NOW OPEN: Zero Foodprint’s 2024 Compost Connector Grants
2024 Compost Connector Grants
Zero Foodprint is now accepting applications for our 2024 Compost Connector Grants! This year, Zero Foodprint will collect applications and award grants on a rolling basis. All farmers and ranchers applying compost in California are eligible to submit a grant application. Applicants are encouraged to submit as soon as possible to maximize their award opportunities.
The Compost Connector Grant was created to ensure that compost produced in California would be directed where it’s needed most: to farms and ranches building healthy soil. Adding compost to soil is an important part of that process: it can increase nutrient availability, water retention, and carbon sequestration.
New to Zero Foodprint grants?
Learn more about Compost Connector Grants.
Key Updates for 2024
Farmers who received funding from Zero Foodprint’s Compost Connector Grant in 2023 may notice that we’ve improved the application and grant award processes.
In 2024, applicants will no longer need to claim rebate credits. Applicants will instead tell Zero Foodprint how much compost they plan to use and where they plan to purchase it from. This lets Zero Foodprint review applications on a rolling basis and award grants throughout the year as more funding becomes available!
Applying for a Compost Connector Grant does not guarantee the applicant will be awarded funds, nor does it guarantee the award amount will cover the full cost of a compost purchase. Within two weeks of submitting an application, applicants will receive an email notifying them of an award amount, or, confirming they have been added to a queue. Eligible farmers and ranchers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to maximize their award opportunities.
Award grantees will receive a notice with a breakdown of their funding amount and details about required documentation. Grantees will have until December 12, 2024, to purchase and use compost and provide the requested documentation to Zero Foodprint.
How does Compost Connector work?
Step 1
Submit a grant application.
Step 2
Zero Foodprint will notify you within 2 weeks of your application status via email. If awarded, you will receive an email with the maximum grant amount available to you. If not, your application will enter a queue and continue to be considered as the program receives additional funding.
Step 3
Sign a Compost Connector agreement.
Step 4
Place your order. It’s the responsibility of the farmer or rancher to choose a compost facility from the approved list, decide which compost product works best for your needs, and to communicate with the facility about quality and delivery logistics. Take 2 photos of the delivery and/or spreading of your compost.
Step 5
Once you’ve received your compost, send us your Grant Payment Request form with the required documentation. Invoices must be from an approved facility and list Zero Foodprint in the PO field or invoice notes.
Step 6
Our team will review your documentation for accuracy and follow up with any questions. Once approved, you will receive your funds via bank transfer or mailed check.
How Will Applicants be Notified about their Award?
Grants are awarded based on available Compost Connector Grant funding, which is expected to increase throughout 2024. Eligible farmers and ranchers are encouraged to apply as early as possible, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Within two weeks of submitting an application, applicants will receive an email notifying them of an award amount, or, confirming they have been added to a queue.
If awarded, grantees will receive an email confirming the details of their grant in addition to a Compost Connector agreement that must be signed before the compost purchase.
Applicants that are not immediately awarded will be placed in a queue which will be reviewed as the program funding increases. Applicants will receive a final notification about the status of their application one month before their preferred compost spreading month.
Zero Foodprint (ZFP) is a nonprofit organization restoring the climate, one acre at a time. We believe that by regenerating soil, local food economies can play a critical role in reversing the global climate crisis. We work with food and beverage businesses, philanthropy and government to bring the next dollar to implement the next regenerative practice on the next acre. This regenerative economy benefits every person who grows food, every person who sells food, and every person on this planet who eats food.
