Food Systems Project Accelerator

Geographic Scope: Western Washington

A grant program supporting food systems infrastructure projects that directly work with or benefit farmers raising food crops or animals used in food production.

Focus Areas:

• Agricultural Production
• Marketing
• Processing
• Storage & Distribution
• Consumption (Eating)
• Compost & Waste
• Technical Assistance

Eligible Applicants:

• Individual, sole proprietor, single member LLC (including S-corp), or married couple
• Group of individuals who have not formed a legal partnership or organization
• Partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC including S-corp) or other for-profit business with more than one owner
• Cooperative Corporation formed under Washington State law
• Project under fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit
• Government entity or 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation

Key Requirements:

• Project must be within Western Washington
• Must work directly with or directly benefit farmers raising food crops or animals used in food production
• Applicants should have completed: comprehensive edited plan, work plan, project budget, identified potential funders, and identified project manager

Application Process

Two-Stage Application:

1. Pre-Application:
- Provide applicant information and organization details
- Select applicant type
- Confirm project is within Western WA and provide location
- Describe project in 500 words or less (explain need, what project will do, who will benefit)
- Describe how project works directly with or benefits farmers (500 words or less)
- Indicate completion of: comprehensive edited plan, work plan, project budget, identified funders, identified project manager

2. Full Application:
- Part One - Project Overview (35 points):
- Describe the food systems infrastructure project including: physical infrastructure/management knowledge, problem to be solved, evidence of need, stakeholder input, reference materials, comparison to similar projects, regional uniqueness
- Describe service areas and beneficiary geography (1,000 word maximum)
- Select which food system sectors will benefit directly

- Part Two - Project Beneficiaries and DEI Considerations (30 points):
- Describe beneficiaries beyond improved food access (training, jobs, sales opportunities, asset ownership)
- Describe if beneficiaries have been historically denied access to resources (1,000 words)
- Project job creation details and types (500 words)
- Explain how project increases diversity, equity and inclusion (500 words)

- Part Three - Management and Sustainability (35 points):
- Describe types of technical support needed and organizational improvement benefits (1,000 words)
- Describe background, experience, and qualifications of applicant organization, leadership, and key staff/contractors (1,000 words)
- Describe existing financial or technical assistance received (500 words)

Required Materials: