In response to farmer feedback, FACT is now accepting mini-grant applications from livestock and poultry farmers whose businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Farmers may request of up to $500 for materials, services or equipment that would help them to transition to an online or alternative sales strategy, or for other projects that would help their farm business to maintain sales during this crisis.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Farms must be located in the continental United States and be working, independent family farms. These are farms on which a family or individual owns the animals, is engaged in the day to day management of the farm and its animals, derives a share of livelihood from the farm, and produces a livestock product for sale.
Applicants must own or be employed by a farm that raises livestock (ruminants, swine) and/or poultry and express a commitment to raising their animals using humane management practices. Non-profit organizations, schools, and animal sanctuaries are not eligible.
WHAT IS ELIGIBLE?
Farmers can request mini-grants for materials, services or equipment that would help them to transition to an online or alternative sales strategy (e.g. home delivery, on-farm sales), or for other projects that would help their farm business to maintain sales during the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Refrigeration or freezer units for on-farm store
- Credit card chip reader
- Insulated bags or coolers for home delivery
- Website or online store development (don’t forget about our Online Farm Store Webinar today!)
- Essential supplies to maintain operation or ensure safety
Please note: we are not able to fund projects related to the processing/slaughter of animals or raw milk at this time. Equine, aquaculture and beekeeping-focused projects are also not eligible for this mini-grant program.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Farmers may request a mini-grant of up to $500 by completing a short online application. Mini-grants will be awarded on a rolling basis to eligible farmers until funding is depleted, after which time farmers will be placed on a wait-list in the event that additional funding becomes available. We are only able to award one mini-grant per farm or household.
FACT staff will evaluate applications as they come in and, if deeded eligible, approve the project for funding. Funds will be distributed within 14 business days.
Farmers who receive mini-grants will be asked to complete a brief report by June 30.
If a mini-grant recipient does not complete the project for which they received funds, all funds must be returned to FACT. In the case that a project costs less than expected, we ask that any remaining funds in excess of $50 be refunded to FACT.
If you have any questions about our Emergency Mini-Grant Program after reviewing our guidelines, you may email me at lmckenna@foodanimalconcerns.
Please be well and stay safe and healthy.
