$1.8 Million Dollar Alaska Micro-Grant Opportunity
State of Alaska, Division of Agriculture
Micro-Grants For Food Security 2021
Important: February 15th Scoping Pre-Application Deadline
There is a two-step process to apply:
1) Submit a simple, two-page application by the February 15th deadline.
2) Applications meeting the criteria, will be notified to submit a full proposal.
More Details and Dates
The Department of Natural Resources Division of Agriculture has complete Micro-Grants for Food Security information.
February 15: The simple two-page Scoping Pre-Application is due.
Grant Award Scoping Applications and Full Applications are to be submitted to dnr.ag.grants@alaska.gov or by mail at Division of Agriculture, Attn: Grants Coordinator, 1801 S. Margaret Drive, Palmer, Alaska 99645.
March 1, 2021: Notification of selection for full proposal submissions. Qualified, unfunded applications will be given priority in 2022.
April (TBD), 2021 - Announcement of final awards
Overview
Alaskans have a huge opportunity to increase their food security and resilience through a $1.8 million dollar mini-grant offered through the State of Alaska Division of Agriculture in 2021.
VH Hydroponics is offering guidance and estimates for interested clients who would like to apply. Email iinfo@vhhydroponics.com or (907) 782-4420.
Who Can Apply?
Both individuals and organizations can apply; the definition is very broad: all individuals, Indian Tribes or tribal organizations, non-profit organizations, and federally funded educational facilities in the State of Alaska. Therefore, everyone in the State of Alaska who has a project which will meet the requirements of the program are eligible to participate.
How much?
$1.8 million dollars for 2021. There will be additional funding in 2022 and 2023.
Individuals
Individuals may apply for up to $5,000 per year for up to 3 years. The maximum of $15,000 over 3 years.
Organizations
Organizations may apply for up to $10,000 per year for up to 3 years. Maximum of $30,000 over 3 years.
Multiple Awards For The Same
Project Are Allowed | 10% Matching
Awards may be granted for two or more eligible entities to carry out the same project. 10% match is required; but for individual grants, a waiver may be requested which will be considered for approval.
Purpose And Use of Grant Funds
To engage in activities that will increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food for food insecure individuals, families, neighborhoods, and communities, including by:
Purchasing tools, equipment, soil, soil amendments, seeds, plants, animals, canning equipment, refrigeration, or other items necessary to grow and store food;
Expanding areas under cultivation to grow food or to qualify for an EQUIP high tunnel to extend the growing season;
Hydroponic and aeroponic farming;
Building, buying, erecting, or repairing fencing for livestock, poultry, or reindeer;
Purchasing and equipping a slaughter and processing facility;
Traveling to participate in agricultural education
Paying for shipping of items related to growing or raising food;
Creating or expanding avenues for the sale of local food, increasing the availability of local nutritious food, and engaging in other activities related to increasing food security (including subsistence)
Scoping Pre-Application Project Scoring
An independent Review Committee will evaluate the scoping pre-applications with the following criteria:
Eligibility of the proposal per the farm bill legislation
The ability of the proposed activity to increase the production and/or storage capacity in the local community
The level of food insecurity in the applicant’s region
Other relevant information as to the capacity and purpose of the applicants