Healing Soils Foundation Launches Emergency Fund to Support Farmers Facing Federal Funding Delays
In response to ongoing federal funding delays that have left farmers without critical financial support, Healing Soils Foundation (HSF) is launching the Regenerative Farmer Assurance Fund (RFAF)—an emergency bridge funding initiative to help organic and regenerative farmers in the Midwest stay afloat.
For years, farmers have relied on USDA conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant, and the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) to implement soil health practices, improve infrastructure, and strengthen regional food systems. However, in early 2025, the Trump administration froze key federal agricultural grants and loans, creating a bureaucratic backlog that has stalled reimbursements, leaving farmers in financial limbo.
A Financial Safety Net for Farmers
The Regenerative Farmer Assurance Fund (RFAF) is designed to provide immediate, recoupable grants to farmers waiting on delayed reimbursements from federal or state programs. These grants will serve as a financial bridge, allowing farmers to continue their operations, plant crops, and invest in their land without unnecessary financial strain.
Emergency recoupable grants up to $50,000 available for qualifying farmers
Rolling applications accepted as funds allow
Repayable if reimbursement arrives; converted to direct aid if funding never comes
“Farmers shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden of government inaction,” said Sarah Franz, Executive Director of Healing Soils Foundation. “These delays aren’t just a financial inconvenience—they jeopardize entire growing seasons, food systems, and climate resilience efforts. RFAF ensures that farmers can keep moving forward while we work toward long-term solutions.”
Who Is Eligible?
Organic and regenerative farmers in the Midwest
Those experiencing delays in executed public grant reimbursements
Farmers with immediate financial need to sustain their operations
Farmers can apply online at healingsoils.org/programs and submit documentation of delayed reimbursements to receive funding.
Call for Donors & Partners
HSF is calling on individual donors, corporate partners, and philanthropic organizations to help grow RFAF into a $1 million emergency fund. Contributions will allow HSF to issue more grants and create a sustainable, revolving fund that supports more farmers as reimbursements are repaid.
Donate or get involved at: healingsoils.org/donate