SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Writing Workshop

1. SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Writing Workshop Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant University of Illinois Extension Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture Extension Specialist SARE Coordinator

2. What is SARE? • Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education • SARE first funded in 1988 • Competitive grants program • Funding for research, demonstration, education and extension

3. SARE’s Mission • Strengthen rural communities, increase farmer/rancher profitability, and improve the environment by supporting research and education.

4. SARE’s Purpose • To generate and disseminate sound and practical information about alternative farming systems believed to have the potential to increase the sustainability of agriculture.

5. Sustainable Agriculture is… • an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term: • satisfy human food and fiber needs; • enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends; • make the most efficient use of non-renewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; • sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and • enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole. (Title XVI, Subtitle A. Section 1603

6. SARE Grant Programs • Research and Education Grant Program • Professional Development Program • Graduate Student Program • Farmer Rancher Grant Program

7. NCR SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program • NOT for everyday farming expenses • Identify specific problems and potential solutions • Maximum duration for grant projects is 21 months • Whole farm systems and youth projects are encouraged • Livestock project must comply with reasonable care requirements

8. 2007 FRG Projects Funded Per State 50 Total

9. 2007 Farmer Rancher Dollars Funded Per State – $394,229 Total

10. 1992-2007 FRG Grants Funded Per State – 686 Total to Date

11. 1992-2007 FRG Dollars Funded Per State - $4,396,554 Total to Date

12. NCR SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Call for Proposals • What? • Who? • Where? • When? • Characteristics of Successful Applications • How to Submit a Grant Proposal • Application Evaluation • Application Requirements

13. What • Proposals must: • Test a sustainable agriculture technique that is new to the farm • Educate/demonstrate to others a sustainable agriculture technique that could be used more widely in the area • Conduct learning circles, educational events, field days or demonstrations to further disseminate information • Develop new technologies • Create or modify equipment

14. What • NOT for everyday farming expenses • Identify specific problems and potential solutions • Whole farm systems and youth projects are encouraged • Livestock project must comply with reasonable care requirements

15. What • Since 1992, 686 grants have been awarded • 43 in Illinois and 30 in Indiana • Topics include rotational grazing, aquaculture, weed control, marketing and crop production systems

16. What • $400,000 available in 2008 • $6,000 for individuals • $18,000 for groups (3 or more independent and separate operations) • Duration • Maximum duration is 21 months

17. Who • Any farmer/rancher or group of farmer/ranchers* who farms in the North Central Region • Previous producer grant recipients * Three or more independent and separate operations. Must designate one individual farmer/rancher as group leader.

18. Where • The North Central Region consists of 12 states: • Illinois -Missouri • Indiana -Nebraska • Iowa -North Dakota • Kansas -Ohio • Michigan -South Dakota • Minnesota -Wisconsin Farmers and ranchers from other states are eligible to apply if their proposed projects benefit the NCR at least as much as they benefit other regions.

19. When • 2008 Grant Cycle • August 20, 2008 Farmer/Rancher grant applications available • December 1, 2008 Deadline for receiving Farmer/Rancher Grant applications • Spring, 2009 Administrative Council recommends Farmer/Rancher grantrecipients • Spring, 2009 Budgets are reviewed by University accountants for compliance with USDA guidelines and grant contracts are sent out • Early summer Approximate date of first payment (50%) • March 1, 2010 Progress report due (2nd grant payment – 35%) • March 1, 2011 Deadline for submitting final report (eligible for final payment (15%) when final report is approved)

20. Characteristics of Successful Applications • Clearly define a problem • Involve cooperators • Belong to local or state groups • Outreach components

21. Application Evaluation • Review Criteria and Evaluation Process • Well-identified problem and specific innovative plan to test possible solutions to that problem • Best use of existing knowledge on the identified problem • Effective plan for sharing project information • Contribution to the growth of sustainable agriculture • Appropriateness of the budget

22. How to Submit a Grant Proposal • Applications must be received by mail or e-mail in the NCR SARE office by 4:30 p.m. (CST) on Monday, December 1, 2008. Faxed applications will not be reviewed.

23. Application Evaluation • What to Expect • Return signed contract to NCR-SARE • May receive a visit from the Farmer Rancher Grant Program Coordinator • For projects that last for more than one year, must submit a progress report by March 1, 2010

24. Application Evaluation • What to Expect • At the end of the project, must submit: • Final report summarizing the project • Final budget that shows how funds were spent • Photos, when possible

25. Application Evaluation • What to Expect • Funds will be disbursed in the following manner: • Grant recipients may request and receive 50% of the grant to start their project. They may request an additional 35% after submitting a satisfactory progress report at the end of the first year of their project, and they may request the remaining 15% upon completion of the project

26. Application Requirements • Project Proposal • Proposals are limited to 5 pages, single-sided, excluding the budget. Proposals exceeding page limits will not be reviewed • Applications must be typed using no smaller than a 12-point font, similar to the text in the invitation for proposals, or legibly written in dark ink • Do not staple or paper clip your application

27. Application Requirements • Budget • Complete the budget form included in the RFP. Along with each item, briefly explain how each item in your budget will be used in your project

28. Application Requirements • Budget Tips • Personnel Costs • Include name, contact information and role for each participant • Include everyone who will participate, even if they are not receiving funds • Matching funds are not required, but reviewers like to know if you and/or others are making contributions

29. Application Requirements • 50% Rule • Grant funds can be used to pay for up to 50% of the cost of equipment, permanent fencing materials, and perennial seeds and plants

30. Application Requirements • Calculating Costs • Use realistic costs – not guesses. • Labor, land and equipment, and supplies – calculate on an annual cost-equivalent basis, i.e., operator labor per year @ $15/hour

31. Application Requirements • Unallowable Expenses • Construction and remodeling of buildings • Purchase of livestock • Purchase of motorized vehicles (may be leased)

32. Application Requirements • Food Expenses • Light refreshments at field days (coffee, cold drinks, fruit, pie, cookies, etc.) can be paid with grant funds, but typically meals cannot

33. Application Requirements • Investigate Cost-Sharing • Contact state and federal agencies to see if they have funds that may be used to supplement your grant

34. Application Requirements • Reference Letter • Required (no more than two) • Explain why the project is needed and how it will benefit the community • Contact references early and make sure that they are familiar with your project

35. For AssistanceSARE PDP Coordinators • Illinois • Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant cvnghgrn@illinois.edu • Indiana • Tom Jordan, tjordan@purdue.edu