Free Grant Writing Services
The Washington Dairy Commission is offering free grant-writing support for on-farm projects through an exciting new pilot, in partnership with Lasso. Lasso will handle the entire grant process for you—identifying, applying for, and managing funding opportunities.
For more information, contact Nicole at [email protected] or (312) 833-7726.
Does this sound like you?
“I’m considering an equipment upgrade but I have no idea if there’s a grant to help me fund it. On top of that, I don’t have the time to figure out the complicated application.”
If so, the Washington Dairy Commission is here to support you. Through a new program with Lasso, we aim to help farmers like you access public funding opportunities for on-farm projects or investments.
What’s in it for you?
If selected for this pilot, the Washington Dairy Commission will fully cover the cost of Lasso’s grant consulting and writing services, making it completely free to you.
About Lasso
The Lasso team will be your grant-writer-in-a-box. Their expert team will handle every aspect of the grant process for your farm and project of interest, including identifying eligible funding opportunities, writing and submitting for, and managing grant opportunities.
Benefits to You
By participating in this pilot, you can access more money with minimal time investment.
Here’s how Lasso supports you:
Find the right grants:
They’ll identify opportunities from federal, regional, state, and local programs that align with your project.
Save time and effort:
Lasso takes care of the paperwork, so you don’t have to.
Maximize compliance:
They make sure all participant’s pre- and post-award requirements are met, helping you access funds faster.
Grant Opportunities
Grants available through this program will help you cover the costs for projects like:
- Renewable energy systems: e.g. solar, wind, or anaerobic digesters
- Energy efficiency improvements: e.g.upgrades for grain dryers, replacing diesel generators with solar, lighting, refrigeration, heating, ventilation, or cooling systems
- Post-harvest infrastructure: e.g. equipment for handling, aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, distribution, or selling locally and regionally produced food products
- Dairy value-added projects: e.g. improved manure management
Programs like the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to state-specific initiatives such as the Local Food System Infrastructure Grant and Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Initiative are just a few examples fo what’s available.
Working with Lasso
Here’s how the process works:
1. Initial Consultation:
Lasso will learn about your farm and proposed project to understand your operations and needs.
2. Funding Identification:
They’ll find grants that fit your project and make sure you meet all eligibility and competitiveness criteria.
3. Application Creation:
From start to finish, Lasso manages the entire application process. They’ll manage stakeholders, inputs needed, and narratives to create a high-quality application.
4. Post-Award Support:
If awarded, they’ll make sure all requirements are met to help you get reimbursed as soon as possible.
To participate in this pilot, you should:
- Be open to pursuing government grants.
- Be in good standing with the Washington Dairy Commission.
- Have a specific project in mind with potential installers, vendors, or service providers identified.
- Be open to appearing as a case study for the Washington Dairy Commission.
- Note: Only high-level information, such as context, project type, result, and benefit will be shared.
Once Lasso determines you’re eligible, competitive, and ready for the specified grant, then you are accepted into this pilot program. Note that the Washington Dairy Commission will cover up to 20 grants in 2025.
Interested in learning more?
Contact Nicole at [email protected] or (312) 833-7726.
