Grants for the Wool Industry

Wool industry grants are available through the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center.

The typical uses of wool haven't changed much over the centuries, but constant improvements in technology that can help improve production are important for supporting the long-term sustainability of the wool industry. Although these technological improvements are expensive, many public agencies and private organizations make grant funding available to support the industry. Many grant opportunities within the wool industry promote product research, technology integration and increased production.

Small Business Innovation Research Grants

The Small Business Innovation Research grant program, also known as SBIR, was created with passage of the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982. SBIR grants for small businesses are available through 11 federal agencies, including the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Defense and Health and Human Services. A 2011 SBIR grant awarded through the Department of Defense provided a total of $520,000 to the Sheep Venture Company for the development of treatments for washable wool. Small Business Innovation Research grants are typically awarded in two or three phases, the first for research, the second phase for development and an optional third phase to encourage commercialization of SBIR-funded products.

National Sheep Industry Improvement Center

The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture focused on improving the production and marketing of manufactured products in the sheep and goat industries. Since 1999, this industry organization has assisted industry-related businesses through grant programs as well as a low-interest loan program. Projects applying for NSIIC grant funding must be designed to accomplish goals stated by the organization; in 2011, these included improving sustainability in the wool industry through increased production and improvements in data integration for both industry performance and production.

National Livestock Producers Association

The National Livestock Producers Association is an American organization that supports manufacturing and production in various livestock industries, including sheep, dairy and goats. This organization's Sheep and Goat Fund provides both direct grant funding and targeted loans to improve production in the sheep and goat industries. Grant funding distributed through the NLPA's Sheep and Goat Fund have benefited various businesses in the wool industry, including Center of the Nation Wool, Stonehedge Farm and Fiber Mill and the Utah Wool Marketing Association.

California Wool Growers Association

The California Wool Growers Association is an industry organization that exists to promote California's sheep industry within the state as well as nationally. This organization awards an annual scholarship to students enrolled in a California college or university in a field related to the sheep industry. In 2011, this scholarship offered a $500 award to be used toward tuition or toward the cost of senior research projects. Eligible applicants must have completed one year of studies toward a bachelors degree in animal science, veterinary medicine or range management.

References

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office of Extramural Research: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs
• Sheep Industry News; Superwash Equipment Running; Becky Talley; April 2011
• U.S. Department of Agriculture: Rural Development: National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC)
• National Sheep Industry Improvement Center; Requests for Proposals; Aug. 2011
• National Livestock Producers Association: Sheep & Goat Fund: Summaries of Projects Financed by the NLPA Sheep & Goat Fund
• California Wool Growers Association