[MainstreetTowns] Funding, Publications, and Learning

[Jeremy Zeller]

As always, not everything may pertain to you but you may know someone who could use the information.  Also, the training on December 5th should be a good one because Buffy and I will be speaking there.  Ha!  A little Friday humor.

FUNDING

1.     Community Food Projects (CFP) Competitive Grants Program<https://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/community-food-projects-cfp-competitive-grants-program?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=> In FY 2018, NIFA's CFP intends to solicit applications and fund two types of grants. The types are entitled (1) Community Food Projects (CFP) and (2) Planning Projects (PP). The primary goals of the CFP are to: Meet the food needs of low-income individuals through food distribution, community outreach to assist in participation in Federally assisted nutrition programs, or improving access to food as part of a comprehensive service; Increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for the food needs of the communities; Promote comprehensive responses to local food access, farm, and nutrition issues; and Meet specific state, local or neighborhood food and agricultural needs including needs relating to: Equipment necessary for the efficient operation of a project; Planning for long-term solutions; or The creation of innovative marketing activities that mutually benefit agricultural producers and low-income consumers. Deadline: December 4, 2017.

2.     2017 (FY18) EPA ARC Grant Proposal Guidelines for Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup grants Proposals are due to EPA by November 16, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. Click here for the proposal guidelines.<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xElAg4g8oc00z6qm1H008RgY1mSfeIdj0ejJ5KVBhpRfLd-asLiiNJ2fTBtGXaiEugg6imddU4zY-gFxGAmyY9il0E6fsmfwkTXpZQArFpEVUTOr6zg5U8OnuIF6QgJxgDhPql2kKOkaouBQ1RqQMBI4522wTQUfyPylCj5NfNZtC5QhwRWuboH6IZr6BU7lYCSB_W6xo6SjxGMQQirbVPMMjHfH45-XhtR-G_FU_a5k5agb-DHA2YebwOgJoNp3I_eQwCvWwZbsBPdBkusfoBIpTJv7J7e6_vYAmQOvAcl9Co5kZSkZqUJA_BY9DjYQh_3wQJ3Jt_-5XYkuOvct2WISerTsKUaGjEoy2vRNwO8hUtuwL5be_-iL20YmxnzCrMB-5dvXjzo86t4DcMdSpdZWrQDSBkJlZxceo2EI1DMVExxdIw5UfoTSx0lVwh-nixpMXkQR5pEHl8EaObPcDPDvJfliYaSdzzWoo2F7OZ5d1yBfDGX2qOX2PtGqtRc_JqDcInMPFPrAkkaLCajv3CpSN3qfNjhbfEsw9EvxWKILOkVOnp01rtZt2q9uHRkj&c=WN24imy-SYFfZNrhxBPDeoQYy6RPYXKOZ9J5kdVCua-LyMYJfFhtiw==&ch=ubgTA0PV2tfGCCUf3TRZ13AZarHwase6-UeHre7uWWIQ-Xfo04nOyA==>

3.     USDA's Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG)<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uCQz9JagUYyk8msi50IggXTkiYBsCxrciQUHyLk3Hw2cE1MTLYF9XNujnGSOlJKaDFPGdyaMrVcjklchY15zJMajIO0RXtI2X7RvvWR6_leuHRGEkMEuDmJq-cjmCgcdmDv-62yjFwsrCCOFBDUDWmZFZyjfoCNBuwhDZ_sN0rRaSi4uiFqyar4d2gCsU37nA76nljAOv_IzMH7ydCpmww==&c=4Wq6ZJ6NPjOl5_vTZYwdTxjM4GqCrdaMDmimxOvNx6rbHiDpbK-qdw==&ch=RxGI0NtoCm_70Uqrv_EW25ePWQORdfj81Wqt6dUfMkeyfU7FHvPe8w==> Research has shown that farmers who offer value-added products have higher incomes. USDA's Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG)<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uCQz9JagUYyk8msi50IggXTkiYBsCxrciQUHyLk3Hw2cE1MTLYF9XNujnGSOlJKaDFPGdyaMrVcjklchY15zJMajIO0RXtI2X7RvvWR6_leuHRGEkMEuDmJq-cjmCgcdmDv-62yjFwsrCCOFBDUDWmZFZyjfoCNBuwhDZ_sN0rRaSi4uiFqyar4d2gCsU37nA76nljAOv_IzMH7ydCpmww==&c=4Wq6ZJ6NPjOl5_vTZYwdTxjM4GqCrdaMDmimxOvNx6rbHiDpbK-qdw==&ch=RxGI0NtoCm_70Uqrv_EW25ePWQORdfj81Wqt6dUfMkeyfU7FHvPe8w==> program helps Ag producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of new products. The goals of this program are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. Grants are awarded through a national competition. Applicants may receive priority if they are a beginning farmer or rancher, a socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher, a small or medium-sized farm or ranch structured as a family farm, a farmer or rancher cooperative, or are proposing a mid-tier value chain.

