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Frontera Farmer Foundation Grant Applications Open Through March 5
- Bob Benenson
- 1 minute ago
- 2 min read
Small Farm Support Non-Profit Has Given Away Nearly $4 Million Since 2003
As founder and leader of Chicago's Frontera Restaurant Group, Chef Rick Bayless has played a crucial role in building our modern local food ecosystem. He started sourcing ingredients from local farmers in the 1980s, when few restaurants were doing so; joined with other chefs as co-founders of Green City Market; and has provided financial support for small farmers through the Frontera Farmer Foundation, which he founded in 2003.
The Foundation has since given away a total of nearly $4 million — and applications are open for this year's farmer cohort. Applications need to be submitted by 11 p.m. central on March 5.
According to its website, "The Frontera Farmer Foundation is committed to promoting small, sustainable Midwestern farms serving the Chicago area, by providing them with capital development grants. Small local farms, which often struggle financially, are more likely to promote biodiversity by planting a wide range of produce and operate using organic practices. By their artisanal approach to agriculture, the freshness of their product, and the variety of their offerings, these farmers ensure the highest quality food while they add immeasurably to the fabric of their local rural community."
The individual grants are not huge (up to $15,000 for this year's awardees), but they pay for equipment purchases and infrastructure improvements that help the farmer-recipients grow and thrive.
Here is are the details and criteria from the Foundation's website:
Frontera Farmer Foundation will award grants for capital improvements of up to $15,000 to small and mid-size farmers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin that sell their food products to customers in the Chicago area at farmers markets and otherwise. We define “small and midsize” to mean family farms with up to $600,000 in annual gross revenue.
Farmers must have been in business for at least three years and must demonstrate how the grant will improve both their farm’s viability and the availability of locally grown food products in the Chicago area. Farms that have been awarded grants will be eligible every other year, for a maximum of three awards.
Nonprofit farms & farms connected to nonprofit organizations are not eligible for grants.
Each application is reviewed with consideration of the farm’s long-term dedication to sustainable farming, the business’ demonstrated need and financial sustainability, and the expected outcomes of this support. Applicants will also be judged on their past history with the foundation. Additional grants will be approved only after a farm has demonstrated the initial grant had a measurable impact on the farms infrastructure and ability to provide locally grown food to the Chicago area.
Comments, concerns and questions can be sent to farmerfoundation@fronteragrill.net or ksullivan@fronteragrill.net.