Sustainable Agriculture Mini Grants for Tribal Colleges and Communities

Since 1992, the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program has supported farmers, ranchers, researchers and educators in their efforts to improve farm profitability, protect water and land, and revitalize communities. 

Through North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE), a pilot program began in 2023 after development by NCR-SARE and the 1994 land grant institutions in the region to facilitate connection. Through Michigan State University Extension, the Tribal SARE initiative supports SARE at five Tribal Colleges and other Tribal Communities in Michigan and Wisconsin. 

Currently, the Tribal SARE program serving Michigan and Wisconsin invite agricultural professionals in Tribal agencies and Tribal farmers programming in sustainable agriculture to apply for mini grants. The Mini Grant Program provides support up to $5,000 for food sovereignty-related activities such as (but not limited to):

  • Field days
  • Farm tours
  • Workshops
  • On-farm research trials
  • Demonstration plots
  • Other efforts as identified, as long as there is an associated outreach component 

Apply for Tribal SARE Mini Grants

To learn more about SARE efforts in Michigan, click here.

To visit the North Central Region SARE website, click here.

North Central Region SARE Professional Development Program Travel Scholarship

Through the North Central Region Sustainable SARE Professional Development Program, sustainable agriculture educators, professionals, and practitioners are encouraged to apply these funds (up to $500) to assist in experiencing professional development opportunities that increase their knowledge, enhance their work, and develop their communication skills. 

Tribal SARE Professional Development Travel Application

1994 Tribal College Coordinator

NCR-SARE's 1994 Tribal College Coordinator, Emily Proctor, conducts train-the-trainer programs and shares information about grant programs and other sustainable agriculture resources for Tribal colleges and communities in Michigan and Wisconsin. 

Emily Proctor, MSW, BASW, earned her degrees from Michigan State University - School of Social Work.  She is a citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB) in Harbor Springs, Michigan. She serves as a Tribal Extension Educator, Community, Food & Environment Institute for Michigan Tribal Nations, Tribal Communities, schools, community partners, and various levels of government, with her home office located in LTBB's homelands, Emmet County, Michigan State University Extension. As the Tribal Extension Educator, her projects include developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs in Tribal governance, diversity, facilitation, and youth leadership. 

Contact NCR-SARE's 1994 Tribal College Coordinator

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