Applying
Can applicants apply any other way than through the online form, such as a Word document, or mail in an application?
The online form is the only way we can accept applications.
Do I have to provide multiple quotes for the project to be considered?
Applicants must provide quotes as part of their application. However, multiple quotes are not required.
Can I reach out about specific projects and if they are a fit for the grant?
Unfortunately, we are not able to answer questions regarding specific projects. We recommend reviewing the RFR, the projects listed, as well as the goals of the program and aligning your proposed project based on the information provided.
Is it possible to save my application and continue working on it at a later time?
Yes, applicants can save and continue their work. However, we recommend reviewing the Application Form – Attachment A in the RFR before starting your application.
Will I receive a confirmation email after submitting my application?
Yes. The system does send a separate confirmation email after submission. Once you submit your application, the system will display a message confirming that your application has been successfully submitted and an email confirmation will follow.
Do I have to use the Budget Form available on the CSAP website?
A Budget Form template is available, however applicants are not required to use this specific form. Please note that to be eligible for consideration under the Program a budget is required for all submissions, and we recommend either using either the form provided, or provide a budget in a similar format.
Do I have to complete all the answers through the on-line application? For example, if I wanted to email the timeline as a separate document, is that allowed?
Answers should be completed through the online application. Please do not send separate documents for questions that can be completed through the online application.
General Eligibility
If I have applied to and have been funded under MDAR grants in the past, am I eligible to apply again? What if I have a current award?
Yes, you are eligible to apply again. Agricultural operations that received an award under FY2027 CSAP Round I are not eligible to apply.
If I don’t have a written lease agreement, am I eligible to apply?
Yes, you are eligible to apply. However, if your proposed project is selected for funding, written documentation will be required that shows the legal relationship between the parties to ensure the correct entity/individual who legally owns the property is allowing the proposed project to be completed on their land. The lease should include things like a description of the property, type of use(s) allowed, duration, and signatures of the parties involved, including the landowner.
Are non-profits eligible to apply?
Yes, non-profits are eligible to apply as long as the meet the defined eligibility requirements listed.
If agricultural land has been farmed for more than three years, but the current applicant has operated on the property for less than three years, does the operation meet the eligibility requirements?
The CSAP Round II RFR requires that applicants have operated an agricultural business in continuous agricultural production on the project property for at least three years prior to the application date. A property's history of agricultural use or ownership does not, by itself, satisfy this requirement. Applicants operating on property owned by another individual or entity must still meet the program's eligibility requirements.
Budget
How do I calculate the required 20% match?
The match is a minimum of 20% of the total project costs. For example, if the total project costs are $45,000 – the match would be $9,000 and the eligible requested amount would be $36,000.
Can the required match be in-kind? Can I use other grant funding towards it?
The match must be a cash-match and can not be in-kind. Additional grant funding can not be used towards the match..
Can the costs of shipping, and installation be included in the request?
Yes, the costs of shipping and installation can be included in the total project costs.
Funding Process
When do you estimate awards will be released?
We estimate that awards will be released by February of 2027. Applicants should be aware that the project implementation timeline will be limited. Proposed projects should be installation-ready, with equipment and materials readily available, and applicants must be prepared to begin promptly following contract execution. All projects must be fully completed and invoiced by June 30, 2027. No extensions will be granted.
Will the award amounts be taxable?
Applicants may receive a 1099-G for funding received under the CSAP. MDAR cannot give any tax advice and applicants should reach out to a tax professional for questions regarding the implications of receiving this funding.
How will MDAR distribute the funding?
Applicants who are receiving funding will be required to enter into a contract with the Department before receiving funding. This includes documentation such as a Standard Contract Form, a W-9, and an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Form. More information about the required documentation is outlined in the RFR.
Can I start the project (purchase what I am applying for) before awards are made?
No, applicants that start a project or incur costs outside of a contract with the Department are not eligible for reimbursement under the grant.
Will there be any extensions if I am unable to complete the project by June 30th, 2027?
Projects are required to be completed by June 30th, 2027 with no options for extensions.
Eligible Projects
What projects are ineligible under this grant program?
For a full list of ineligible projects and expenses, please refer to the RFR.
Are shade structures for aquaculture operations eligible under the Extreme Heat Protection project area?
Extreme Heat Protection project area is intended to support equipment and infrastructure that directly protect livestock or actively growing specialty crops from documented extreme heat conditions. Shade structures primarily intended to protect harvested shellfish during handling, sorting, or temporary storage are considered post-harvest improvements and do not fall within the intended purpose of this project area. Projects primarily focused on food safety, including improvements to post-harvest handling conditions, may be more appropriately considered under the Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP) during a future CSAP funding round, subject to program eligibility requirements.
Are Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems eligible under this round of funding?
No. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and batteries are specifically excluded from funding under the CSAP Round II - Environmental Resiliency Grant.
I applied for funding under CSAP Round I but was not selected for an award. Can I apply for the same project under Round II?
Yes. Applicants who were not awarded funding under FY2027 CSAP Round I may apply under Round II, provided they meet all program eligibility requirements. However, CSAP Round II – Environmental Resiliency Grant is a separate funding opportunity with a more limited list of eligible projects and equipment. Projects previously submitted under Round I are not automatically eligible under Round II. Applicants should carefully review Section 2B – Eligible Projects of the Round II RFR to determine whether their proposed project aligns with the eligible project areas, equipment, and intended environmental or climate-resilience benefits.
Are food safety improvements, such as walk-in coolers, eligible under CSAP Round II?
No. The CSAP Round II Environmental Resiliency Grant is focused on specific environmental, conservation, climate-resilience, and agricultural energy-efficiency improvements. Projects primarily intended to improve food safety, including walk-in coolers, refrigeration equipment, and post-harvest handling or storage facilities, are not eligible under this funding opportunity. Food safety projects may be considered under the Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP), which is included in the regular CSAP funding round, subject to that program's eligibility requirements.
Contact
| Date published: | March 6, 2026 |
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| Last updated: | October 26, 2026 |