Over the past 25 years, KCARD has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of Kentucky’s agricultural community. As new challenges emerge, KCARD has responded by building programs that fill gaps, remove barriers, and create new opportunities.
The Agribusiness Grant Facilitation Program (AGFP) is one of the clearest examples. Although it wasn’t part of KCARD’s original scope, AGFP has become a cornerstone of its work.
Identifying the Gap—and Taking Action
In 2011, KCARD recognized a significant challenge: while federal funding opportunities existed, many Kentucky producers and agribusinesses were unable to access them due to limited experience with federal grant requirements and application processes.
Producers and agribusinesses had strong ideas and viable projects, but many were running into the same barriers: complex application processes, unfamiliar systems, and limited time or capacity to pursue funding opportunities.
KCARD moved beyond identifying the challenge and developed a solution.
KCARD approached the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB) with a proposal to create a program dedicated to helping Kentucky businesses successfully access federal funding. With KADB’s support, the Agribusiness Grant Facilitation Program (AGFP) launched.
Building the Foundation
To bring the program to life, KCARD contracted with Aleta Botts as AGFP’s first coordinator. In this role, she helped establish the structure, approach, and vision that would guide the program moving forward.
“The Grant Facilitation Program leveled the playing field to help Kentucky farmers and agricultural businesses navigate the maze of federal programs. We focused on figuring out which programs were the best fit for our farmers, promoting the programs, helping the farmers develop their ideas into projects that could be funded, and providing that direct help in navigating the process,” Botts notes.
Her leadership during these early stages was instrumental in shaping AGFP and setting the tone for how KCARD delivers technical assistance. She would later go on to serve as KCARD’s second executive director.
“I may have helped start AGFP, but all KCARD staff contributed to helping projects cross the finish lines of federal grant programs. Then, after I became Executive Director, it was the work of Myrisa Christy and Aaron Shapiro to really elevate the program to another level.”
From the beginning, AGFP was designed around a clear purpose: to help Kentucky agribusinesses overcome barriers and compete successfully for funding.
Growing Into a Core Program
What started as a focused effort to increase federal funding in Kentucky has grown into one of KCARD’s core technical assistance programs. Today, the AGFP provides hands-on support to producers, agribusinesses, and rural organizations throughout every stage of the funding process. Today, AGFP helps clients by:
Meeting one-on-one with producers and organizations to understand funding needs and identify grant opportunities that align with their goals.
Assisting with federal registrations and application systems, including SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and other required pre-application processes.
Reviewing grant applications to improve clarity, completeness, and overall competitiveness before submission.
Providing educational grant workshops to build grant writing knowledge and increase confidence in pursuing funding.
Publishing the Funding Matters newsletter, keeping subscribers informed about new funding opportunities, application deadlines, and grant resources.
Guiding clients through the grant process, making federal and state funding opportunities more accessible and easier to navigate.
AGFP is now fully integrated into KCARD’s broader work, complementing services like business planning, value-added development, market expansion, and other technical assistance programs.
Just as important, AGFP has helped change how producers view grant funding, turning something intimidating into something accessible and achievable.
Reflecting KCARD’s Approach
AGFP is more than a successful program—it’s a reflection of how KCARD operates.
KCARD doesn’t just respond to challenges; it builds solutions. Through one-on-one technical assistance, educational workshops, and hands-on support, KCARD helps clients develop the knowledge and confidence needed to pursue funding successfully. By identifying gaps, partnering with organizations like KADB, and creating programs that directly address barriers, KCARD continues to expand its impact across Kentucky agriculture.
Measuring the Impact
Increased KCARD client participation in the USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program from no eligible applications to 8–10 applications submitted annually.
KCARD-assisted clients secured $3.03 million in federal funding in 2025.
Provided grant development assistance for a wide range of funding opportunities, including Value-Added Producer Grant, Local Agriculture Market Program Grants, Rural Energy for America Program, Rural Business Development Grants, Farm to School Grants, state funding programs, etc.
Provided grant development assistance that contributed to clients receiving nearly $41 million in funding from 2018–2024.
Looking Ahead
As KCARD celebrates 25 years, AGFP stands as a powerful example of the organization’s growth, adaptability, and commitment to meeting the needs of Kentucky agriculture.
What began as an idea, sparked by a gap in funding access and brought to life through partnership, has grown into a cornerstone program that continues to create opportunities for Kentucky farmers and agribusinesses.
Looking to the future, KCARD remains committed to strengthening AGFP and expanding its impact. As Executive Director Brent Lackey explains, "AGFP and the grant facilitation services it provides will continue to play a vital role in KCARD's ability to serve Kentucky agriculture, building on the significant impact the program has already made."
By continuing to respond to emerging funding opportunities, providing personalized technical assistance, and helping producers navigate an increasingly competitive funding landscape, KCARD will ensure AGFP remains a valuable resource for Kentucky farmers and agribusinesses for years to come.
If you’re interested in learning more about funding opportunities and AGFP services, reach out to us at kcard@kcard.info or 859-550-3972 to get started!