Michigan SARE Mini Grant Applications

Michigan SARE Mini Grant

 

Mini Grant Application Mini Grant Post-Event Evaluation

The Michigan SARE program offers grant funds of up to $1,500 on a rolling basis to support research and education projects exploring:

  • On-farm renewable energy
  • Pest and weed management
  • Pastured livestock & rotational grazing
  • No-till and conservation tillage
  • Nutrient management
  • Agroforestry
  • Marketing
  • Sustainable communities
  • Systems research
  • Crop and livestock diversity
  • and more!

These funds support train-the-trainer projects such as conferences or events that teach non-profit farm educators, MSU Extension educators, USDA and MDARD staff, lenders or other agriculture support professionals about sustainable agriculture. In addition, the funds can be used to train farmers for roles where they will teach other farmers, such as mentoring, apprenticeships or leading farmer networks. Historically, these mini grants have supported the Michigan Family Farms Conference, cover crop demonstrations, a video series and workshops.

Focus areas for 2022-2023 include assisting beginning or underserved farmers, addressing climate change or improving environmental sustainability, farm viability or quality of life for farmers and communities. To apply:

  1. Review the online application
  2. Create a draft of your ideas, including the intended audience, the educational topic, guest speakers, project narrative and budget. The project narrative should include background, stakeholder involvement, expected outcomes, approach, method/activities and evaluation methods.
  3. Connect with State SARE Coordinators Sarah Fronczak at froncza3@msu.edu , Katie Brandt at brandtk7@msu.edu, or Emily Proctor at proctor8@msu.edu to discuss your idea, with questions or to request feedback on your application before submitting it.
  4. Apply

NCR-SARE aims to strengthen communities, increase profitability, and improve the environment through grants and education. SARE has distributed $8,652,539 to fund 296 grant projects in Michigan through Michigan State University since 1988. The program aims to support diversity, equity and inclusion in food and agriculture systems and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program or political beliefs.

 
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