Farming for the Future Mini-Grant

2009

Provided by the South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc.

Mini-Grants

The South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council Inc. is accepting applications for its 2009 Farming for the Future Mini Grant Program. This program funds projects up to $500 that seek to educate young people about agriculture in New Jersey.

Projects are funded based on their ability to increase awareness among young people and the public at large on how agriculture benefits New Jersey and society in general.

Robin Waddell (right) of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Camden County exhibits many of the crops grown in New Jersey.

Grant monies are provided by South Jersey RC&D’s Annual Tour des Farms Program.

Successful recipients are expected to help with this event.

Send completed applications to: South Jersey RC&D Council 1971 Jacksonville-Jobstown Rd Columbus, NJ 08022   Deadline: December 15, 2009

Who Can Apply?

The following organizations are eligible to apply for a mini-grant:

* High school clubs or classes with an interest in agriculture including, but not limited to, Future Farmers of America and 4H Clubs

* Agriculture based 501(C)(3) or 501(C)(4) non-profit organizations1. Sponsored high school clubs or classes (including Future Farmers of America Chapters and 4H’s).

Note: Applicant organizations must be based in one or more of the eleven South Jersey RC&D Council member counties.

 

Guidelines

Mini–grant funds are to be used for project specific expenses only and not for general operating, administrative, or overhead expenses. Likewise, funds cannot be used for fundraising purposes, lobbying, or political advocacy activities or the purchase of software or hardware, interest payments, or food and/or entertainment expenses.

Mini–grant recipients must agree to indemnify and hold harmless the SJRC&D Council from any and all claims resulting from the funded Project

The mini-grant project must be completed within six months of the written notice of award with a final report due within one month of project completion. The final report must include a detailed narrative of the project results, copies of all expense receipts, copies of any resulting visuals including photos and videos. The report becomes the property of the South Jersey RC&D Council.

Project promotional materials such as signs, brochures and the like must recognize the South Jersey RC&D Council as a funding partner with the South Jersey RC&D Council logo present on all printed material related to the project.

Mini-grant funds will be released to the organization upon completion of the grant project and submittal of the final report.

Project Examples

Here are some examples of the type of projects that could be considered:

• The creation of a display for school organization fairs and other events illustrating how farm products reach our table
• The development of promotional materials for a children’s Community Garden
• The development of a children’s board game or video game about farming in New Jersey
• Scholarship for student to go to national 4H or Future Farmers of America meeting.

Application:

The Mini Grant Application in MS Word format is available for download and located both at left and in the upper left green Navigation Bar at the top of this page.

Applications should be no more than the three pages of the application although you should note if additional information is available in support of the application i.e. photos, videos, news articles, if requested. Please staple all pages together. Do not place applications in a binder or folder.

Application Format/Instructions

First page:

Please provide all information requested including appropriate approvals.

Second and Third Pages

Pages two and three of the application follow the format outlined below. Use only the number of lines necessary to complete information on your particular project.

Name of Applicant

Identify the name of the applicant’s organization. If more than one organization is to be involved in the Project, please provide complete information on each organization.

Project Title:

Give your project a name we can use to easily reference it.

Project Contact

Identify the individual who will oversee the Project and be available to answer any questions the Council may have.

Project Description:

Provide a description of the Project and how it will serve to educate young people about agriculture and benefit the future of farming in New Jersey. Indicate how the Project’s success will be measured and whether other monies will be used to implement the Project. If other monies are used, please indicate the source of these funds.

Project Personnel:

List all personnel involved in the Project, their role in the Project and their title in the applicant’s organization. Identify a Project Supervisor.

Project Budget:

Provide a breakdown of how the grant monies will be spent. If more than one funding source is to be used, please be specific as to how the mini-grant’s funds will be utilized.

Project Deliverables

Identify all anticipated physical deliverables resulting from the Project i.e. reports, brochures, videos, etc.

Project Schedule

Describe key tasks of the Project, their expected completion dates and the estimated date of completion for the Project as a whole.

Proof of Insurance

Proof of liability insurance must be submitted along with the organization’s application.

 

Deadline – December 15, 2009