How to apply to the Climate Smart Agriculture Program

Next steps

1. Determine your eligibility

   • Applicants must be an agricultural operation, as defined by M.G.L. c. 128, Section 1A, that is engaged in the business of production agriculture within the Commonwealth;
   • The property included in the proposed project must be in active agricultural use and managed by the applicant for a minimum of the previous three years prior to the application date.

2. Review the Request for Response (RFR)

   Before applying, please read the Request for Response (RFR). It provides a comprehensive summary of grant evaluation criteria, review timelines, award recipient expectations, eligible uses of grant funds, and examples of projects.

   Open PDF file, 2.74 MB,  FY26 Climate Smart for Agriculture Program (CSAP) - RFR (English, PDF 2.74 MB)

3. Prepare the information you need to submit an application

   You will need to provide the following as part of your application: 

   • A summary of your agricultural business, details of the project you are proposing and the benefits associated with the proposed project.
   • A description of the proposed project outcomes. 
   • Your work plan and timeline for the project.
   • An itemized project budget, including any matching funds.
   • Additional documentation in the form of quotes, maps, and balance of funding. 
   • Based on the project area, additional documentation may be requested. Refer to the RFR for additional requirements. 

4. Submit your application

   During an open application period submit your application with any additional support documentation by the posted deadline.  Applications must be submitted through the online application and support documents must be emailed to MDARGrants@mass.gov.

5. MDAR reviews your application

   MDAR will evaluate all applications submitted by the deadline and will makes award decisions based on the eligibility and evaluation criteria specified in the Request for Response (RFR). 

6. Sign a grant agreement with MDAR

   If your operation is selected to receive a grant MDAR will issue you an award letter and contract documents that specify the terms and conditions of your award. You will need to sign a Standard Contract with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a Grant Agreement with MDAR before making any purchases related to the project

7. Project Reimbursement

   Upon project completion submission of acceptable documentation is required for reimbursement. Documentation in the form cancelled checks, receipts, invoices, etc. for costs associated with approved project must be submitted to MDAR and approved prior to reimbursement.  MDAR may publish information and images from your project on its website or agency social media as examples for other operations engaging in similar projects.

   Any project costs incurred prior to an executed contract with MDAR are not eligible for reimbursement. 

   Unless your operation demonstrates significant need during the process, your grant funds will be distributed in one lump sum upon completion of your project. 

   Projects must be completed by June 30th.