Not all services need to be paid.
Take advantage of these free resources and low-cost plans designed to empower your creative spirit, support your small business journey, help you start your farm, or assist you in any way—all while ensuring you receive the care and support that you or a loved one needs.
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Local Farm Fund (https://localfarmsfund.com/index.html)
Farm Aid (https://www.farmaid.org/our-work/resources-for-farmers/)
National Young Farmers Coalition (https://www.youngfarmers.org/)
CISA Emergency Farm Fund Loans (https://www.buylocalfood.org/resources-for-farmers/grants-and-financing/): CISA’s Emergency Farm Fund no-interest loans help farms recover from weather events.
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Farm Aid Hotline (1-800-FARM-AID): Confidential support for farmers in crisis.
Rural Resilience Program (www.ruralresilience.org): Mental health resources for farmers.
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National Farmers Union (www.nfu.org): Advocacy and community for farmers.
Beginning Farmers (www.beginningfarmers.org): Resources and networking for new farmers.
Farm Commons (www.farmcommons.org): Legal resources and workshops for small farms.
Grow Biointensive (www.growbiointensive.org) is a sustainable farming method and educational organization focused on small-scale, high-yield, and eco-friendly agriculture.
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Real Organic Project (https://realorganicproject.org/)
Organic Farming Research Foundation (www.ofrf.org): Resources and funding for organic farmers.
The Land Stewardship Project (https://landstewardshipproject.org/) is a nonprofit organization that supports sustainable farming, rural communities, and environmental stewardship.
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LocalHarvest (www.localharvest.org): Connect with local markets and consumers.
Northeast Organic Farming Association (https://g.co/kgs/fvX6CRv)
Local Cooperative Extensions: Find your local extension office for workshops, soil testing, and expert advice.
Not Our Farm (https://www.notourfarm.org/): Support for & stories from farm workers
Farm School NYC (www.farmschoolnyc.org): Urban farming education with a focus on social justice.
The Seed Savers Exchange (https://exchange.seedsavers.org/home): a nonprofit that helps gardeners and farmers share, trade, and preserve heirloom seeds. Their online platform connects people who want to grow rare and unique plants, from tomatoes to flowers to grains. They also offer resources and events to teach sustainable gardening and protect biodiversity. It’s a community where every seed helps save our agricultural heritage
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) strengthens farms and engages the community to build the local food economy. They, too, have a list of resources! (https://www.buylocalfood.org/)
Homeschooling: (Homeschool.com)
No Farms, No Food Sticker (https://farmland.org/no-farms-no-food/)
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Women, Food & Agriculture Network (WFAN) (www.wfan.org): Networking, mentorship, and resources for women in sustainable agriculture.
Annie’s Project (www.anniesproject.org): Risk management education for women farmers.
Resources provided by Soul Fire Farm (they have an amazing book, Farming While Black)
The Female Farmer Project (www.femalefarmerproject.org): Stories, resources, and community for women in farming.
Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative(www.indigenousfoodandag.com): Resources and advocacy for Native farmers and ranchers.
National Black Food & Justice Alliance (https://blackfoodjustice.org/)
Black Urban Growers (BUGS)(www.blackurbangrowers.org): Networking and resources for Black urban farmers.
Seed Programs for Indigenous Communities: Organizations like Native Seeds/SEARCH (www.nativeseeds.org) provide free seeds to Indigenous communities.
QT+ BIPOC 101 Tractor Training & Retreat at Rock Steady Farm
Classes from Moxie Ridge Farm (https://moxieridgefarm.com/pages/education): Instructors are all real farmers from the LGBTQIA+ community teaching from experience and we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environment.
The Mentorship Program by World Farmers connects immigrant and refugee farmers with experienced mentors to help them succeed in agriculture. Through one-on-one guidance, workshops, and community support, the program empowers farmers to grow their businesses, navigate challenges, and build sustainable livelihoods. (https://www.worldfarmers.org/about/#mission)
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ support) – Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678: https://www.thetrevorproject.org
Resources For Farmers
Resources For Small Businesses
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Small Business Administration (SBA) (www.sba.gov): Loans, grants, and resources for small businesses.
Kiva (www.kiva.org): Interest-free microloans for small business owners.
Grants.gov (www.grants.gov)
Hello Alice (www.helloalice.com): Grants and resources for small businesses, especially those owned by women, BIPOC, and veterans.
Local Economic Development Offices: Check your city or county for small business grants and programs.
Venturize is a free online resource hub for small business owners who need help accessing tools and resources to grow their businesses. They also help small businesses get connected to trusted local providers that can help their enterprises grow. (https://smallbusinessmajority.org/)
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Headspace for Employers (https://organizations.headspace.com/employers)
NAMI (https://www.nami.org/): provides free support groups, educational resources, and a helpline for individuals dealing with mental health issues.
Forest App (https://www.forestapp.cc/)
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SCORE (www.score.org): Free mentoring and workshops for small business owners.
Meetup (https://www.meetup.com/)
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Need a logo? Try behance.com!
There’s always Canva!
