Farm Foundation, NFP Small Grants Program


			Farm Foundation, NFP Small Grants Program The mission of Farm Foundation, NFP (“Farm Foundation”), a section 501(c)(3) public charity, is to work as a catalyst for sound public policy by providing objective information to foster a deeper understanding of issues shaping the future for agriculture, food systems and rural regions. Farm Foundation does not lobby or advocate on any political, policy, or other issue. Farm Foundation has a 77-year commitment to objectivity, fostering the constructive debate that is essential to sound public policy development in a democracy. Farm Foundation’s primary product is comprehensive, objective information on economic and public policy issues. Through conferences, workshops and Foundation Forums, we bring stakeholders together to discuss evolving issues impacting agriculture, the food system and rural regions. Discussions may include options to address those issues and the potential consequences of those options. Farm Foundation’s work focuses in six major areas: Agriculture in the Environment Energy and Agriculture Food, Agricultural and Trade Policy Agricultural and Food System Productivity, Research and Technology Food Quality, Safety and Consumer Perceptions Viability of Rural Regions To maximize Farm Foundation’s philanthropic impact within these six broad areas and make the most effective use of limited financial and human resources, all program activities have been realigned in two categories: staff-managed projects and small grants. Farm Foundation seeks proposals for small grants that stimulate new ideas and build networks of resources. The grants should address one of the Foundation’s six program areas. Through such funding, Farm Foundation seeks to support activities that are national or broadly regional in scope. Such activities must be a catalyst for sound public policy in agriculture, food systems and rural regions. Such grants should develop, disseminate and/or publicly present educational materials or scientific research findings which contribute to informed discussions and foster debate, bringing together all stakeholders to foster deeper understanding of issues affecting agriculture, food systems and rural regions. Examples of potential grant activities include workshops or conferences, support of professional meetings, or objective education work centered on relevant public policy issues. Any projects funded by Farm Foundation must be non-advocacy in nature, and provide balanced, objective information. The maximum amount to be awarded per grant is $10,000. Farm Foundation Grant Policies and Guidelines are available for review. Requests are to be submitted using the Small Grants Application Form. Complete all information as requested. Farm Foundation does not fund indirect or overhead costs. *Farm Foundation's Small Grants Program has been reduced to only ONE round of grant applications for the Foundation's FY2011 (May 1, 2010 through April 30, 2011).* *The deadline for applications is April 30, 2010. Responses will be issued by June 15.* Applications can be sent to: Farm Foundation Attn: Small Grants Program 1301 W. 22nd Street, Suite 615 Oak Brook, IL 60523 Applications can also be emailed to Farm Foundation. Subject line should read: Small Grants Application If a grant is approved, the recipient must provide a quarterly report on the progress of the project, as well as a report at the end of Farm Foundation, NFP's fiscal year, which is April 30. A Small Grant Report Form is provided.