4.     Community Facilities Fund (Rural LISC) Purpose: Rural LISC was recently approved as a USDA Community Facilities Re-lender. These loans fund construction of essential community facilities. Eligibility: Nonprofits or public entities in rural areas. Funding: $100,000 - $8 million. Deadline: Rolling.

5.     Community Facilities Grant and Loan Program (USDA RD) Purpose: Provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities, including local food system facilities, in rural areas with populations under 20,000. Funding: Varies. Eligibility: Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, federally-recognized Tribes. Priority is given to small communities (populations of 5,500 or less) and low-income communities. Deadline: Rolling.

6.     Rural Business Development Grant (USDA RD) Purpose: Supports development of small rural businesses, including projects related to land acquisition/development, community economic development, and feasibility studies. Funding: $10,000 to $500,000. Eligibility: governments/authorities, nonprofits, universities, federally-recognized tribes, rural cooperatives. Deadline: Applications are accepted through local or state Rural Development offices once every year.

7.     Whole Kids Foundation offers School Programs & Grants<https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/schools/> Purpose: Dedicated to growing healthier kids through better nutrition.

*         Salad Bar Grant Eligibility<http://www.saladbars2schools.org/get-a-salad-bar/schools/>: Any district or independent school participating in the National School Lunch Program. Funding: See website. Deadline: See website.

*         Honey Bee Grant<https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/schools/honey-bee-grant>, Eligibility: School or non-profit organization. Funding: $300 to $1,500. Deadline: November 15, 2017.

8.     School Fruit and Veggie Grants (Skoop and Chef Ann Foundation<http://www.chefannfoundation.org/programs-and-grants/project-produce/>) Purpose: Awards school projects that help kids learn about and eat more fruits and vegetables. Sponsored by Skoop and Chef Ann Foundation. Eligibility: Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. Schools with greater than 50% free and reduced eligible enrollment encouraged to apply. Funding: $2500/school. Deadline: Available until funding is depleted.

9.     New! Integrated Food Defense Grant, (HHS/FDA) Purpose: To generate food defense tools and resources that are easily replicated and can complement, aid in the development of, and/or improve State, local, Tribal and territorial (SLTT) food defense programs through unique, innovative, and reproducible projects. Eligibility: City or township governments. Native American tribal governments, County governments and State governments. Funding: $10,000 to $100,000. Deadline: April 2, 2019.

10.  FFAR Funding Opportunity: Tipping Points Pilot Program Purpose: To sustainably transform food systems to better promote health, equity, and economic opportunities by increasing fundamental understanding of these systems. Eligibility: Institutions of Higher Education, non-profit and for-profit organizations, government-affiliated researchers, and domestic organizations. Funding: up to $1,000,000. Deadline: November 27, 2017.

11.  Developing Healthy Places Purpose: Kresge Foundation seeks to fund nonprofit or government initiatives that build healthier and more equitable food systems, transportation infrastructure, and land use. Eligibility: Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities. Funding: Varies. Deadline: Rolling.

12.  Surdna Foundation/Local and Regional Food Grants Purpose: Fund projects that develop regional food infrastructure, reduce barriers to access, strategize financing, or link organizations to more effectively advance regional food efforts. Preference is given to projects that address low-income communities of color and combine food supply efforts with infrastructure construction. Eligibility: Non-profit organizations. Funding: Need-based. Deadline: Rolling.

13.  The Good Food Fund in Michigan Purpose: $30 million to supply loans, grants, and new market tax credits for the Good Food Sector. This grant prioritizes enterprises that serve low and moderate-income food-insecure Michigan communities. Sponsored by Fair Food Network, Capital Impact Partners, Michigan State University Center for Regional Food, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Funding: Varies. Eligibility: Good Food enterprises in Michigan that promote the aims of the Fair Food Network. Deadline: Rolling.

