Missouri Coalition for the Environment developed the Known & Grown STL program to build a resilient, equitable food community by supporting and promoting farmers within 150 miles of St. Louis that demonstrate environmental stewardship through humane and chemical-free farming practices.
Known & Grown STL is awarding up to 5 mini grants of up to $1,000 each to farmers within 150 miles of St Louis for projects that develop or improve environmental stewardship practices on their farm.
Environmental stewardship includes practices that protect and preserve the quality of our soil, air, and water, promote biodiversity, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The goal of these grants is to improve our food system by supporting sustainable farming practices that provide healthy, nutrient-dense food to Missourians. Technical assistance is available in addition to the financial award.
Project Examples
Using electric-powered tools rather than gas-powered ones
Establishing wildlife and beneficial insect habitat, using beneficial insects for pest management
Using alternative energy sources reducing fossil fuel use
No-till; using compost or mulch; cover crops to increase organic matter; planting perennials, transitioning from the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers; producing on-farm compost
Water catchment system, berms and swales to control rainwater and prevent runoff, using drip irrigation to reduce water usage and increase infiltration, install new fencing to keep animals out of sensitive areas
Our selection process prioritizes historically underserved farmers which include the following:
- Beginning Farmers
- Woman-owned
- BIPOC
- LGBTQ+
- Low-Income
- Veteran
Who can Apply
Non-profit and for-profit farmers who farm within 150 miles of St Louis
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, February 28, 2024
How to Apply
Complete the application below.
What to include in your proposal
- Contact info – phone and email
- Physical farm address
- Name and brief description of your farm
- Where you sell your products and who your customers are
- Description of proposed project, including an estimated timeline for implementation
- Proposed budget (labor to complete the project may be included)
- Explain the following: How will your project benefit the environment and your community?
Financial awards are given prior to the start of the project but are dependent on the completion of the project. Awardees must provide an estimated date of completion. One or more check-ins will occur during the project period. If a project will not be completed by the estimated date, a written letter must be provided explaining the delay and must include a new estimated completion date. Failure to complete the project may result in a partial or complete revocation of the amount awarded.
Timeline
- Wednesday, February 28 – Grant proposals due
- Friday, March 15 – Awardees selected
- Friday, April 5 (and possibly sooner) – Awards distributed
- Friday, August 30 (and possibly sooner) – Check-in with Known & Grown staff
- December 31, 2024 – Project completion deadline
For any questions, please contact us at, moenviron@moenvironment.org.
Sponsor
These grants are funded by our friends at Food City.
Please only complete one mini-grant application. All applications for our county specific grants may also receive consideration for our general mini-grant.
Applications for this opportunity are currently closed.