2021 applications are open for Blue Hill Community Food Grants

MFT is announcing our 2021 grant program for projects or programs intended to increase food sustainability and improve the health and well-being of Blue Hill Peninsula residents. In addition to meeting these goals, successful applications will be those that place an emphasis on creating a more just and sustainable local food system through food production, education or related projects. High priority is placed on projects that can also demonstrate benefit to the community.

Applicants can apply to receive grants of up to $3,000, which will be awarded based on the merits of the proposal and the likelihood of project completion. Applicants are encouraged to ask for the minimum award needed to complete a project, so as to allow the maximum number of grants to be awarded. Award priority will be given to first time grant recipients.

Grants are available for nonprofit organizations, schools, community groups, or individuals. Projects or programs must be carried out in the towns of Blue Hill, Sedgwick, Penobscot, Castine, Orland, Surry, Deer Isle, Stonington, Brooksville, or Brooklin. For questions or assistance with your application please contact Alex Fouliard at Maine Farmland Trust at alex@mainefarmlandtrust.org, or 338-6575. Prior award winners MUST submit a project evaluation form prior to submitting a new proposal in order to be considered eligible for any additional award.

Please be advised that grants under this program may be considered taxable income. Maine Farmland Trust cannot provide tax advice, and we strongly urge applicants to consult a tax professional in order to determine whether any tax liability would arise as a result of a grant award. Maine Farmland Trust will issue an IRS Form- 1099 to all individuals and entities receiving an award under this program for the tax year in which the grant was paid.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, March 31, at midnight. Decisions and grant awards will be made by April 30, 2021. Please complete the following application information, answer the questions below and send to alex@mainefarmlandtrust.org. If necessary, you can mail your completed application to Blue Hill Peninsula Community Food Grant Review Committee, 97 Main St., Belfast, ME 04915, but email submission is preferred. If you highlight and copy the text below, you can place it in a word document or other word processing program and fill out the application electronically.

APPLY HERE.