What kind of investment is Fair Trade Towns USA looking for in the grant program?

• Get new campaigns off the ground
• Expand representation of campaign
• Assist with large scale events
• Provide a starting point for long-term financial sustainability

Who is eligible?

All campaigns are welcome to apply.  You do not need to be a 501(c)3, however you do need a fiscal sponsor.  Be clear on the organizations policy for excepting grants before the financial pass through, they may charge a percentage.  Choose a local, small organization to avoid this and be clear on your terms of agreement.

What amounts are the grants available in?

• $500 – New and working campaigns to build capacity through print materials, product demonstrations, and fundraising activities
• $1000 – Capacity expansion through paid internship focus on building deeper connections, event hosting/sponsorship, web site and campaign development, and fundraising events
• $5000 – Established campaigns to build significant internal capacity through paid staff or internships, establishing campaign as legal entity, city-wide or regional fund raising events, research & grant applications

What do I have to do to apply?

• Check out the Fair Trade Towns Small Grants Program Guidelines & Fair Trade Towns USA Small Grants FAQ
• Create a proposal that outlines how these resources will lead to stronger outreach, diversification, and larger fund-raising efforts  (Note: these are challenge grants, meaning provided funding will be leveraged to match the amount granted in the 12 months following the receipt)
• Download Fair Trade Towns USA Small Grants Budget Template
• Contact Billy Linstead Goldsmith or Courtney Lang for creative assistance, guidance, examples, etc.
• Fair Trade Towns USA reviews application

 

To learn more about how to utilize the Small Grants Program effectively and efficiently, please tune in to next month’s webinar as lead organizers discuss how they have used the grants to plan for Fair Trade month.

Next Webinar:
Fair Trade Month Event Planning
Wednesday, August 15
5pm PST/8pm EST