Dreaming of a homestead but don’t have the cash? If money is the only thing stopping you, there are options that can get you the money you need to start or improve your homestead.
These grants are low or no money down loans are specifically designated to rehab older farms or build new ones. From agricultural to livestock funding you can get the money you need to update or get started your homestead.
10 Grants and Zero or Low Money Down Loans Available for Homesteading
Agricultural Reinvestment Fund Grants
If you are an existing farmer in North Carolina, you can request $8,000 annually to invest in the agricultural development of your existing operation.
Farmers Market Promotion
This promotion program was created to give an affordable way for farmers to market their produce and support regional and local agricultural sources. The funds may be used to create new or improve existing products’ sales opportunities.
FSA Operating Loan
The FSA low or no money down loans provides up to $35,000 to farmers for startup expenses. These expenses can be utilized for the purchase of supplies like livestock, seeds, crops, fencing and machinery and fertilizer.
USDA Beginning Farms Loan
Farm loans and grants may be awarded for the purpose of converting wild acreage into pasture land and repair roads for better access and to lower stormwater run-off.
USDA Rural Development Loan
The Rural Development loans program are awarded for the purpose of agricultural land purchases.
Fannie Mae Home Ready Loan
This loan allows a borrower to have a debt to income ration higher than 45%, making it easier to receive a loan even if your credit record isn’t the best. The loan requires a 3% down payment and features reasonable interest rates. It also allows the borrower to use funds from other government programs to pay the down-payment.
Minority and Women Farmers and Ranchers Grants and Loans
As the title implies, these homesteading grants and loans are focused on assisting Women and Minority residents. The grants can be used for property clearing for residential use by the borrower or commercial farming.
Applicants for the loans must meet the 640+ credit score required for all farm loans.
Missouri Beef Grants
If you are an existing farmer or rancher in the state of Missouri, you can apply for a $20,000 grant. The funds must be used for enhancements to existing agriculture endeavors for the purpose of expanding the business or modernizing the current operation.
National Sustainable Agriculture Commission Down Payment Assistance
This Commission program provides funds specifically for the purpose of making down payments. Qualifying applicants must be beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
Socially disadvantaged loan applicants are categorized as at least one of the following demographics:
- African Americans
- Alaskan Natives
- Asian Americans
- Native Americans
- Native Hawaiians
- Hispanics
- Pacific Islanders
- Women
Applicants must show at least three years of farming or similar experience as well as other requirements to receive this down payment assistance.
Organic Farming Research Foundation Grants and Loans
If you are experimenting with non-traditional crops or growing operations, there are funding opportunities to help you along.
These small grants to help organic farmers to improve their operation and property are available in all 50 states. The size of your homestead or your income is not a factor in awarding funds.
You CAN Become a Homestead Owner
Homesteading is a lifestyle that can be very rewarding. If you are already working a property or are seriously interested in doing so, raising money to help you move forward is possible. You don’t have to do it alone.
