The Michigan Local Food Council Network Seed Grant Program offers up to $5,000 in funds to help local food councils build capacity and accomplish their goals.
Donor Name: Minnesota State University Center for Regional Food Systems
State: Michigan
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 01/11/2023
Size of the Grant: up to $5,000
Details:
Development of a connected set of active, high-capacity local food councils in Michigan will help address local food and food policy issues, build local food leaders, advance equity in the food system, and accelerate progress on the collective goals of the Michigan Good Food Charter.
Funding Information
These grants, up to $5,000, offer support for existing councils to expand their capacity and newly-forming councils to accelerate their development.
Eligibility Criteria
- Existing and developing Michigan local food councils or food policy councils are eligible to apply. A local food council is defined as a group of people convening on a recurring basis around a defined Michigan-based geographic area to assess and recommend practices and policies that affect one or more aspects of the food system. The council may be part of an existing organization, but funds requested must be used entirely toward the work of the council.
- Seed grant recipients must be a U.S. business entity located in Michigan, whether nonprofit, for profit, or governmental unit, and provide a signed W-9 with a federal tax ID number upon establishment of an award. If the local food council does not have a federal tax ID number, it may enlist a Michigan-based fiduciary partner that does. The grant will not cover fees or indirect costs to a fiduciary partner
Uses of Funds
- Hiring staff or consultant(s) to support local food council development and/or council operations
- Supporting councils in building internal fund development capacity or hiring consultant(s) to aid in fund development
- Conducting strategic planning
- Conducting community food systems or community food policy assessments
- Conducting equity or food justice training
- Supporting communications materials development and/or publication
- Providing training for council members and/or general public on food councils, food systems, or related topics
- Facilitating equitable participation in food council events or activities, such as:
- Provision of childcare at events or activities
- Provision of food at events or activities
- Stipends for council or MLFCN meeting participation
- Funding via stipends, mileage reimbursements or per diem food expenses for local food council members’ attendance at events such as site visits with local food councils in peer communities or educational experiences relevant to food council goals.
For more information, visit MSUCRFS.
