FACT announced a call for applications for its Fund-a-Farmer Project. Now in its fourth year, the Fund-a-Farmer Project provides microgrants to qualifying livestock and poultry farmers who need assistance in improving the welfare of their farm animals.

Grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded for projects that help farms transition to and/or improve access to pasture-based systems.

FACT is interested in providing funds for working, independent family farmers that raise pigs, broiler chickens, laying hens, dairy cows, turkeys and/or beef cattle.

Applications will only be considered from farms already considered highly welfare-oriented as determined by holding or working toward a humane certification for their livestock or poultry. Applications must be submitted online by November 3, 2015 for grants that will be awarded in March 2016.

“In addition to creating a higher standard of animal care on farms across the country, our Fund-a-Farmer Project helps farmers to make needed changes that otherwise could not have happened.

"Such improvements to infrastructure benefit these farms’ financial sustainability just as much as the welfare of the animals. It’s a win/win for animals and farmers alike,” stated Lisa Isenhart, FACT’s Humane Farming Program Director.

According to FACT, participating farmers have reported that the funded projects have improved animal welfare on their farms by providing protection from predators, increasing access to pasture, reducing mortality rate, increasing quality in living conditions, and improving access to water.

FACT will offer two online information sessions on the Fund-a-Farmer grants in September and October. Interested farmers can participate in the webinars on September 29, 2015 and October 21, 2015 from 4pm – 5pm EST. Farmers can register online for either or both of these free sessions.

For grant application guidelines, eligibility requirements, and to apply online, visit www.fundafarmer.org.