Braiding Seeds Fellowship 2027–2028: $50,000 Stipend and Mentorship for Beginning BIPOC Farmers in the U.S.
The Braiding Seeds Fellowship is an 18-month programme offering a $50,000 stipend, mentorship, and professional development to beginning BIPOC farmers and land stewards in the U.S. Applications for the 2027–2028 cohort are open until September 25, 2026.
Overview
The Braiding Seeds Fellowship is an 18-month initiative designed to support beginning farmers and land stewards through financial assistance, professional development, individualized coaching, and mentorship. Established by Soul Fire Farm Institute in partnership with the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund, the programme seeks to sustain and pass on ancestral land-based knowledge, food systems, and community resources.
The upcoming cohort runs from January 15, 2027, to June 15, 2028. Selected fellows receive a $50,000 stipend along with access to workshops, farm finance support, business planning assistance, and cohort gatherings. Additionally, the programme awards 12 separate $2,500 seed grants for charitable and educational farming projects.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify for the fellowship:
- Must be Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC).
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must have a minimum of one year of farming or land stewardship experience.
- Must have no more than three years of experience running their own farm or land stewardship project.
- Must be based in eligible Northeastern or Southeastern U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
Benefits
- A $50,000 financial stipend for the fellowship period.
- Access to one-to-one mentorship and individualized coaching.
- Professional development opportunities, including farm finance and business plan support.
- Participation in online and in-person cohort gatherings and professional networking.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their submissions using the official online application form. The application is available in English and Spanish. Before applying, candidates should prepare supporting materials, which include:
- A list of three references with their contact and relationship details.
- A photograph of the applicant.
- A visual representation of the farm or land stewardship project (such as a photograph, video, diagram, or drawing).
- One letter of recommendation highlighting community involvement.
- A detailed project budget using the provided sample template.
Deadline
Applications for the 2027–2028 cohort must be submitted by September 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.