Seeking Out Government Funding in 2026: A Planning Guide for Agriculture and Conservation Organizations
As we move closer to 2026, many agriculture, conservation, and sustainability organizations are reassessing their fundraising strategies and asking an important question: how should state and federal government funding fit into our plans next year?
Government funding can provide stability, scale, and long-term impact for nonprofit organizations, but it requires early planning and a clear understanding of how public funding works. Organizations that successfully secure government funding rarely start late—they align their programs with public priorities, understand funding mechanisms, and build relationships well in advance.
If government funding is part of your 2026 strategy, now is the time to prepare.
Understanding Government Funding Types
Government funding generally falls into three categories: discretionary funding, mandatory funding, and grant funding. Each plays a different role in supporting agriculture and conservation programs.
Discretionary funding is allocated through annual—or in some states, biennial—budgets and must be approved by the legislature each cycle. These funds are typically limited by authorizing language that sets a maximum funding level for a program. If your organization’s work is not already authorized in statute, you may need to pursue authorizing legislation before funding can be appropriated.
Mandatory funding must be spent once it is authorized. Many agriculture and conservation programs fall into this category, particularly those authorized through federal legislation such as the Farm Bill. While mandatory funding can be more predictable over time, it is shaped by long legislative timelines and policy negotiations.
Grant funding is often administered by executive branch agencies such as USDA or state departments of agriculture. These grants may be competitive or pre-competitive and are often the most accessible entry point into government funding for nonprofit organizations.
State Budget Funding for Agriculture and Conservation Programs
For organizations whose work aligns closely with state priorities, state budget funding can be an effective way to secure stable program support. However, budget funding requires patience and a strong understanding of state government processes.
Successful state funding efforts often begin with relationships. Building trust with lawmakers who represent your region, have worked with your organization before, or care deeply about your issue area is critical. From there, organizations should define a clear funding request—often focused on core or programmatic funding that supports long-term delivery rather than short-term projects.
It is also important to understand your state’s budget cycle. Some states pass budgets annually, while others do so every two years. Knowing when budgets are drafted, negotiated, and finalized—and who makes key decisions—can significantly improve your chances of success. New initiatives often take multiple cycles to receive funding, so realistic timelines and persistence are essential.
Using Grant Funding to Enter Government Funding Streams
Grant funding is often the most practical starting point for organizations new to government funding. Many states offer grant programs designed to support nonprofits delivering public benefits related to agriculture, conservation, soil health, and sustainability. Because opportunities vary by state, organizations should regularly monitor relevant agencies and program announcements.
At the federal level, 2026 is expected to be more predictable than 2025 for agriculture and conservation grants. Several USDA programs did not open as anticipated in the past year, but the agency has indicated a return to regular funding cycles in 2026. Programs such as SARE, AFRI, Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG), and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) typically open annually with relatively consistent timelines.
Because these grants are competitive and frequently require multiple partners, early collaboration is essential. Strong proposals are built months in advance, with clear roles, aligned outcomes, and a strong connection to agency priorities.
Plan Early to Make Government Funding Work for You
Across state and federal funding programs, one principle remains consistent: organizations that plan early are more successful. Government funding works best when it supports your mission and long-term strategy, rather than pulling your organization in new or reactive directions.
By understanding funding types, building relationships, and planning collaboratively, agriculture and conservation organizations can position themselves for successful government funding in 2026.
At RKO Consulting Group, we help nonprofits and sustainability programs navigate government funding with clarity, strategy, and confidence—so public dollars become a long-term asset, not a last-minute scramble.