Purpose:
Although grains make up an average of 30-50% of dietary intake, the organic grain market for human consumption is relatively limited, with little emphasis on local sourcing. Since the inception of the CGC in 2019, our nonprofit’s mission has been to grow and connect a vibrant community-centered grain economy in our state. This work involves connecting our membership base of 100+ Business and Consumer Members to educational and marketing resources, partners, and technical assistance. CGC’s membership base ranges from farmers, processors (millers and maltsters), to artisanal makers (bakers, brewers, distillers, chefs), food hubs, and institutions.
In January 2024, we received an Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In our three-year project proposal, we planned to distribute six $5,000 Microgrants each year and focus on different parts of the Colorado organic grain supply chain. With this funding, the CGC is working to enhance market opportunities for producers, processors, and value-added product makers of organic grains for human consumption.
Through analysis of the grain supply chain and conversations with Colorado grain stakeholders, we’ve determined that the primary issues to address in working to make organic grains more accessible are currently storage, marketing, and distribution. We’re curious if this is true for your business as well. We’d love to have your business apply for a CGC Microgrant, so please continue reading to see if you qualify and reach out with any and all questions. microgrant@coloradograinchain.com
2026 Microgrant applications open on January 26th, 2026. Check back for application and eligibility updates!
Who Can Apply:
This year’s microgrants are open to Colorado-based grain growers of all sizes working on projects that help get certified organic grain products to market.
- Applicants must either be certified organic or have started official steps to transitioning to organic.
- This round of microgrants prioritizes the beginning of the supply chain, supporting growers/farmers who produce organic grains for human consumption here in Colorado.
- While the primary focus is on growers and farmers, nonprofits and food hubs, may also qualify if their projects support the market development of certified organic grains.
The CGC would like to see the selected projects showcase their plan to form at least three new partnerships within the grain value chain. As one of our core values, the CGC is committed to creating links between those working in the value chain and we truly believe that the stronger our networks, connections, and collaborations, the stronger all of our businesses will become.
Questions? Email microgrant@coloradograinchain.com or
Schedule an Onboarding Call Here
Example Projects for 2026 Microgrants:
- Working with a mill/baker/pasta maker/brewery/distillery to create a new line of products that specifically highlight organic grains sourced from your operation.
- Increase organic grain storage capacity with the purchase of pallet shelving, hard-sided grain bins, or other improvements/alterations to grain silos for increased efficiency.
- Purchase a specialized piece of equipment for grain cleaning, packaging, or other on-farm processing tasks.
- Creating marketing and storytelling assets (video series, social media, panel discussions, etc) to promote your grains to makers as a water efficient choice, nutrient dense selection, or whatever other reason they should be choosing to buy your crop over others.
- Improvements and/or alterations to an existing building to use their space more effectively or to accommodate new equipment
Basic Eligibility Requirements:
- Business applicants must be certified organic or in transition to becoming certified organic
- Nonprofit applicants do not need to be organic certified but must work with organic Colorado grains to be considered
- Based in Colorado
- A current CGC Business Member or apply now!
- Project proposal that demonstrates market connectivity with at least three partnerships along the grain supply chain and speaks to the longevity/sustainability of the proposed project
- Submit completed application by March 23, 2026
- Submit completed baseline survey by March 23, 2026
- Ability to create and implement a project budget that shows how the funds will be utilized and spent by June 5, 2026
- Businesses who have won CGC Microgrants in the past are not eligible to apply again
2026 Microgrant Program Timeline:
Grants winners will be notified on April 3, funding will be distributed on April 10, and funding must be spent by June 5. Winners agree to provide all receipts (and photos if applicable).
- January 26: Open period to accept applications (8 weeks)
- March 23: Applications and baseline survey due by midnight MST
- April 3: Winners notified privately
- Sign agreements about timeline (spending, reporting)
- Set up fund distribution for winners (banking details, mailing address)
- April 10: Funds distributed to winners, winners announced publicly
- June 5: Funds must be exhausted, proof/receipts due
- Week of June 15: Follow up interviews
- Winter 2026: Follow up survey with 2026 Microgrant recipients
Questions? Email microgrant@coloradograinchain.com or
Schedule an Onboarding Call Here
Resources to learn more about starting the process towards Organic Certification:
- Rodale Institute - Contact: lea.vereecke@rodaleinstitute.org (Organic Farming) or bridget.gilmore@rodaleinstitute.org (Organic Handling)
- CDA, TOPP Specialist - Contact: maclaine.sorden@state.co.us ; P 720.402.8579
- View Colorado Department of Agriculture - Organic Resources
- USDA Transitioning to Organic Partner Organizations (see pg. 49)
- Organic Certification Cost Share Program