Farmers, educators, students and organizations working to advance soil health and regenerative agriculture are encouraged to explore grant opportunities available through the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund. Applications for the current grant cycle are due Thursday, Oct. 1.
Grants of up to $2,500 are available to support education, research and practical projects related to soil health and regenerative agriculture in Nebraska and surrounding states. Areas of interest include no-till farming, cover crops, water conservation, tree conservation and other practices that improve soil health.
Grantworthy activities may include educational events and programming for youth, farmers, ranchers and others involved in agriculture; reimbursement of training expenses for farmers seeking to improve land stewardship; and on-farm or ranch research designed to evaluate and improve soil health practices.
Previous grants have supported FFA and student research projects, producer-led innovation and on-farm research, soil health field days and demonstrations, regenerative agriculture conferences and other educational programs.
Established in 2021, the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund honors Gillespie, a lifelong farmer and longtime no-till practitioner and advocate known locally as “Dan, the Tree Man.” The fund is affiliated with Nebraska Community Foundation and supports efforts to expand soil health education and practical adoption of regenerative agriculture.
Applications for the fall grant cycle must be submitted by Oct. 1. Learn more about the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund and download the grant application.
