CA
Community Alliance with Family Farmers

Small Farm Innovation Challenge

Splits a $10,000+ cash pool among winners of an annual small-farm tech innovation challenge.

Submissions go through CAFF staff review for completeness, then a selection committee of farmers, investors, entrepreneurs and tech-industry judges scores each entry against category-specific and overall rubrics. Multiple winners are chosen each cycle and split a cash prize pool of $10,000 or more, plus supplemental business, marketing and legal support and a showcase at the California Small Farm

Looking for right-sized technology for small-scale farms, across four categories: DIY tinkering solutions, software products, hardware tools, and social innovations like new processes or systems that benefit the wider farming community. Open to individuals, teams, students and start-up businesses at any stage of development.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.-
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Prize
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$10K

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