About the Creating New Fund Economies Fund

Resourceful Communities’ small-grant program, the Creating New Economies Fund (CNEF), provides direct investment in community-based efforts. Seed money supports a range of projects: eco- and heritage tourism, youth conservation programs, farmers markets, alternative energy production and more. Additional information for applicants follows. Submit questions to smallgrants@conservationfund.org.

A portion of CNEF funds are available to help rural United Methodist Churches (UMCs) strengthen food ministries. UMCs are encouraged to contact a Faith and Food Coordinator, Justine Post (jpost@conservationfund.org) or Jaimie McGirt (jmcgirt@conservationfund.org), or email smallgrants@conservationfund.org to discuss potential projects.

FOR CNEF APPlicants

• Click here to view important dates for the 2020 Creating New Economies Fund grant cycle.
• Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions about the 2020 Creating New Economies Fund grant cycle.
• Click here to view the Creating New Economies Fund list of grantees.
• Click here for sample completed budget.

For CNEF Grantees

• Contact Kathleen at kmarks@conservationfund.org or (919) 951-0111 if you need the current report form.

online application

• GENERAL APPLICATION
  • Download a sample Word document of our new online general application.
    
    
• APPLICATION FOR RURAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
  • Download a sample Word document of our new online application for rural United Methodist Churches.
  • Rural United Methodist Church applicants, click here for steps to get your church’s Federal Tax ID Number and a copy of the Group Ruling Letter from the IRS.

Additional Resources

Virtual Trainings

• Click here to view virtual learning opportunities and trainings for our community partners hosted by Resourceful Communties

background checks

• Click here to learn more about obtaining county-level background checks in North Carolina

Considerations for new community garden projects

• Click here for some key questions to ask before digging in.

EVALUATION TOOL FOR GARDEN PARTNERS

• Click here for practical steps and tools to evaluate the triple bottom line impacts of your garden program.
• Watch this demonstration for help navigating the website.

GUIDE FOR LIMITED-RESOURCE FARMERS

• Click here to learn more about technical assistance, business and legal, networking and learning, and financial assistance for limited-resource farmers

Triple Bottom Line

• Need help understanding the triple bottom line, a requirement for all funded projects? Check out the video below and learn more by clicking here. 

PROJECT BUDGETS AND Working with a Fiscal Agent

• If your organization is not a nonprofit and you are working with a fiscal agent:
  • Click here to learn more about fiscal agents.
  • Click here to download a sample Memorandum of Understanding.
  • Please be sure to include non-cash support or in-kind support for your project.  Learn more here.
  • Questions about cashing checks?  Download this helpful guide.

TRIED and tested Rural Health Ideas

• Click here to visit Try This NC and learn about rural health initiatives from our partners

Corporate Giving Guide

• Click here to learn about grants and giving programs available in NC and nationwide, including funding priorities and sample applications.