The Grow Local Food Fund (GLFF) is a branch of the Whole Foods Co-op GIVE! program. GLFF is a grant that provides funding for projects that build the resiliency of our local food economy. Our current focus supports these categories: emerging growers, emerging food producers, established growers, and established food producers in our community.
We’re looking to fund…
- New projects that help a farm or food producer scale its offerings
- Improvements to facilities or purchases that increase productivity or efficiency
- The purchase of new equipment, materials, and more
- Long-term investments
The selection process
Whole Foods Co-op assembles a Selection Committee with members that represent different roles and perspectives in our community. Below are the criteria for the grant application scoring process. Each section includes a percentage for how much weight is given.
Grow Local Food Fund Grant Details
- The maximum grant request is $7000.
- Download a fillable W-9 PDF here. Recipients will need to print, sign, and send to complete the process.
- Applicants of past grant cycles that were not awarded funding are encouraged to reapply but must complete the application again.
- 501c3 non-profit organizations are excluded from applying but encouraged to apply for our Non-Profit Support Program. Applications will open again in late summer 2023 for 2024.
- At this time, producers of wellness supplements and pet food are excluded.
- Preview the Application
- Budget Table Sample
Resources
Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association
Marbleseed – Formerly known as the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES).
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Minnesota Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)
North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE)
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Applicant Tips
- Demonstrate a significant need.
- Demonstrate the necessity of your project/goal and present quantifiable outcomes.
- Define how your project will/could impact the community.
- Keep your answers clear and succinct.
- Strong applicants have a variety of funding sources.
- Sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on social media to be alerted when the next application rounds open, and other Co-op details and events.
Questions? Email growlocalfoodfund@wholefoods.coop
Please Note: The GLFF program is newer to WFC, with the first recipients being funded in 2021. As the program grows and we gain feedback from our GLFF Selection Committee and Grantees components of scoring and timelines for applications and awards are subject to change.
This video highlights the program and the first round of growers and food producers that benefited from GLFF grant money.