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Make your business eco-friendly! (getgreenspark.com)
Free Shop Small® Marketing Materials for Promotion (https://www.americanexpress.com/us/merchant/shop-small/materials.html)
Free Shop Small® Supplies & Signs (https://www.amexpop.com/Product/Category/441)
Food Truck Regulations: A Complete Guide (https://aofund.org/resource/food-truck-regulations-a-complete-guide/)
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The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ support) – Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678: (https://www.thetrevorproject.org)
The Amber Grant for Women (https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/)
Girl Gang Craft Podcast: (https://www.girlgangcraft.com/podcasts)
Latino Business Action Network (LBAN) (www.lban.us):supports Latino entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, and access to capital
Accion Opportunity Fund (www.aofund.org): offers loans and business coaching to BIPOC owned small businesses.
Free “Local/Small & Proud” Shop Small Supplies, Signs, and Stickers: (https://www.amexpop.com/Product/Category/463)
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Childhelp (www.childhelp.org) provides crisis intervention, information, and referrals to local services for children in need. They operate a 24/7 hotline for child abuse reporting and support:
Domestic Shelters (www.domesticshelters.org) is a comprehensive directory of domestic violence shelters and services. It helps individuals find local shelters, legal help, and counseling services.
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KidsGardening (https://kidsgardening.org/): offers free lesson plans, activities, and resources to help kids learn about gardening, growing food, and the environment
National Park Service (NPS) – Junior Ranger Program (www.nps.gov/kids)
Nature Rocks by The Nature Conservancy (https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/who-we-are/how-we-work/youth-engagement/nature-lab/)
Audubon for Kids! (https://www.audubon.org/get-outside/activities/audubon-for-kids)
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Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org/): offers free, high-quality lessons in math, science, history, economics, and more for all grade levels. Includes interactive exercises and instructional videos
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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (www.imaginationlibrary.com): mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age 5. Availability varies by location
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Cinderella’s Closet (https://cinderellasclosetnky.org/locations/): Provides free prom dresses and formal wear to high school students in need. Some locations also offer everyday clothing
My Next Move (https://www.mynextmove.org/): Career exploration for students who need a little help figuring out what they want to do for a living or study/major
MIT OpenCourseWare (https://ocw.mit.edu/): College-level courses in science, tech, and more:
NASA STEM Engagement (stem.nasa.gov): Science & space resources.
Epic Games Free Games (epicgames.com): Free PC games every week.
Itch.io Free Games (itch.io): Tons of indie games, including free ones.
Google Arts & Culture (https://artsandculture.google.com/): Virtual tours of 2,500+ museums worldwide.
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 for free crisis support.
Teen Line (teenline.org): Peer-to-peer support.
The Trevor Project (thetrevorproject.org): Crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth.
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Storybird (storybird.com): Free storytelling & writing platform.
Adobe Creative Cloud (Student Discount & Trials) offers some free tools available (or try Inkscape!)
Virtual Fashion Design (CLO3D Free Trial & Student Discount) (clo3d.com): 3D fashion design software.
BandLab (bandlab.com): Free music recording & collaboration tool.
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Story Pirates Podcast (https://www.storypirates.com/podcast)
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March of Dimes (www.marchofdimes.org): Offers free resources on pregnancy, childbirth, and baby care, including educational materials and support for moms.
La Leche League International (www.llli.org): Offers free breastfeeding support, resources, and local group meetings for moms.
Doula Support Programs: Some organizations provide free or low-cost doula services for low-income families. Examples include:
Open Arms Perinatal Services (Seattle): (www.openarmsps.org)
Ancient Song Doula Services (New York): (www.ancientsongdoulaservices.com)
Baby2Baby (https://baby2baby.org/stay-connected/): Distributes free diapers, clothing, and essential items to families in need.
The Bump (https://www.thebump.com/): Offers free pregnancy and parenting resources, including articles, checklists, and tools.
Head Start and Early Head Start (www.acf.hhs.gov/ohs): Free early childhood education, health, and nutrition services for low-income families.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) (www.postpartum.net): Provides free support, resources, and a helpline for moms experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety.
Call the PSI HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773
#1 En Español or #2 English
Resources For Children, Teens, & Moms/Parents
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Find nearby safe havens for pets of individuals who are experiencing domestic violence and/or homelessness: (www.safehavensforpets.org)
Find assistance for a wildlife emergency or conflict at ahnow.org (Animal Help Now also has an app!)
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Free eBooks and audiobooks through your local library: (Libby)
Free online courses from top universities on business, marketing, and more: (Coursera)
Free online courses in IT, business, and personal development: (Allison)
Little Free Library (www.littlefreelibrary.org): a network of small, community book-sharing boxes where you can take/leave books for free
Free digital classic books: (https://www.gutenberg.org)
Free images, videos, and 3D models from the Smithsonian (www.si.edu/openaccess)
Free resume builder: (resume.com)
Inkscape (www.inkscape.org): a free vector graphic design software
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Don’t buy new, expensive technology! Try: (backmarket.com)
Buy Nothing Project: A hyper-local gift economy where people give away items, services, and skills for free. Find a group near you on Facebook! (https://www.buynothingproject.org/)
RetailMeNot (retailmenot.com) for discouts!
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No dental insurance? Check out the 500 Careington Plan starting at $13 a month (www.careington.com)
Findhelp.org for all social services, general assistance, and more.
For more assistance: (211.org)
Check out: (buylocalfood.org)
Need someone to talk to? (www.7cups.com)
Don’t forget the YMCA! Check your local location today!
Food Security: Feeding America (www.feedingamerica.org) to find local food banks and pantries.
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Try WWOOFing! It changed my life! (wwoof.net)
Free recycling programs for hard-to-recycle items: TerraCycle