2009 Farmers' Market Mini Grants
Grant Description
The 2009 Vermont Farmers' Market Mini-Grants are available to support successful expansion projects at existing markets or to help communities create new farmers' markets. Currently there is $100,000 available to support grants up to $5,000 each.
Interested markets are expected to conduct a strategic planning process to identify short and long term goals for market development. Eligible projects include but are not limited to: developing promotional materials, building physical infrastructure to enhance the marketplace, strengthening the market governing body, conducting economic impact assessments, and developing accessibility to the market for underserved customer bases.
The grants are also available to towns and communities who are interested in starting a new market. In the case of new markets, mini-grants can be used for projects including but not limited to: hiring a market manager, developing a market logo, and space rentals.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the 2009 Vermont Farmers' Market Mini-Grants you must:
1) Complete the 2008 NOFA Vermont Farmers' Market Survey.
2) Submit a grant application by March 1, 2009.
Planning Assistance
Strategic planning is a fundamental component of this grant application. If your market needs help embarking on a planning process, there are a number of resources available to help you:
• Two planning worksheets included in this packet
• Phone, email, or in-person consultation with a farmers' market advisor (see contact information below)
Application
Existing Markets
New Markets
Questions
If you need any assistance with your grant application, please contact:
Jean Hamilton
NOFA Vermont
802-434-4122
jean@nofavt.org
OR
Sue Johnson
Farmers' Market Advisor, NOFA Vermont
802-482-2507
suejohnson@gmavt.net
Grant Amount
At this time mini-grants up to $5,000 are available. There is a possibility of larger grants becoming available in the future if there is interest from enough markets. If your market sets goals including a larger development project that requires funding support beyond the available $5,000, please indicate that need in your grant application.
Application Due Date
Grants must be submitted by March 1, 2009.
via email: jean@nofavt.org
via snail mail:
Jean Hamilton
NOFA Vermont
PO Box 697
Richmond, VT 05477
Grants will be awarded by March 15, 2009.