Leonard-Mobley Small Farm Fund Grant, Established 2014
The Leonard-Mobley Small Farm Fund was established to support and cultivate small farms in our region of North Carolina. Founded in 2014, the Fund works to aid the development and long-term sustainability of small farms through an annual grants program.
The purpose of the grant is to improve the operations of the recipient farm to insure the continuation and long-term success of the farm. There is no limitation on the use of the grant, but it is expected to be used for the purpose described in the grant application. The amount of the grant is $5,000 and will be awarded at the 2026 annual Dinner in the Meadow.
The requirements to qualify as a grant applicant are as follows:
- A “small farm”, for the purpose of this grant, will typically be the enterprise of one person or family.
- The farmer must generate at least 50% of his or her personal income from the farm operation.
- The applicant’s farm must be located in one of the 11 designated North Carolina counties (Franklin, Granville, Person, Durham, Vance, Warren, Wake, Nash, Halifax, Chatham, and Wilson).
- The farm must have been in operation for at least two years by July 1, 2026 (so prior to July 1, 2024).
- Previous grant recipients are not eligible.
- The grant funds my NOT be used for labor, wages, training or marketing.
- Grant winner is required to submit a written report and show proof of how funds were spent at the end of one year (September 2027).
- Grant winners are expected to attend the Dinner in the Meadow event in persona and be prepared to speak about your project.
In addition to the submitted grant, an interview at the farm is required. Grant proposals may be submitted via email or standard mail, but must include the information requested in the form.
Please contact our Team with any questions you might have regarding the grant at leonardmobleysmallfarmfund@gmail.com.