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Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP) is sponsored by Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). The MFVP provides funding through grants to support food ventures, especially those in or near low to moderate-income communities, Gateway Cities, and rural communities. It aims to increase access to healthy, affordable food and improve economic opportunities.
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Massachusetts Food Ventures Program 2026 | GrantExec, a Euna Solutions® company Massachusetts Food Ventures Program 2026 This program provides funding to Massachusetts-based organizations and individuals to improve access to healthy food and create economic opportunities in low- to moderate-income communities.
The Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP), managed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), is a state-funded initiative under the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The program is designed to enhance access to healthy, affordable food options and expand economic opportunities in low- to moderate-income communities across Massachusetts.
It aligns with the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan and supports local food enterprises that source Massachusetts-grown, harvested, or caught food. Through collaborations between local agricultural enterprises and public or private entities, the MFVP aims to strengthen the food system's infrastructure and promote equitable food access. The MFVP offers competitive reimbursement grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000.
A 50 percent cash match of the total project cost is required, with matching funds needing to be secured before disbursement. The funds are intended strictly for project costs, excluding rent, operations, maintenance, or previously completed work. Eligible expenditures include infrastructure development for food processing, commissaries, food co-ops, food hubs, and innovative mobile markets, among others.
Projects must prioritize service to low- to moderate-income populations and must accept SNAP benefits where applicable. First-time applicants and those who have not received prior MDAR funding are given preference, while returning applicants must demonstrate the outcomes of previous funding.
Applicants eligible for the grant include Massachusetts municipalities, non-profit and for-profit organizations based in Massachusetts, and individual Massachusetts residents. All applicants must either own the property for the project or have a lease agreement demonstrating long-term usage rights. Site visits are required prior to final award determinations to verify proposal details.
Successful applicants will be bound by a contract that includes quarterly and final reporting requirements, and must complete all project work by June 30, 2026. Applications are due by 4:00 PM on May 28, 2025. They can be submitted either online via COMMBUYS or by mailing a hard copy to MDAR.
No email submissions are allowed. The application must include detailed project descriptions, budgets with proof of matching funds, business and marketing plans, and evaluation methods. Additional attachments include resumes, architectural plans, lease agreements, financial documents, and letters of commitment from partners.
Construction projects require further documentation, such as architectural designs and permits. Projects will be evaluated based on feasibility, alignment with MFVP goals, job creation, market need, community benefit, sourcing from Massachusetts growers, and readiness to begin. Applicants must also complete or be prepared to complete various standard forms upon selection, such as tax and banking documentation.
Environmental justice considerations are encouraged and factored into program tracking, though they do not affect eligibility. For assistance, applicants may contact Rose Arruda at [email protected] or 617-851-3644. Additional resources and instructions are available via the COMMBUYS portal and Mass.
gov. Awards are expected to be announced in September 2025, with contracts executed shortly after.
Yes - 50% of total project cost No funds for rent, overhead, operations, or previously completed work Expenditures must be completed by June 30, 2026 City or township governments For profit organizations other than small businesses Eligible applicants include Massachusetts-based municipalities, for-profit and non-profit organizations, and individual residents.
Projects must be based in Massachusetts and serve low- to moderate-income communities.
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Massachusetts Municipalities; Massachusetts Non-Profit or For-Profit Organizations; Individual Residents of Massachusetts. Projects should improve access to Massachusetts grown, harvested or caught food products. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Varies Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.
Stewardship Assistance and Restoration on APRs (SARA) is a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources that funds restoration of inactive or underutilized Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) farmland. Eligible projects include land restoration, soil and water management, agricultural access improvements, site remediation, and pasture and cropland rehabilitation. Reimbursement grants of up to $50,000 are available, with applicants required to provide a cash match of at least 15% of total project costs. Eligible applicants must be located in Massachusetts and own or operate a commercial agricultural business on MDAR APR-protected land. The application deadline is April 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Contracts are anticipated to begin in Fall 2026 and run through June 30, 2027.
Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP) is sponsored by Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). This program provides business planning, technical assistance, and grants to help sustain active commercial farming on land protected through MDAR's Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program. Grant funds may be offered for identified farm improvement projects in return for signing an agricultural covenant.