Notes For Applicants

Cycle 20 General Information

  • Similar to Cycle 19, all Cycle 20 applications will follow a multi-part structure. Conservation Easement applications will have three application portions – Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. All other applications will have two application portions – Part 1 and Part 2. Failure to complete each application portion by its deadline will result in the application being ineligible. Partially completed applications will not be accepted. Please refer to the Important Cycle 20 Dates at a Glance chart below for information on the deadlines associated with each application portion.
  • Please note: All applicants for conservation easements, agricultural development projects, and agricultural plans must be non-profit conservation organizations or county agencies, per N.C.G.S.106-744. Farmers, landowners, and others interested in applying must partner with a non-profit conservation organization or county agency to participate in an ADFP Trust Fund grant proposal.
  • The Conservation Easement Resubmission process will not be used in Cycle 20. Applicants proposing an easement area previously submitted to the Trust Fund must complete a full Conservation Easement application. These applications will follow the standard Conservation Easement application process and policies.
  • No Beehive Grant Fund applications will be accepted this year. For apiary-related questions, contact the Apiary Services section of the Plant Industry Division.
     

Important Cycle 20 Dates At a Glance

Date

Milestone

August 3, 2026Part 1 Forms Opens
August 31, 2026Part 1 Forms Closes

September 14, 2026

Part 2 Forms Opens
October 19, 2026Part 2 Forms Closes (Conservation Easement applications only)
November 2, 2026Part 3 Forms Opens (Conservation Easement applications only)
December 21, 2026Part 3 Form Closes (Conservation Easement applications only)
Part 2 Form Closes (All other application types)  

Cycle 20 Application Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Tab/Accordion Items

Q: How can I save my progress on an application?

A: Before saving, enter the email for at least the Primary contact in the “Application Contacts” section. A Secondary contact is strongly encouraged to ensure save link access.

To save, scroll to the bottom right of the form and click “Save.” A popup will appear where you can add additional emails. The save link will be sent to the Primary (and Secondary, if listed) as well as any addresses entered in the popup.

Important: Due to a software issue, emails entered only in the popup will not receive the save link unless the Primary (and, if applicable, Secondary) contacts are listed in “Application Contacts.” Please ensure at least the Primary contact is entered before saving.

Q: How will I receive the next part of the application?

A: For all applications, links to the Part 2 and Part 3 (only for Conservation Easement applications) will be emailed to the Primary and Secondary contacts. These links will not be available on the website. The Part 2 application links will be sent September 14th. For Conservation Easements, Part 3 application links will be sent November 2nd.

Q: Can new applicants apply?

A: Yes. Apply through Part 1 under the application category for which you are requesting funding. New applicants will be directed to complete an additional form. For information on the required documentation, review the Conservation Easement Checklist in Part 1 and look for sections with the New Applicant subheader (italicized and underlined).

Q: Where can I find the list of questions for the conservation easement application?

A: Review the Conservation Easement Application Checklist for the full application structure and required uploads.

Q: Do all conservation easement applications have a site visit?

A: Yes. After all required application components have been received, eligible applicants will be contacted to schedule a site visit. Each eligible application must complete a site visit to be considered for funding. At least one landowner and one applicant representative must be present during the site visit. Additional details or documentation may be requested during the site visit. Site visits occur from February to April the year following the application submission.