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New York Farm Viability Institute

A Strong Future for New York Agriculture

Focus Opportunity Grants

What is the Focus Opportunity grant program?

Proposals to the Focus Opportunity (FOC) grant program should not fit into the parameters of any of the Institute's other grant programs. Focus Opportunity projects typically have unique conditions related to project implementation, reporting or evaluation. Projects may require more coordination and multi-discipline collaboration than, or have a broader scope, than other New York Farm Viability Institute-funded efforts.

Priority goes to proposals that include farmer participation across agriculture sectors, commodities, production and management systems, or regions of the state.

Grant eligibility

Eligible grant applicants include farmers, producer groups, researchers, educators, organizations, agencies and businesses. Applicants may represent nonprofit or for-profit sectors.

Projects should work with New York State resident farmers and outcomes should benefit agriculture in the state.

Deadlines & Letters of Intent

The Focus Opportunity grant program is on a rolling deadline. Funding decisions usually occur after applications have been considered in the Institute's other grant programs (Agriculture Innovation Center, Energy Management & Bioenergy, Education Innovation Network, and Applied Research Partnership). Note: The Institute may commit all funding to other grant programs before consideration for Focus Opportunity applications begins.

The New York Farm Viability Institute does not release a request for proposals to the Focus Opportunity program. Interested applicants may submit a letter of intent that is no more than two typed pages and describes the project goals, implementation, partners and budget. Submit letters by postal mail or email to the Institute's executive director. Following review of the letter of intent, applicants may receive an invitation to provide additional information or complete an online Focus Opportunity application.