ARPA - AGRICULTURE INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT
The intent of the Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program is to advance Montana's agricultural industry through targeted investments in value-added agriculture projects across the state. Grants will assist with the development of innovative agricultural business improvements to keep pace with a transforming agricultural industry, create new jobs, and expand business opportunities.
Background:
In 2021, $7.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds were allocated to strengthen and diversify Montana's industry through targeted investments in value added agriculture projects across the state. MDA will be releasing $1.5 million of the $7.5 million for a second round of ARPA AIG project awards.
Click Here to View Completed/In- Progress ARPA AIG Projects
Funds Available:
Total funds available for grant awards are $1.5 million. No proposal may request more than $450,000.
Click here to view the MDA ARPA AIG Official Announcement (2024)
Proposals will be accepted from:
- Individuals
- Businesses and Industry Organizations
- Public and Private Agencies and Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Local Governments
Funding Criteria
An applicant may be eligible for an award if the proposal meets the goals of ARPA AIG and:
- primarily adds value to Montana’s agricultural products,
- has the prospects for commercial success given current personnel, experience and resources of the applicant,
- has the prospects to create and/or retain jobs in Montana,
- has the management structure to comply with ongoing reporting and monitoring activities.
Eligible Costs
Eligible costs under the ARPA AIG include, but are not limited to:
- Equipment
- Facilities Upgrades
- Consultant Services (professional, technical, operational)
- Advertising and Promotion
- Supplies and Materials
Business Registration Required
To be eligible to receive funding your business must be registered with the Montana Secretary of State's office (www.sos.mt.gov). If your business is not registered, we encourage you to begin that process prior to submitting an application.
UEI Number
In order to receive an award all applying entities (as defined in 2 CFR Part 25, subpart C) must provide a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number. A UEI can be obtained for free through SAM.gov at https://sam.gov/content/home
2024 ARPA AIG Funding Opportunity
To view the grant details and apply, Click Here
ARPA AIG Guidelines – Please Read this First!
Application Materials
Required Application Forms
Submitting a Grant Proposal
All applications must be submitted through the WebGrants system. The instructions below outline the basic procedures of operating the WebGrants system.
For Application Assistance:
Applicants are encouraged to contact the Food and Agriculture Development Center Network (www.foodandag.mt.gov) the Small Business Development Center Network (www.sbdc.mt.gov) and/or their local economic development organization (https://www.eda.gov/grant-resources/economic-development-directory/mt) as resources in developing their application. These organizations can assist with the application as well as required one-page financial with projections, business and/or marketing plan.
Technical Assistance
For Technical Assistance
ARPA AIG Grant (Round #2) Technical Assistance
Topic: ARPA AIG Tech Call-Q&A
Time: April 18, 2024, 10am-11 am Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://mt-gov.zoom.us/j/81346918652?pwd=dE81V0RpbWFVdWpnUlhHbU4zSjM0Zz09
Meeting ID: 813 4691 8652
Password: 350857
Dial by Telephone:
+1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 813 4691 8652
Password: 350857
Find your local number: https://mt-gov.zoom.us/u/kyKau0Lys
Timeline
March 11, 2021: Expenses have been incurred after this date to be allowable
April 1, 2024: Call for applications
April 18, 2024 Technical Assistance Call 10-11 am, Zoom Call
April 29, 2024 Deadline 5:00 PM MST in WebGrants
June 1, 2024: Awards announced, contract start
August 30, 2024 Midway report due to Grants Specialist via email
December 16, 2024: Final report due, with final claim reimbursement.
***Please note this date cannot be extended under any circumstance***
Contact