Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund
Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC)
$1,000–$5,000
Researched for this program: 5 rejection traps · 5 required documentsWhat decides this award ↓
Equipping veterans to farm
A national program of the Farmer Veteran Coalition that provides direct assistance to U.S. military veterans in the early years of building an agricultural business. The Fellowship Fund awards equipment and small grants in the $1,000–$5,000 range to help veteran farmers and ranchers purchase the specific items that will make the largest impact on their operation. Awards are paid directly to third-party vendors rather than to the veteran. Since 2011 the fund has distributed nearly $4 million to more than 930 veterans; in 2026 it announced over $464,000 to 122 veteran farmers across 43 states. Applicants must be FVC members, have an honorable discharge, and run a for-profit agricultural business.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Private
- Amount range
- $1,000 – $5,000
- Realistic amount
- A typical award is in the low thousands; dividing the 2026 total ($464,000+) across 122 awardees implies an average near $3,800 in equipment per veteran.
- Deadline
- The 2026 fellowship cycle is complete; the application opens once per year and the next cycle is not posted.
- Status
- between-intakes
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- in-kind
Who qualifies
- U.S. military veteran with an 'Honorable' characterization of service upon discharge (any branch)
- Current member of the Farmer Veteran Coalition
- Operates a for-profit agricultural business with an established business plan
- Nonprofit entities are not eligible
- Previous recipients may reapply only if their prior award was $1,000 or less
- Must commit to program participation, including progress reports and mentoring
Hard requirements
- Reserved for veteran owned businesses
- Must be veteran-owned
Is the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund legit?
Yes. The Farmer Veteran Coalition has run it since 2011 and has helped more than 930 veterans. You must be a member, and awards go to your equipment vendors rather than to you.
- Who runs it: The Farmer Veteran Coalition
- Since: 2011; more than 930 veterans helped
- Who can apply: Farmer Veteran Coalition members
- How awards are paid: Straight to approved vendors, not to the veteran
Sources: farmvetco.org. Last checked at the funder on October 18, 2026.
Past Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund winners
Some of the 2026 awardees:
- Betty Nelson, KBZ Farms, Montgomery, Alabama · 2026 awardees, announced May 1, 2026
- Lanora Owens, Jungle Orchid, Cordova, Tennessee · 2026 awardees, announced May 1, 2026
- James Schafer, Schafer Acres, Dardanelle, Arkansas · 2026 awardees, announced May 1, 2026
- Christopher Villatoro, VVV Ranch & Cattle Company LLC, Bentonville, Arkansas · 2026 awardees, announced May 1, 2026
- Sara McGuigan Quintino, Livity Garden, LLC, Waialua, Hawaii · 2026 awardees, announced May 1, 2026
- Ashley Anderson, Anderson Heritage Homestead, Hollis, Maine · 2026 awardees, announced May 1, 2026
Names as published by the Farmer Veteran Coalition (source). GrantCompass is not affiliated with the Farmer Veteran Coalition.
New grants like this every week: see this week's list or get it by email on Mondays.
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Livestock
- Fencing and livestock-handling equipment
- ATVs and farm machinery/tools
- Other equipment identified as making the largest impact on the operation
- Scholarships/training in some cases
Ineligible expenses
- Cash paid directly to the veteran (funds go to vendors only)
- Costs for nonprofit operations (ineligible applicants)
- Items unrelated to the agricultural business
How to apply
-
1
Join the Farmer Veteran Coalition and confirm eligibility
Become (or confirm you are) a current FVC member and verify honorable-discharge status and for-profit farm operation. Identify the specific equipment/items that would most advance your operation.
~2 hrs
-
2
Prepare a business plan and proof of service
Assemble an established business plan and documentation of military service (e.g. DD-214). These are required attachments.
~4 hrs
-
3
Complete the application
Answer the short-answer and essay questions covering military service, education, farming experience, business planning, and goals. Clearly specify the requested items and vendors, and explain how they will move your farm forward.
~4 hrs
-
4
If awarded, coordinate vendor purchase and reporting
The Fund pays your chosen third-party vendor directly. Use the award within six months and submit progress reports; participate in mentoring as committed.
~2 hrs
The strongest applications name the exact items and vendors and show, concretely, how that specific equipment unlocks growth or income — vague 'general support' requests lose to specific ones. Get your FVC membership and DD-214 sorted before the window opens, since the cycle is short (about four weeks) and membership is a hard prerequisite.
Deadline & timing
One application cycle per year, open no fewer than 4 weeks. Notification typically in spring; the 2026 class was announced May 1, 2026. Applicants must hold a current Farmer Veteran Coalition membership at the time of applying.
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Last updated October 18, 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.