The Center for Beef Excellence is pleased to offer cost-share grant funding through the Beef Excellence Initiatives Program. The goal of this program is to assist producers with implementing infrastructure projects that will make a positive impact on their operations and/or the Pennsylvania beef industry as a whole.

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Funding is subject to availability and is on a cost-share, reimbursement basis. Grants will not cover more than 50% of the total cost of the project with a maximum grant award not to exceed $10,000.

 

Projects that will help a large cross-section of producers within a region are encouraged.

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CBE reserves the right to follow-up with an onsite visit of the project and to use photos and/or descriptions of projects for future programming and promotion.

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Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Grant Rounds:

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Applications for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 will be accepted from January 1 through April 30, 2026 

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All grants MUST be to CBE by 5 pm on the last day of each round.

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Please be sure to review the Program Details page before completing & submitting the application.

 

Click here for application.

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2025-2026 Program Details/Qualifications:

 

**PLEASE REVIEW CAREFULLY**

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• Completed application must be received by CBE by 5 pm on April 30, 2026 to be eligible.

  • Scanned or mailed copies of application are preferred. If sending a photo, it must be clear and readable.​

• ​Projects MUST be completed prior to application. Projects in process/mid-construction must be completed by June 1, 2026--All documentation must be received by CBE by June 1, 2026

• A detailed description of the operation and project must be included. Separate pages can be attached-no more than one page per description.

• A detailed budget of the total cost of the project from start to finish MUST be included on the form in the application. Please include copies of receipts for the total cost of the project with your application. Do NOT send original receipts.

• Define the impact the project will have:

  • On the individual operation​

  • On the beef industry in Pennsylvania (if applicable)

  • On the regional beef community (if applicable)

• Two references must be included who can give insight and support as to why the project should be funded (examples: extension educators, loan officers, NRCS/Conservation District employees, etc.). Letters of reference are not required.

• Maps and/or drawings of the project should be included if applicable.

• Before and after photos should be included to show project completion and improvement to the operation. At minimum please submit photos of the completed project.

  • Please submit in jpg or png format, not in a pdf.​

  • MAXIMUM 10 photos

  • Do not submit videos

• BQA Certified producers will receive priority

  • To become BQA Certified, visit www.pa-bqa.org/events​

• Be sure to answer ALL questions on the application, review qualifications and sign before submitting.

• Grants are reimbursement grant programs. Funds will not be released until all receipts and proof of completion are received by CBE.

• If you have been awarded a BEI grant in the past, you are eligible to apply for funding every 3 years. 

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