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.

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Links to our new online application

GENERAL APPLICATION

APPLICATION FOR RURAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Download a sample Word document of our new online general application  

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.

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For Creating New Economies Fund (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.

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For Creating New Economies Fund Grantees

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

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
 

Considerations for new community garden projects

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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Guide for Limited-Resources Farmers

• Click here to view the Resource Guide for Limited Resource Farmers. It includes a variety of information on training, funding, networking and more.