Federal Funding Freeze Resources

Resources Related to the USDA Federal Funding Freeze 

We'll be adding resources related to the ongoing funding freeze including funding opportunities, key organizations, ways to take action, and others as we find or develop them. This is an evolving situation and we are working hard to respond accordingly and support those in the food and farming system through this challenging and uncertain time!

Emergency & Non-Federal Funding Options

• AFT's Brighter Future Fund: Emergency Resilience Grant (Due next Saturday 4/26!) This grant offers up to $10,000 to farmers seeking to offset financial disruptions farmers and ranchers are experiencing due to natural disasters (such as flooding, wildfires, or avian flu), the loss or delay of funding due to the government funding freeze, or a loss of markets. They're specifically prioritizing small and mid-size farms! 

• The Real Farmer Care Self Care Award Program  allocates funds directly to farmers as $100 self-care, which can look many different ways! Self-care is generally defined as the practice of taking an active role in protecting and improving one’s own well-being and happiness, particularly during times of stress.

• Emergency Funding Regenerative Farmer Assurance Fund (RFAF): The Healing Soils Foundation is offering critical financial relief to organic and regenerative farmers facing delays in public funding.  With federal reimbursement programs frozen or slowed, farmers who depend on these funds for conservation, soil health, and infrastructure improvements are now at serious financial risk. (Applications are rolling but funds distributed as available.

• SHOT Fund Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Bridge Loan Program: These bridge loans aim to fill gaps in conservation funding. They have no fees, penalties, or interest. (Note: Indiana is one of their priority states)

• Sky High Farm Grant Cycle (Applications reviewed through 2025): These micro-grants support projects led by farmers and food justice advocates whose initiatives are rooted in their communities and aligned with our shared values.

Resource Round-Ups

• Farm Commons offers collection of print guides and webinar recordings, with a focus on legal action steps.

Taking Action

• Find your representatives

• Tips for calling your representatives & Example of a letter to your representative.

• Share your Story: How has the funding freeze impacted you? Email news@indianafarming.org or visit NYFC's page here.

Organizations to Know

Here are a few nonprofit organizations who are stepping up during this critical time to mobilize support for farmers and call attention to the funding freeze:

• National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC): This organization is actively advocating for farmers under the current circumstances and gathering stories to push for unhindered access to USDA resources. Watch their powerful testimony at a recent IL House Ag Committee Hearing on USDA Funding Freezes.

• Farm Aid: Known for supporting family farmers, Farm Aid is raising awareness about the implications of the funding freeze and urging farmers to reach out for assistance.

•  National Young Farmers Coalition: NYFC has a long history of amplifying farmer voices and effectively advocating for impactful policy change. Read their piece on the next steps for those impacted by the federal funding freeze here.

Policy Tracking Resources

Here are some resources to track legislative changes at the state and federal level.

• Hoosier Environmental Council Bill Watch

• ACLU of Indiana Policy Tracker

• Land and Liberation: Executive Orders Impacting Federal Funding

• Food Policy Tracker from Civil Eats

Know your Rights

• A Guide for Employers: What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace

• Community Resources: Know your Rights, immigration, and legal support resources (Spanish and English)

Notable News & Articles

• Funding Freeze Impacts: Farmers and Organizations Speak Out, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition