Just wanted to make you aware of an online training program that will identify 3 grant opportunities for farmers and other rural residents to apply for their on-farm projects.

The free program will be hosted by Purdue Extension and USDA Rural Development on Monday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to noon (Eastern).  The URL to take part in this program is:  https://gomeet.itap.purdue.edu/sarerdgrants10/

The program will provide participants an opportunity to learn about available grants and will offer insight into eligibility and how to apply for funding.

Grants to be covered include:

* SARE Farmer/ Rancher Grants
* SARE Youth Grants and SARE Youth Educator Grants.
* USDA Rural Development Value Added Producer Grant
* USDA Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

This event draws over 50,000 FFA'ers from around the country to hear speakers, compete in competions, interact with Agri-Business Leaders and meet other FFA'ers.  I have had to opportunity to interact with several FFA'ers this week by listening in on Ag. Issues events, luncheons, the Career show and Educational Tours.  With such a great group of students one can easily see the future for Agriculture is very bright.

One such group here in Indiana is the FFA State Officer team which has recently started a blog.
FFA: Following the Future of Agriculture

This blog will provide insight on the life of a state officer as well as events they are attending around the state, highlights of successes other FFA chapters have had and well as tips and tricks on preparing for contests and conventions.  Please be sure to stop by their blog and check out what all Future of Agriculture has to offer.

I can hardly believe it was one year ago today, I sat down and wrote the first post for this blog.  Each week I try to provide upcoming grant opportunities, along with tips on applying for and writing a grant.  So keep tuning in each week and I'll keep blogging!!!

Now for the winner of our Give-a-way!

Using Random.org they selected ........................... drum roll please....................................
#12 Marybeth.

Thanks to all who participated and I will be in contact with Marybeth to get the prize to her.

Just today, USDA announced the recipients of their 2010 Farmers’ Market Promotion Program (FMPP) which awarded over $4 Million to Farmer’s Markets and Non-for-Profit organizations around the US. To view the complete list of winner click here. FMPP was created to help improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities.


Indiana had two recipients.

The Indiana Cooperative Development Center will be receiving $53,160 to 1) organize and establish an Indiana Direct-to-Consumer Market Association and 3 direct marketing retreats, 2) develop a logo, brochure, and marketing materials, and 3) conduct a young farmer training program.

Orange County HomeGrown, Paoli, IN, will be receiving $59, 862 to 1) expand customer base though promotion and use of EBT, 2) provide training and services to market vendors, 3) promote public awareness of nutritional value of locally grown produce in an 8-county region of Indiana, 4) build partnerships to ensure sustainability of 2 existing farmers markets, and 5) create a third market within an underserved community.

Congratulations to both of these organizations!

Don’t forget there is still time to sign up for The Ag. Grant Guru’s 1 Year Anniversary Give-a-way!! (Contest ends at noon on 10/15/10.)
Click here for your chance to win!!!!!!

Next week marks the one year Anniversary of the Ag Grant Guru Blog. It’s hard to believe that a year of weekly postings on new various funding opportunities and application tips has passed. Each week I try to highlight funding opportunities from federal, state and local grants as well as blogging about various writing tips or things to think about when putting your grant application together. So this week we will be celebrating with a give-a-way!!!!

To enter this contest please see the rules below. Winner will be announced on this blog on 10/15/10 at 4 pm EST.

As always thanks for reading, and I look forward to the next year of more tips, tricks and pointers on navigating the grant process!!!

Ag Grant Guru Anniversary Give-A-Way Rules.
Dates: October 8th- 15th
Entries: Leave a comment on this post of the Ag Grant Guru for each entry that you do.

1 entry: Follow Ag Grant Guru Blog (Just leave me a comment telling me you follow or just started following.)

1 entry: Leave a comment telling me what you would like to learn or read more about in the future on this blog regarding grants.

1 entry: Follow Chew on Dirt Blog (Go over to Jerod’s Blog: http://www.chewondirt.blogspot.com/ and start following his blog and then come back and leave me a comment telling me you did so.)

1 entry: Leave a comment on Chew on Dirt Blog asking him any questions you might have pertaining to Conservation.

1 entry: Follow @Isdagov on Twitter (follow us then leave me a comment telling me you are following or if you are already following just leave me a comment stating so.)

1 entry: Tweet this on Twitter then come back and leave me a comment telling me you did so. “Check out the Ag Grant Guru Blog for tips on finding, applying and managing #grants http://www.aggrantguru.blogspot.com/ #agblog”

1 entry: Become a friend of IsdaGov on Facebook (even if you are already a friend leave me a comment stating so for more chances to win.)

1 entry: Follow the Ag Grant Guru Blog on Network Blogs on Facebook http://apps.facebook.com/blognetworks/blog/ag_grant_guru/ (then come back here and leave a comment telling me you did that.)
________________________________________________________________________________
Special Thanks to the Indiana Ag Industry Partners for donating items in this give-a-way.
Submissions close at 1:00 PM (EST) on Friday, October 15th. Winner will be announced Friday, October 15th by 4 PM (EST).

Some larger companies and businesses in your local area may have foundations set up to award to projects that directly enhance your community.  One example of this is the Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).  They have a grant program called the Cares program which supports safe, responsible, and environmentally sound agricultural practices in critical growing regions in North America, South America, West Africa, and Southeast Asia. The program provides grant support in the following focus areas: agronomically and environmentally sound agricultural development, including environmental stewardship; farm safety; and improved health, incomes, and working conditions for farmers and their families. Preference is given to groups in ADM communities that can demonstrate clear, measurable results toward stated objectives and a solid track record of success. Online applications may be submitted at any time. Visit their website to learn more about the program.