Ep 286: Taking Funding for Granted with Melissa Siwiec
What project could you complete if you had funding? The\xa0deadline for submitting Farmers Market Promotion Program grants is just 51 days away. This week, we chat with Melissa Siwiec, executive director of Pennsylvania's historic Lancaster Central Market, about the process of applying for and then implementing an FMPP funded project. The process\xa0seems intimidating, and the rules and guidelines\xa0are rigorous. USDA is very clear about what's required, so priority number one is following instructions. Melissa's pro tips include: \xa0 \u2022 Deadlines and required formatting\xa0are clearly stated and strictly enforced, don't try to skirt the rules \u2022 A plan and a goal come first, chasing funding for its own sake is not sustainable \u2022 Set some time aside, writing a winning\xa0proposal takes time and focus \u2022 Partnerships are a required piece of FMPP grants, identify compatible community organizations \u2022 Grant funding is released as reimbursements, you'll need reserves to get your projects started \xa0 As Ben Feldman pointed out at last month's InTents Conference, plenty of types of activities are funded by Federal grants, none of them any more important or deserving than supporting farmers, farmers markets and food access.\xa0 \xa0 FInd more information and the FMPP grant application form by clicking USDA on the Resource Page at FarmersMarketPros.com \xa0 Need one on one grant writing help? Contact Melissa Siwiec\xa0here.\xa0 \xa0 This episode is supported by Farmers Market University, helping market managers hone and certify their professional skills.