in practical improvements that support resilient, sustainable farming in the Lake Superior region.

Farmers in our region operate at all stages — from those just starting out to seasoned growers. Many have shared that accessing timely, appropriately-sized funding for immediate needs, skill-building, or incremental improvements can be challenging, and that flexible support could significantly enhance long-term farm viability. This program is designed to fill that gap by providing low-barrier, responsive support that empowers farmers to sustain and grow their operations.

TO APPLY: Fill out the application form before 11pm on November 30, 2026. Submissions will be reviewed by the LSSFA Grant Committee and the Board of Directors after December 1, and applicants will be chosen based on need and timing. If selected, you will be notified and receive a check from SFA. You must be a current member of Lake Superior chapter of SFA.
(Join here www.sfa-mn.org/support.)

The grant Funds may be used for education, materials, equipment, consultants, and contract labor to assist in implementation of a new practice. 
Grant funds may not be used to hire workers involved in the day-to-day operations of the farm.

If your farm receives a grant, you will agree to provide photographs or other documents showing the results of your project, or you’ll permit our photographer to do so.  You will provide receipts/invoices of expenditures on equipment and supplies. Your project must be complete by November 30, 2027.

Email us with any questions: lakesuperior@sfa-mn.org



FUNDING CATEGORIES

• Soil Health, Conservation, & Climate Resilience — Projects that enhance soil fertility, promote conservation, and strengthen farm climate resilience. (e.g., compost, cover crop seed, soil testing, erosion control, drainage improvements, water conserving upgrades, and season extension tools such as high tunnels)
  
• Emergency Relief — Short-term support for urgent farm needs (e.g., storm damage, livestock loss, critical repairs).
  
• Education & Skill-Building — Workshops, trainings, conferences, certifications, or peer learning.
  
• Equipment & Infrastructure — Tools, fencing, irrigation, post-harvest improvements, or repairs that improve efficiency and resilience.
  
• Marketing & Sales — Branding, signage, website updates, point-of-sale systems, or other market support.
• Childcare Support — Childcare to help during peak or intensive farm work.
• Other Projects – Requests that clearly support sustainable farm viability and align with LSSFA priorities.

Stay tuned!

Become a Member

Renew or start your membership below.

All SFA membership donations are fully tax-deductible.

Be sure to select "Lake Superior Chapter" on the membership form.

- Planting, Cooking & Eating -

Featuring recipes, cooking tips, and information about our local food system.

Chapter Leadership