14.  USDA's Small Business Innovation Research Program<https://nifa.usda.gov/program/small-business-innovation-research-program-sbir?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=> Purpose: To encourage domestic small business to engage in high -growth research and development that has the potential for commercialization and could lead to significant public benefit. Eligibility: Small businesses. Funding: up to $8,000,000 Deadline: October 5, 2017

15.  USDA Specialty Crop Block Grants<https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/apply> Purpose: Fund state departments of agriculture and multi- state projects that address regional or national specialty crop issues such as food safety; plant pests and disease; research; crop -specific projects addressing common issues; as well as marketing and promotion. Eligibility: State departments of agriculture. Funding: $7 million. Deadline: See website<https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/SCMPRFA2017.pdf>.

16.  Organic Certification Cost Share Programs (USDA -AMS) Purpose: Helps cover organic certification -related expenses. Eligibility: Producers and handlers. Funding: Up to 75% of certification costs. Deadline: Check with state department of agriculture.

17.  Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Farmer Rancher Grant Program Purpose: Funds projects that research sustainable solutions to f arm management. Funding: up to $7,500 for individual projects and up to $22,500 for group projects. Deadline: Varies.

18.  Farm Storage Facility Loans<http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/price-support/facility-loans/farm-storage/index> Purpose: Provides low -interest financing to build or upgrade permanent facilities to store or process agricultural products. Most recently, these loans made available funding for refrigerated vehicles. Funding: Up to $500,000 per loan. Eligibility: Please see eligibility requirements here<https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/frm_storage_facility_lns.pdf>. Deadline: Rolling.

19.  USDA Microloans (USDA -FSA)<http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/microloans/index> Purpose: USDA's Farm Service Agency provides financial assistance for small, beginning farmer, niche and non -traditional farm ownership or operations. Non -traditional farm operations can include truck farms, farms, direct marketing farmers, Community Supported Agriculture, restaurants and grocery stores, or those using hydroponic, aquaponics, organic, and/or vertical growing methods. Eligibility: Please see website. Funding: Maximum of $50,000. Deadline: Rolling.

20.  USDA EZ Guarantee Loans (USDA -FSA<https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/guaranteed-farm-loans/index>) Purpose: USDA's Farm Service Agency has streamlined this loan process for smaller scale farms and urban producers. The program provides $100,000 to help beginning, small underserved, and family farmers and ranchers to purchase farmland or finance agricultural operations. The USDA also added a new category of lenders, including microlenders. Eligibility: Please check with local FSA office. Funding: Up to $100,000 loan. Deadline: Rolling.

21.  Farmers Advocating Organics Grant Program<https://www.organicvalley.coop/power-of-we/farmers-advocating-organics/> (Organic Valley Co -op) Purpose: Funds projects that conduct research, education, and advocacy to support organic farmers. Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations and academic/research institutions. Funding: $5,000- $50,000. Deadline: Rolling. Grant applications are reviewed on February 15, 2018.

22.  Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program<http://www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/FarmLand/FarmLand.aspx?div=Farm_AEPP_Index.htm> (Ohio Department of Agriculture) Funding: Varies. Eligibility: Land owners with greater than 40 acres of land in the State of Ohio. Land use must remain in agricultural production. Deadline: Rolling

23.  New! EPA announces FY18 Guidelines for Brownfields Assessment Grants<https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=297558>. Purpose: To provide funds to empower states, communities, tribes, and nonprofits to prevent, inventory, assess, clean up, and reuse brownfield sites. Eligibility: State, local, and tribal governments, government entities, land clearance authorities or other quasi-governmental entities operating under the control. Alaska Native Regional Corporations and Alaska Native Village Corporations. Click here for additional details. Funding: up to $33.5 million. Deadline: November 16, 2017.

24.  New! FY18 Guidelines for Brownfields Cleanup Grants<https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=297558>. Purpose: To provide funds to empower states, communities, tribes, and nonprofits to prevent, inventory, assess, clean up, and reuse brownfield sites. Eligibility: Land Clearance Authority or another quasi-governmental entity, Indian tribes, Regional Council or group of General Purpose Units of Local Government, Redevelopment Agency that is chartered. See website for additional details<https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-07/documents/fy18-arc-faqs.pdf>. Funding: up to $200,000. Deadline: November 16, 2017.

25.  New! FY18 Guidelines for Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Grants<https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=297557>.  Purpose: To provide funds to empower states, communities, tribes, and nonprofits to prevent, inventory, assess, clean up, and reuse brownfield sites. Eligibility: Land Clearance Authority or another quasi-governmental entity, Indian tribes, Regional Council or group of General Purpose Units of Local Government, Redevelopment Agency that is chartered. See website for additional details<https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-09/documents/epa-oblr-olem-17-08.pdf>. Funding: up to $1 million. Deadline: December 16, 2017.

