The Livestock Conservancy Microgrants: Fencing to Natural Disaster Relief
Reading Time: 5 minutes
There are many grant opportunities through the government, non-governmental organizations, and private individuals. However, some applications can feel daunting. The Livestock Conservancy offers microgrants to help farmers start and complete smaller projects and become confident in applying for larger funding.
The Livestock Conservancy microgrants opened at the end of May and will run through August. Applicants will be contacted in the fall to complete their paperwork, and the official announcements will be made in early January.
Four categories of microgrants are currently available:
- National Microgrants
- Youth Microgrants
- Breed Association Microgrants
- Emergency Response Fund/Emergency Response Feed Grant
To learn more about each one, visit: https://LivestockConservancy.org/Resources/Micro-Grant-Program/
Who Should Apply?
Most grants will fund farmers up to $2,000. To be eligible, the breed must be listed on The Livestock Conservancy’s priority list.
“There are rare goats out there that aren’t on our list. So those don’t qualify,” Jeannette Beranger, senior program manager, says. “The ideal candidate has been working with the animals for a while.”
These grants aren’t intended for people to buy their start in a breed. The conservancy wants to reward people for doing good jobs. It’s important to be involved with a breed association, 4-H, or FFA with that breed.
How to be a Strong Applicant
“We like to see community involvement with supporting their breed,” Beranger says. “Every breed that has a successful breed association does well.”
When applying, consider how it would benefit others beyond just your farm. This could involve producing more animals, allowing the breed to expand to new breeders, or creating a market for your products.
Know Your Budget and Your Timeline
One of the most important details in a grant application is the budget. Explain all expenses and don’t forget to total them!
“Don’t expect the judge to do the math for you,” Beranger says. “You’d be amazed at how many people expect that. Also, with the timeline, you don’t want to say, ‘Well, I think I’m going to get started around March and maybe I’ll get done by August.’ You want to have a good deadline.”
Research Before You Apply
Almost every winner watched the video below, which is also located on The Livestock Conservancy’s grant page. Beranger recommends that you pay attention to it and take notes prior to applying.
There’s also a list of previous grant winners, so you can get an idea of the projects they fund. Breed associations can apply for funding for things such as genetic testing, a computer for the stud book, conducting a meat study on their breed, and developing marketing materials for their members.
“It’s a whole array of things that the money could be used for, and I think that’s the strength of the program,” Beranger says. “Because if you’ve ever tried to find a grant to support what you’re doing with the rare breed, it’s really hard.”
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are needed per application. These letters can be from customers, your veterinarian, or an extension agent you work closely with.
“These people are vouching that you’re working with the animals that you say you are and that you’re doing a good job. A good letter of recommendation goes a long way,” Beranger says. She adds that they don’t need to write a book, but two sentences aren’t going to cut it, either. You need something meatier, such as, “I’ve known Bob for so many years, and I know he’s worked with these animals for this long of a time and has a real commitment to them. He’s done x, y, and z in the community with them, etc.”
A letter from your breed association vouching that you’re a member of that organization is good proof that you belong to that organization and are an active participant.
While three of the grants have a deadline, the Emergency Response Fund is on a case-by-case basis.
“The emergency grants are for things like you got hit by a wildfire, and it took out all your fencing. Or you’re in a drought and you need feed for your animals,” Beranger explains.
Another example is if there’s a genetically important animal, flock, or herd that needs to be rescued because the owner died and nobody wants them. Sometimes money can go toward that to help with transport costs. Since the Livestock Conservancy doesn’t buy animals, contact them if you’re experiencing that type of emergency, to see if they can help your breed association or farm, because those funds are typically sourced from the leftover microgrant money.
How You Can Support Rare Livestock
The microgrant program has been around since 2018 and has funded over $100,000. Depending on funding, they typically can support 16 applications a year. If you don’t need the full $2,000, you can apply for just what you need, which will allow more applicants to receive funding. If you would like to support The Livestock Conservancy’s microgrant program, you can contact them directly and pledge any amount.
Kenny Coogan lives on a permaculture landscape and runs a carnivorous plant nursery. His educational TV series, Florida’s Flora and Fauna with Conservationist Kenny Coogan, will come out summer of 2025. Listen to him co-host the “Mother Earth News and Friends” podcast at www.motherEarthNews.com/podcast.
Originally published in the August 1, 2025 digital issue of Goat Journal.
Lead photo: AdobeStock/By Gary Perkin
