–Announced on January 2, 2025
The East Quabbin Land Trust is pleased to announce the 3rd annual micro-grant program targeted at promoting farming in our region. The goal is to inspire our local farmers to continue doing their great work in sustaining our communities and improving the quality of life in the East Quabbin region – including Barre, Hardwick, Hubbardston, New Braintree, North Brookfield, Oakham, Petersham, Ware and West Brookfield.
Grants will be awarded in two categories:
- Farm succession planning and farmland conservation; and
- Regenerative farming practices focused on fruits, vegetables and meats directly consumed by residents of our region.
We expect to award between four to eight grants – between $2,500 and $10,000 each, though most grants are expected to be $5,000 or less. These funds can be paid to the farmer or directly to the service provider. That might mean paying a surveyor or lawyer assisting with transferring the farm to the next generation, or the contractor installing fencing or a well to enhance farming practices that build soil health, wildlife habitat, and protect water quality. Other practices might include activities associated with moving towards no-till farming, using cover-crops and filter strips along stream and wetland corridors.
Prior year grant awardees are eligible to apply, however preference may be given to first-time applicants.
To apply for an East Quabbin Farm Micro-grant please send a letter to Cynthia Henshaw, Executive Director, East Quabbin Land Trust responding to the following questions. Your letter can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to PO Box 5, Hardwick MA 01037. Please submit your request for funding by Monday, February 17, 2025.
Letter of request should include the following information:
- Applicant name, farm name, address and contact information
- Summary statement about requested purpose and amount (40 words or less)
- Description of current farming practices (250 words or less)
- Description of funding need and expected change to farm or farming practices (500 words or less)
- How your proposed project can be modified if partial funding is awarded (100 words or less)
A short interview may be requested of finalists before grant awardees are chosen.
For more information or questions, please contact Cynthia Henshaw at [email protected] or (978) 895-6984. This opportunity is available because of a generous multi-year commitment from an anonymous foundation.