FARMERS MARKET GRANT PROGRAM
Funding to support farmers markets in central and eastern Lane County
The Upper Willamette Soil & Water Conservation District is offering grants of up to $7,500 per market location for projects and events that promote conservation and support local food systems through community farmers markets. Successful project applications will encourage community and vendor participation in market events, educate the public on conservation or agricultural topics, and/or make local agricultural products accessible to diverse demographics.
Full guidelines for this grant, including the application questions, are available here: 2026 Farmers Market Grant Application (PDF).
Applications are due by 11:59 PM on January 14th, 2026. Grant funds will be provided as a lump sum in February 2026.
To be eligible for Farmers Market Grant Program funding, the proposed project must be designed to address one or more of the following criteria:
- Increase community participation in market events
- Increase the number of vendors over previous years
- Educate the public on a conservation-related topic (e.g., food production, gardening, water use, soil health, food quality)
- Make healthy, fresh agricultural products accessible to all demographics of the county (e.g., matching funds from SNAP or other assistance programs).
To be eligible for Farmers Market Grant Program funding, the applicant must operate a farmers market located within the District’s boundaries in eastern and central Lane County. For the purposes of this grant program, a farmers’ market is where multiple local farmers sell fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, bakery products, and/or other agricultural products directly to consumers. The market must be owned and operated by a local organization, not by one or more individual farmers or vendors. An organization is eligible for one grant per market location.
We have a total pool of approximately $75,000 for this funding opportunity.
Requests will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Clear and specific description of how grant funds will be used.
- Project is achievable with the funds requested.
- If previously funded, applicant has completed all reporting requirements and is in good standing with the District.
To apply for a grant, register at: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=uwswcd and use the application template included below to prepare responses. With questions, contact Jared Pruch at [email protected].
