Description
Welcome to the 2012 WCG Network Mini-Grant application! The purpose of this funding is to support the expansion of sustainable community gardens in Salt Lake County that provide opportunities to grow, harvest and share fresh fruits and vegetables.
This funding is made possible by a grant awarded to Wasatch Community Gardens by the Great Salt Lake Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) and the Natural Resource Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. Technical support, consultation, and administration in support of the grant are also provided through Salt Lake City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
For questions about this application, please contact Susan Finlayson, Network Coordinator, at susan@wasatchgardens.org or 801-359-2658 x12.
Eligibility
The following are the basic requirements for WCG Network Mini-Grant eligibility in 2012:
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Garden is located within Salt Lake County.
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Garden is part of the WCG Network
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The proposed funded project develops a new community garden or expands the capacity of an existing community garden to grow food.
Award Amount
Up to ten community gardens will be awarded materials and technical support. Each community garden may apply for $500-$5,000 worth in materials. A total of up to $14,000 will be available in 2012. Wasatch Community Gardens will administer purchasing of materials for awarded projects. Along with materials, WCG will provide site visits and consultation support throughout the funding period, as requested.
What Can Funding Be Used For?
Funds may be used for materials required to develop a new community garden, or to expand an existing community garden.
Materials may include topsoil, compost, water systems, garden fencing, permanent signage, raised bed timbers, tool storage containers, wheelbarrows or garden carts, and tools such as shovels, rakes, and digging forks. Costs for seeds, plants, food and coordinator wages are not eligible.
2012 Timeline
March 21 Application Available
April 4 Mini-Grant Application Due
Network Partnership Application Due
Salt Lake City Gardener Report Due*
April 5-April 12 Site Visits
April 12 Awardees Notified
April 19 Funds Available
July 15 Project Report Due
Salt Lake City Gardener Report Due*
September 1 Deadline to Schedule Purchases
September 15 Deadline to Spend Funds
October 15 Project Report Due
Fall Garden Update Due
Salt Lake City Gardener Report due*
*Required for gardens that serve Salt Lake City residents
Review Process and Criteria for Funding
Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of staff from Wasatch Community Gardens and the Great Salt Lake Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D).
Awarded projects must meet the basic eligibility requirements listed above, provide a realistic timeline, demonstrate community support, have an identified project coordinator and leadership team, submit the WCG Network Partnership Application, and have a plan to sustain the garden after the funding period. WCG may also request a site visit as part of the review process. Gardens that primarily serve low-income residents of Salt Lake City will be given special consideration.
Award Year Requirements
Project implementation will begin April 19, upon signing project agreement, and must be completed by September 15, 2012. During the award period, applicants must be able to:
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Establish or expand a physical space for a community garden.
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Plant, harvest and share food.
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Coordinate with the Wasatch Community Gardens Network Coordinator to secure materials and arrange deliveries.
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Match the value of awarded materials, through matching funds, donated materials and/or volunteer hours valued at $17/hour.
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Submit two Project Reports (July 15 and October 15)
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Submit a Fall Garden Update (Oct 15)
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If serving residents of Salt Lake City, submit Salt Lake City Gardener Reports (April 4, July 15, and October 15)
Reporting Requirements
As described above, Project Coordinators are required to submit reports in July and October, which will require information gathering throughout the year, including keeping a record of volunteer hours and donations, and collecting demographic information from gardeners who are Salt Lake City residents. This information is required by the government underwriters of this grant. Failure to meet reporting requirements will result in loss of Network benefits and any undelivered project materials.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religious or spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, family configuration, political affiliation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, or medical condition.
