Information on Micro-grants applications – Estimated opening Jan. 2021

Posted on Nov 23, 2020 in Main

The MGFSP Request for Proposals (RFP) solicitation will be posted in January 2021 with the deadline to submit proposals 45 days after the posting, with the awardees planned to be announced in April 2021.

  1. The USDA and HDOA want to provide information to let you know what is expected.  To prepare for submitting a proposal:

 

  1. An individual can apply either as an individual or as part of another proposal with two or more eligible entities or as part of an organization, however, an individual or organization, when part of an application, is encouraged to submit no more than one application as awards will be limited to one per individual or organization. 
  • If awarded, all entities – individuals and organizations – will be required to obtain a Certificate of Insurance, the terms of which will depend on the project and the State Risk Management Agency.

 

  1. The MGFSP allows for two or more entities (individuals or organizations) to receive awards to carry out the same project (authorized projects can be found in the link and copied below).  If this is applies to your project proposal:
  • All entities must submit a Letter of Support committing to the project.
  • The award will be to carry out the same project. 

 

The terms of the grant provides for purchase of small-scale gardening, herding and expanding access to food items.  The rules can be found here: (7 U.S.C. 7518)

Here is how the funds can be used in your proposal budget  — the list can be found in the link provided above.

 

An eligible entity that receives a subgrant under this section shall use the funds to engage in activities that will increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food for food insecure individuals, families, neighborhoods, and communities, including by-

(A) purchasing gardening tools or equipment, soil, soil amendments, seeds, plants, animals, canning equipment, refrigeration, or other items necessary to grow and store food;

(B) purchasing or building composting units;

(C) purchasing or building towers designed to grow leafy green vegetables;

(D) expanding an area under cultivation or engaging in other activities necessary to be eligible to receive funding under the environmental quality incentives program established under chapter 4 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa et seq.) for a high tunnel;

(E) engaging in an activity that extends the growing season;

(F) starting or expanding hydroponic and aeroponic farming of any scale;

(G) building, buying, erecting, or repairing fencing for livestock, poultry, or reindeer;

(H) purchasing and equipping a slaughter and processing facility approved by the Secretary;

(I) traveling to participate in agricultural education provided by-

(i) a State cooperative extension service;

(ii) a land-grant college or university (as defined in section 3103 of this title);

(iii) a Tribal College or University (as defined in section 1059c(b) of title 20);

(iv) an Alaska Native-serving institution or a Native Hawaiian-serving institution (as such terms are defined in section 1059d(b) of title 20); or

(v) a Federal or State agency;

(J) paying for shipping of purchased items relating to growing or raising food for local consumption or purchase;

(K) creating or expanding avenues for-

(i) the sale of food commodities, specialty crops, and meats that are grown by the eligible entity for sale in the local community; or

(ii) increasing the availability of fresh, locally grown, and nutritious food; and

(L) engaging in other activities relating to increasing food security (including subsistence), as determined by the Secretary.

 

Thank you for your patience.

 

Sharon Hurd / Yukashi Smith

Market Development Branch

Hawaii Department of Agriculture

(808) 973-9465 / (808) 973-9627