WVFMA Mini-Grant Program: Empowering Farmers Markets Across West Virginia

We’re excited to introduce an initiative that’s all about supporting our local farmers markets and enhancing the agricultural landscape of West Virginia. You can find out how your farmers market can benefit from this opportunity and apply for funding to boost your operations, marketing, and overall impact.

 

This program aims to extend financial assistance for the following categories:

  1. Phase 1: Technology – This includes provisions for Wi-Fi access and point-of-sale equipment.
  2. Phase 2: Marketing – Funding will be provided for branded signage and promotional materials.
  3. Phase 3: Capital Improvement – This category encompasses coolers, refrigerators, cool bot trailers, and display cases.

Applicants have the flexibility to apply for multiple funding categories based on their market’s specific requirements. Furthermore, we encourage applicants to think innovatively beyond the listed items and customize their projects to suit their market’s unique needs. These are competitive grants with a maximum award for each project set at $5,000.

 

 

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicants must be West Virginia Department of Agriculture registered farmers markets and current members of the West Virginia Farmers Market Association (click here to join).
  • Farmers markets must complete the annual Farmers Market Census conducted by the WVFMA.
  • Only one application per farmers market will be considered.

The types of entities that qualify as farmers markets for the WVFMA Mini-Grant program include traditional, consignment, on-farm, and mobile markets.

 

 

Funding Information:

  • Total available funding for the WVFMA Mini-Grant Program is determined annually by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
  • Individual grant awards may vary and will be determined based on the merit of the proposed projects and the availability of funds.
  • Maximum Grant Amount for 2023 is $5,000.

 

 

Application Process:

  • Fill out the WVFMA Mini Grant Application Budget and WVFMA Mini Grant Application.
  • Use these documents to input information into the form below. Please note that you should complete the application in one continuous session, as the form doesn’t support saving and resuming. Refer to your Application Template to input your narrative responses. When prompted, upload the Budget Template accordingly.
  • Upon finishing the application, submit it. An email confirming the receipt of your application will be sent to you.

 

 

Use of Funds:

  • Funding provided through the WVFMA Mini-Grant Program is intended to support specific projects, initiatives, or purchases that directly benefit farmers markets and their stakeholders.
  • Funds should not be used for salaries or indirect costs.

 

 

Review and Selection Process:

  1. All applications received by the deadline will be reviewed by a selection committee appointed by the WVFMA. This committee will include members from the West Virginia Farmers Market Association, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and farmers.
  2. Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Project Overview – 20 points maximum

  • Project Goals and Expected Outcomes – 20 points maximum

  • Budget Breakdown – 15 points maximum

  • Implementation Timeline – 10 points maximum

  • Impact Assessment – 15 points maximum

  • Market Eligibility – 5 points maximum

  • Supporting Documents – 5 points maximum

  • Public Benefit – 10 points maximum

 

 

Notification and Disbursement:

  • Applicants will be notified of the grant decisions via email by 9/25/23. A letter will also be mailed to the address on file.
  • Successful grant recipients will be required to provide additional documentation, including a Financial Information Request Form and a W-9 form, to facilitate the disbursement of grant funds.
  • Grant funds will be disbursed on 9/29/23. Checks may take up to seven days to arrive.

 

 

Acknowledgment: The WVFMA Mini-Grant Program is funded by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. We acknowledge their support in making this initiative possible.

Reporting Requirements: Grant recipients must submit quarterly progress reports and a final project survey at the end of the grant period. Reporting templates will be provided to successful applicants. Recipients are required to complete the WVFMA Farmers Market Census.

For any questions or further assistance, please contact us at executivedirector@wvfarmers.org

 

APPLICATION:

About the WVFMA Mini-Grant Program: The West Virginia Farmers Market Association (WVFMA) is excited to introduce the Mini-Grant Program, specially designed to support farmers markets across the state. This program aims to extend financial assistance for the following categories: 1. Phase 1: Technology - This includes provisions for Wi-Fi access and point-of-sale equipment. 2. Phase 2: Marketing - Funding will be provided for branded signage and promotional materials. 3. Phase 3: Capital Improvement - This category encompasses coolers, refrigerators, cool bot trailers, and display cases. Applicants have the flexibility to apply for multiple funding categories based on their market's specific requirements. Furthermore, we encourage applicants to think innovatively beyond the listed items and customize their projects to suit their market's unique needs. The maximum award for each project is set at $5,000. Eligibility Criteria: 1. Applicants must be registered farmers markets in West Virginia and active members of the WVFMA. 2. Farmers markets must complete the annual Farmers Market Census conducted by the WVFMA. 3. Only one application per farmers market will be considered. Funding Information: - Total available funding for the WVFMA Mini-Grant Program is determined annually by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. - Individual grant awards may vary and will be determined based on the merit of the proposed projects and the availability of funds. - Maximum Grant Amount for 2023 is $5,000. Use of Funds: - Funding provided through the WVFMA Mini-Grant Program is intended to support specific projects, initiatives, or purchases that directly benefit farmers markets and their stakeholders. - Funds should not be used for salaries or indirect costs. ***This form cannot be saved before submission*** Please complete all parts in one session.
Select the support catagory (you can select more than one) that most closely aligns with your project.
Name of Market Applying for Mini-Grant
Provide a brief overview of the project you plan to implement with the mini-grant funds. Include details about the phase you selected and the specific items or initiatives you intend to invest in. (Maximum 300 words)
Describe the goals and expected outcomes of the proposed project. How will it benefit your farmers market and the community it serves? (Maximum 300 words)
Please provide a budget narrative of how you intend to use the grant funds. Include estimated costs for each item or activity. (If applying for multiple phases, specify the allocation of funds for each phase.). Please complete the WVFMA- Project Budget Spreadsheet for a detailed expense breakdown. Remember, this funding is not eligible for use for salaries. Indirect costs may not be included.
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
Upload your completed budget excel spreadsheet
Outline the timeline for implementing the proposed project. Include start and end dates for each phase, if applicable.
Explain how you plan to measure the success of the project and its impact on your farmers market and the community. How will you track the outcomes? (Maximum 300 words)
Please list other funding that you have received for projects this year at your market. Include whether aspects of your project are being funded by other sources as well.
Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 3 files.
Please include at least one letter of support.
agreement:By submitting this application, you acknowledge that all the information provided is accurate and complete. You agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the mini-grant program and consent to reporting on the project's progress and outcomes as well as completing the WVFMA Farmers Market Census if selected as a grant recipient.