MALT Small Grants Program – Round 4 (Spring 2025)

The Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) Small Grants Program provides funding to agriculturalists in Marin County for projects that enhance agricultural sustainability, protect biodiversity, foster community connections, and build climate resilience. The program offers grants of up to $50,000 per project, with a total funding pool of $200,000 for the Spring 2025 funding round. This initiative builds on MALT’s past efforts, including the Stewardship Assistance Program and the Drought Resilience and Water Security (DRAWS) initiative, which have collectively distributed over $2 million to local farmers and ranchers.

The focus of the Spring 2025 grant cycle, Round 4, is “Resilience on Working Lands.” This round aims to support agriculturalists in implementing strategies that bolster the resilience of working lands—managed grasslands, shrublands, and forests that produce food and fiber while providing essential ecosystem services. Projects funded under this round should address environmental and economic pressures facing the agricultural sector, including climate change, fluctuating markets, and development pressure.

Applications for the Spring 2025 cycle open on February 6, 2025, and close on March 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST. Grant recipients will be announced in late April 2025. To be eligible, applicants must be engaged in commercial agriculture in Marin County and must provide proof of landowner approval or the right to manage the land. While holding a MALT Conservation Easement is not required, applicants are limited to one grant per fiscal year. A cost-share contribution of at least 10% of the total project cost is required, and grant funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis. Applicants may request an advance payment of up to 50% of the estimated project cost, subject to approval.

The program will provide technical assistance to applicants through in-person office hours and individual appointments. Office hours will be held at MALT’s office in Point Reyes Station on March 3 and March 10, 2025, and at the UC Cooperative Extension Marin office in Novato on March 5, 2025. Additional one-on-one support is available by appointment with Scott Dunbar at sdunbar[at]malt.org or (415) 663-1158 Ext: 313.

Proposals will be evaluated based on selection criteria outlined in Exhibit C of the grant guidelines. A review committee composed of MALT staff and representatives from partner organizations will assess applications. MALT reserves the right to conduct site visits as part of the evaluation process. Funded projects must be completed within 18 months of executing a grant agreement. MALT may monitor project implementation through site visits, email, phone check-ins, and remote monitoring.

MALT retains the right to modify program guidelines, adjust award amounts, and request additional information from applicants. The organization also reserves the right to reject proposals, rescind funding if project deadlines are not met, and monitor funded projects for up to five years post-completion. For more information or to apply, applicants should review the grant guidelines and submit their proposals through the online portal.