Regional Food System Partnership Grant Program
The Regional Food System Partnership Grant Program from USDA is Open for Applications for 2021
The Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) program supports partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local or regional food systems. The program focuses on strengthening the viability and resilience of regional food economies through collaboration and coordination. In 2020, USDA awarded 23 partnerships in 15 states. These projects are funded for a two- or three-year period beginning September 30, 2020.
The 2021 RFSP grant application period is now open. Please refer to the How to Apply page for more information. Also check out the COVID-19 Resources for USDA Grants.
Planning to apply for a USDA Regional Food System Partnership grant?
The Wallace Center is offering opportunities to get support from the Food Systems Leadership Network as you develop your proposal fir a Regional Food System Partnership Grant:
Regional Food Systems Partnership Grant Draft Proposal Reviews
We are partnering with several food systems experts including funders, nonprofit leaders and food systems consultants to offer free proposal draft reviews to up to 20 organizations that are applying for the RFSP grant. This is a great way to get a fresh set of eyes on your project design, narrative, and evaluation metrics and receive feedback to strengthen your proposal.
Priority will be given to limited resource organizations, BIPOC-led organizations, and those serving rural, and historically underserved communities.
If you’re interested in having your RFSP grant proposal reviewed, please complete this brief intake survey by Monday, June 14 and we’ll contact you on Tuesday, June 15 if we are able to connect you with a reviewer.
Please be prepared to submit a draft of your application by Monday, June 21. We understand that you may not have a complete application to submit by this date; though the more information you can provide your reviewer, the more feedback you’ll receive. Applications will be reviewed and returned the week of June 21, with the potential to engage with reviewers on Thursday, June 24 to discuss feedback. Please note that participation in this proposal review opportunity does not guarantee funding.
Weekly RFSP Office Hours
The Wallace Center is also hosting weekly office hours to answer questions, brainstorm, and provide support on RFSP grant applications. Office hours are Tuesday June 15, June 22 and June 29 at 4pm ET/1pm PT. You can register here.
Office hours are open spaces where you can drop in to ask specific questions, or just listen; there’s no need to attend the whole hour.
Please note, if you’re looking for support with the administrative logistics of submitting a, RFSP proposal, such as navigating Grants.gov or ensuring budget compliance, please contact USDA AMS at IPPGrants@usda.gov.
Other RFSP Applicant Resources
Check out other resources that will help you craft a winning RFSP proposal, including budget templates, past successful evaluation frameworks, and webinars chock full of tips and tricks here!
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