The Evaluation Criteria section of the RFP includes scoring for industry support by external stakeholders. There is merit in both kinds of letters of support. Ultimately, a letter that tells a more compelling story about the impact/value of your project will make a bigger difference in the scoring process, no matter the author.
There are no exclusions on who may be the beneficiary of a specialty crop block grant as long as the grant fulfills the program’s purpose of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops in Minnesota. However, projects that can demonstrate a benefit to beginning farmers (defined as an individual or entity that has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years and substantially participates in the operation) can receive up to two additional points during the scoring process. Projects that benefit Emerging Farmers, including Native American producers, immigrant farmers, farmers of color, and women, can receive up to five additional points.
There are no exclusions on who may be the beneficiary of a specialty crop block grant as long as the grant fulfills the program’s purpose of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops in Minnesota. However, projects that can demonstrate a benefit to beginning farmers (defined as an individual or entity that has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years and substantially participates in the operation) can receive up to two additional points during the scoring process. Projects that benefit Emerging Farmers, including Native American producers, immigrant farmers, farmers of color, and women, can receive up to five additional points.
The funding priorities are of equal importance. Using the evaluation criteria listed in the RFP, points will be awarded to projects according to how well the application addresses at least one of the funding priorities.
The Evaluation Criteria section of the RFP includes scoring for industry support by external stakeholders. There is merit in both kinds of letters of support. Ultimately, a letter that tells a more compelling story about the impact/value of your project will make a bigger difference in the scoring process, no matter the author.
There are no exclusions on who may be the beneficiary of a specialty crop block grant as long as the grant fulfills the program’s purpose of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops in Minnesota. However, projects that can demonstrate a benefit to beginning farmers (defined as an individual or entity that has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years and substantially participates in the operation) can receive up to two additional points during the scoring process. Projects that benefit Emerging Farmers, including Native American producers, immigrant farmers, farmers of color, and women, can receive up to five additional points.
Eligible costs
Yes, as long as the project involves and primarily benefits growers/producers that reside in Minnesota and will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Minnesota. Any entities outside of Minnesota that are involved in a grant-funded project must be able to account for the grant-related work separately from their other activities.
Yes, as long as the project involves and primarily benefits growers/producers that reside in Minnesota and will enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Minnesota. Any entities outside of Minnesota that are involved in a grant-funded project must be able to account for the grant-related work separately from their other activities.
All costs covered by this grant program must be direct costs and be able to be supported by your organization’s written procedures. The personnel costs claimed in the budget section of the application cannot normally be included in your organization's overhead costs or included in calculating your organization's indirect cost rate. Direct costs for staff time spent doing a project’s administrative work, like arranging project activities (such as a workshop or outreach event) may be eligible for SCBG funding. Labor costs must be based upon salaries earned and time worked solely on the awarded project, plus be backed by documentation (timesheets and payroll reports). These can be estimated in the Personnel budget section of the application.
All costs covered by this grant program must be direct costs and be able to be supported by your organization’s written procedures. The personnel costs claimed in the budget section of the application cannot normally be included in your organization's overhead costs or included in calculating your organization's indirect cost rate. Direct costs for staff time spent doing a project’s administrative work, like arranging project activities (such as a workshop or outreach event) may be eligible for SCBG funding. Labor costs must be based upon salaries earned and time worked solely on the awarded project, plus be backed by documentation (timesheets and payroll reports). These can be estimated in the Personnel budget section of the application.
No—grant funds cannot be used for business start-up or expansion costs. SCBG projects proposed by individual producers, for-profit businesses, or commercial entities need to demonstrate a significant benefit to a segment of the specialty crop industry, and not just the applicant or partner organization.