26.  The Catholic Campaign for Human Development<http://www.usccb.org/about/catholic-campaign-for-human-development/grants/>. Purpose: To support organizations lead by low-income individuals as they work to break the cycle of poverty and improve their communities. Eligibility: 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that support the moral and social teachings of the Catholic Church. Funding: $25,000 and $75,000. Deadline: November 1, 2017.

27.  New! Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) 2018 Culture of Health Prize<https://www.rwjf.org/etc/newsletters/email/funding-alerts/2017/new-funding-opportunity16.html?rid=QcyM4AE038TqKJ9hEQlZei0-CNGStSK-iMfpGWu-JVs&et_cid=992128>. Purpose: To recognize communities that have placed a priority on health and are creating powerful partnerships and deep commitments that will enable everyone, especially those facing the greatest barriers to good health, the opportunity to live well. Funding: $25,000.  Eligibility: U.S. communities. See website for details. Deadline: November 3, 2017.  Location: varies, see website.

28.  New! USDA (NIFA) announces Community Food Projects (CFP) Competitive Grants Program<https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/community-food-projects-cfp-competitive-grants-program>. Purpose: Meet the needs of low-income people by increasing access to fresher, more nutritious food supplies. Increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for their own food needs. Eligibility: Public food program service providers, tribal organizations, or private nonprofit entities, including gleaners. Funding: up to $8,640,000.  Deadline: December 4, 2017.

29.  Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs<https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=290874> (Economic Development Administration) Purpose: Construction, non-construction, and revolving loan fund investments to support regional economic development strategies. Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, Native American tribal organizations, institutions of higher education, governments. Funding: $100,000 - $3 million. Deadline: Rolling.

30.  How to Use CDBG for Public Service Activities<https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/cdbg/public-services/?utm_source=HUD+Exchange+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=3e1541d274-How-to-Use-CDBG-for-Public-Service-Acti_2017_06_22&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f32b935a5f-3e1541d274-19374181>, is a four-module video on the Community Development Block Grant's eligible and ineligible public service activities, how to ensure a public service program meets a CDBG national objective, and considerations for building an effective public service program to maximize the positive impacts in a community.

PUBLICATIONS

1.      Jennifer Meta Robinson (Indiana University-Anthropology) and James Farmer (Indiana University-School of Public Health-Bloomington) will discuss their recently published book, Selling Local-Why Local Food Movements Matter<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uCQz9JagUYyk8msi50IggXTkiYBsCxrciQUHyLk3Hw2cE1MTLYF9XLNUcI44P-Zv91GyBrrME7Ya62qWasFRIYpoHSmOOPtu4mRGENRl-yRqTJs4DyyGYxH4uclrW28JBtNMkEhwjAA6D7VyeLjJQ8OwXd-TuSbUTeB73yvhrHezsGL4u4owiAO_1B0K8qxgsCPV_NGBjdk=&c=4Wq6ZJ6NPjOl5_vTZYwdTxjM4GqCrdaMDmimxOvNx6rbHiDpbK-qdw==&ch=RxGI0NtoCm_70Uqrv_EW25ePWQORdfj81Wqt6dUfMkeyfU7FHvPe8w==>. Selling Local draws on many years of fieldwork and experience to discuss (1) the broader impacts of local food movements on communities and individuals, (2) new manifestations and improvements, and (3) a systems approach for future research on local food systems.

EVENTS/LEARNING

1.      Oklahoma Date Center Connect The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and our SDC/BIDC Affiliate partners will meet on December 5 at the Moore Norman Technology Center. Learn about rural demographic trends from the Census Bureau as well as programs and tools addressing some of the challenges and opportunities in rural areas. Topics will include the 2020 Census, data and trends from Census Bureau, as well as CDBG, REAP, EDIF and CIP programs, business attraction, retail development, tribal collaboration, broadband, and development finance in rural areas. Registration and conference agenda coming soon at okcommerce.gov/connect<http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTcwOTE5Ljc4MzQ5NDgxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE3MDkxOS43ODM0OTQ4MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3ODk5OTIxJmVtYWlsaWQ9ZGF2ZS5zaGlkZWxlckBva3N0YXRlLmVkdSZ1c2VyaWQ9ZGF2ZS5zaGlkZWxlckBva3N0YXRlLmVkdSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&102&&&http://okcommerce.gov/connect>.

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