APPLICATIONS may now be submitted to the CNMI Division of Agriculture for the CNMI Micro-Grant for Food Security program.
The program awards funds for projects that “increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food in food insecure communities that import a significant quantity of food,” according to a media release.
The deadline for submitting an application is 4:30 p.m. on May 31.
Completed applications can be sent to cnmimgfsp@gmail.com or the Division of Agriculture, P.O. Box 10007, Saipan MP 96950.
A total of $216,319.92 is available to eligible applicants and project activities. Individuals may apply and can receive a maximum of $5,000 for the project year. Organizations can apply for a maximum of $10,000. Organizations must have a DUNS number to be eligible to apply.
Activities that can be funded under the program include small-scale gardening activities, to include purchasing tools; soil and soil amendments; plants; canning equipment; refrigeration; composting units; towers to grow leafy greens; and more.
Small-scale herding and livestock operations can also be funded by the grant. These activities include purchasing animals or buying, erecting and/or repairing livestock fencing. Funds may also be used for slaughter and processing facilities, to include purchasing mobile slaughterhouses.
Applicants are required to match 10% of the funds received.
Applications will be reviewed and approved by an evaluation committee. They will look into the applicant’s objectives, budget, timeline and workplan, and whether the proposal will “increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food for food insecure individuals, families, neighborhoods, and communities.”
More details are available in the application guidelines.
