Grant Purpose:
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support Maine farmers in improving drought resilience through investments that strengthen long-term water availability and farm sustainability.
Eligible applicants include:
Farmers operating a farm in Maine who meet at least one of the following criteria:
Have produced at least $10,000 in gross annual agricultural sales in at least one of the past three years; OR
Have produced at least $2,000 in gross annual agricultural sales each year for the past three years and can demonstrate unique benefits to the local food economy as determined by the Commissioner; OR
Have an ancestral history of disinvestment or land dispossession in the State of Maine.
Funding range:
Awards are structured by category:
Category 1 – Agricultural Water Management Plans:
Up to $7,500 for design and permitting related to Category 2 projects.
Category 2 – Agricultural Water Source Development:
Up to 90% of project costs, with maximum award limits as follows:
Dug water well installation or deepening: up to $15,000
Drilled bedrock well installation: up to $25,000
Gravel-packed well installation: up to $50,000
Water storage pond installation: up to $50,000
Application deadline:
February 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST
More information and application:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/grants/farmers-drought-resilience-program.shtml
Funding opportunities are listed by application deadline. These are not scheduled events.