01
Local producers
Individuals or small-scale producers operating in Shelby County, Tennessee.
MDA Microgrant Program · 2025 cycle closed
Investing in Shelby County growers.
A local urban-agriculture initiative helping small-scale producers expand operations, strengthen soil health, and build climate-resilient farms.
$200,000Total program funding
25Small-scale growers
Up to $8,000Per award
Shelby CountyLocal focus
Program overview
Capital for growers. Benefits for the whole community.
Memphis Dawah Association, in partnership with USDA and TIME Inc., created a $200,000 microgrant initiative for 25 small-scale growers across Shelby County. Individual awards of up to $8,000 were designed to help producers expand, purchase supplies, improve soil health, and adopt climate-resilient practices.
The 2025 application period is now closed. This page remains available as a public record of the program model, eligibility, funding uses, and review process. Future opportunities will be posted when dates and funding are confirmed.
Current status
The 2025 cycle is closed and applications are no longer being accepted. Join the update list to hear when the next round opens.
Who the program served
Eligibility for the 2025 cycle.
02
Ready to deliver
Applicants needed to demonstrate the capacity to complete their proposed project goals.
03
First-time awardees
Applicants could not have received this specific MDA microgrant previously.
04
Youth opportunity
Youth grants were available, with guardian consent required for applicants under 18.
Eligible uses
Funding designed for practical farm needs.
The program supported projects that could make a measurable difference in production, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
- 01Seeds, containers, and plants
- 02On-farm infrastructure
- 03Equipment purchases under program rules
- 04Soil and conservation practices
- 05Cost-share needs where USDA funding was unavailable
How it worked
Application and review process.
A structured process connected local screening, site review, partner oversight, and post-award accountability.
1
Application
Growers submitted their project information for the active funding cycle.
2
Committee review
A screening committee evaluated applications and visited shortlisted projects.
3
Partner review
The approval chain included program and agriculture partners identified for the initiative.
4
Award notification
Selected growers received funding decisions and project expectations.
5
Verification
Awardees documented spending and progress through receipts, photos, training, and reporting.
Funding accountability
From award to documented impact.
Up to 1 yearProject period from award
30 daysEvaluation timeline (business)
Receipts & photosPost-award documentation
BudgetFinancial reporting
Common questions
Program FAQ.
The 2025 cycle accepted individuals and small-scale producers located in Shelby County, Tennessee.
Yes. Equipment was an eligible use, subject to the program's funding rules and approved project budget.
Youth grants were available. Applicants under 18 required guardian consent.
No. The published 2025 program information stated that an FSA Farm Record Number was not required.
No. The 2025 application cycle is closed. Future opportunities will be announced when confirmed.
Program inquiries