What is a Seed Money Grant? The Food, Faith and Farming Network Seed Money grants are funds issued at a maximum of $1500 to organizations who meet these criteria: 1) address a significant community issue; 2) outline an innovative solution to confronting the issue; 3) build a network of individuals/groups to collaborate on the issues; 4) demonstrate energy and commitment to achieve the stated goals. Our goals are to build healthy, vibrant rural communities with a focus on local foods, sustainable agriculture, and food security. In more urban areas, we strive to reduce the rift between rural and urban communities.
We like to say Seed Money grants fill a niche. While an organization’s ongoing needs are great and may be met through other funding sources, there may be that one project that significantly impacts an organization’s work and affect on the lives around them that a Seed Money grant may cover or augment.
How did the Network get involved in Seed Money grants? I thought you did Winter Farmers Markets? Yes, Winter Farmers Markets have been one of the backbones of our organization for many years. You can learn more about them here. In 2018, we held a series of Listening Sessions in Southwest Wisconsin. This resulted in establishing our Seed Money Initiative. In November we held a Five Year Celebration of SW Wisconsin Seed Money grants at Taliesen's Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center. See some fun photos below. In 2022, we brought the Listening Sessions and Seed Money program to Southeast Wisconsin.
To read the inspirational stories of our grant recipients, follow this link.
Wow, this is great! How do I apply? Click on the following links for Southwest Wisconsin counties: instructions and SW Wisconsin application form; and Southeast Wisconsin counties: instructions and SE Wisconsin application. If you have any questions as you complete your application, please reach out to foodfaithandfarmingnetwork@gmail.com.
Our thanks to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, Compeer Financial and Wisconsin Farmers Union for making our 2024 SW Wisconsin Seed Money Grants possible.
Our thanks to an Anonymous Donor for making our 2024 SE Wisconsin Seed Money Grants possible.
Don’t have a project for a Seed Money Grant but would like to help support those who do? Please click here.
The Hill & Valley Exploration Tour welcomes you to experience and celebrate rural living at the 12th Annual Food Fair/Farmers Market on Saturday, March 9 from 9:00 - 1:00pm at the Sacred Heart School Gym on the corner of Sixth & Willow Streets in Reedsburg (545 N. Oak St).
For more details about this unique tradition in Sauk, Richland and Juneau Counties, visit Hill and Valley Exploration Tour Facebook page. We will be there and would love to see you there, too!
Thank you to ALL who joined us at our Winter Market events this season! We are grateful to have been joined by 14 different vendors this year at 6 events and served 750+ delicious locally-sourced meals all in support of farmers, our vendors, and connections to our local food sources. Whether you hosted, volunteered, vended, served, ate, purchased, or simply stopped by, your presence and support was appreciated! Thank you for a fruitful Winter season!
“Like” our Facebook page or find us on Instagram for event news, photos and updates.
Interested in hosting a market? Want to learn more? Visit our programs page for more details or Contact our Farmers Market Coordinator, Lynn Parkhurst, at lynnparkhurstfffn@gmail.com.