Organic Farmers Association and the Rodale Institute partner on an annual micro-grant program specifically targeted to support small-scale Black, Indigenous, and other farmers of color, whether organic, transitioning to organic, or aspiring organic farmers.
Grant funding is focused on needs such as tools, equipment, training, consulting, or anything that ensures the farmer’s success. Funding should have the potential to positively impact a farmer’s transition to organic, allow them to better market their products, or solve a particular problem that is typically un-fundable through normal operational or lending strategies. Projects that have a high potential for impact on the individual farm and/or the communities they serve will be given the highest priority.
OPENS JANUARY 1 and CLOSES FEBRUARY 28
This grant program is generously funded by the Rodale Institute.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
Applicant Eligibility: Any U.S. small-scale BIPOC farmer who is currently organic or wishes to pursue the transition process to become organic, or any student/intern/apprentice involved in an organic operation is eligible to apply for these funds. Organic Farmers Association will be helping screen potential recipients for the grants.
Funding Amount: Projects will be prioritized based on potential impact and success. Requested funds should not exceed $2,000.
Reporting: An annual report will be due 60 days after the end of the project. Please submit the report to: BIPOCgrants@RodaleInstitute.org.
Questions? Please contact Elaine Macbeth at Rodale Institute at BIPOCgrants@RodaleInstitute.org.
HOW TO APPLY
Timeframe: Applications open on January 1 and are due by February 28 of each year. Proposals will be reviewed by a committee of Rodale Institute staff and board members, Organic Farmers Association, and/or partnerships with other groups as appropriate. Funding decisions will be made by April 30. Funds will be available immediately and released as per the demands of the project being funded.
Application Process: The application process is a streamlined internal process requiring a simple online application and budget, with additional appendices permitted to a limit of 5 pages. Questions should be directed to Elaine Macbeth at Rodale Institute at BIPOCgrants@RodaleInstitute.org. Input from Rodale Institute staff or any other office is no assurance that the project being submitted will be funded.
Mini-Grant Request Limit: Each proposal should request no more than $2,000. If the total cost is more than $2,000, you must explain how to plan to pay for the remainder.
SAMPLE PROJECTS
Below is a list of examples that Rodale Institute and Organic Farmers Association may consider fundable through this micro-grant. This list is not exhaustive and is meant for guidance and inspiration.
ON-FARM CONSULTING BY RODALE INSTITUTE ORGANIC CROP CONSULTANTS TO SUPPORT TRANSITION TO ORGANIC
SMALL-SCALE FACILITY UPGRADES: COOLER PROJECTS, RAISED BED CONSTRUCTION, COLD FRAMES, ETC.
UNIQUE OUTREACH PROMOTION DESIGNED TO ATTRACT CONSUMER ATTENTION
FARMERS MARKET MARKETING MATERIALS TO IMPROVE SALES
HOSTING OR ATTENDING WORKSHOPS OR EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
STIPEND FOR INTERNSHIP, TRAVEL, AND/OR APPRENTICESHIP
STIPEND TO ATTEND A WORKSHOP, CONFERENCE, OR A CLASS
SPECIAL PURPOSE SOFTWARE