The Frontera Farmer Foundation is dedicated to supporting small and mid-sized sustainable farms that serve the Chicago area. The foundation provides capital development grants to assist these farms in enhancing their financial viability and expanding the availability of locally grown food. By supporting local farmers who prioritize biodiversity and sustainable practices, the foundation aims to strengthen the rural agricultural community while ensuring high-quality food production. The foundation acknowledges the challenges that small farms face and strives to alleviate financial strain through grant funding.

For the 2025 grant cycle, the foundation is offering grants of up to $15,000 to eligible farmers located in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. These farmers must sell their food products within the Chicago market, including through farmers’ markets and other direct sales channels. Eligibility is restricted to family farms with annual gross revenue of up to $600,000. Additionally, applicants must have been in business for at least three years and demonstrate how the grant will improve their farm’s sustainability and ability to supply locally grown food to the Chicago area.

Grants are awarded based on a range of criteria, including financial need, dedication to sustainable farming, impact on the Chicago foodshed, business creativity, and past history with the foundation. Farmers who have previously received a grant may reapply every other year, with a maximum of three awards permitted. However, farms must demonstrate that the previous grant led to a measurable improvement in infrastructure and the ability to provide food to the local market before receiving additional funds. Nonprofit farms and those connected to nonprofit organizations are not eligible.

Applicants must submit financial documents, including profit and loss statements and debt schedules, to support their application. The foundation provides sample financial documents to help applicants prepare their materials. The application process is currently open for the 2025 funding cycle, and all interested farmers are encouraged to apply online.

For additional information or questions regarding the grant application process, applicants can contact the foundation at farmerfoundation@fronteragrill.net or ksullivan@fronteragrill.net.