Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund
Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC)
$1,000–$5,000
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 awar…
- Deadline
- Annual cycle — opens once per year for at least four weeks; awardees usually notified in spring (2026 recipients announced May 1, 2026).
- Status
- active
- 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
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 reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.