Proposed Activities & Timeline
The Farming Club Coalition (FCC) is seeking funding support for the next six years to accomplish the following:
Organizational Development and Launch
Utilize Oregon based Farming Club model at Confluence Farms to develop the "starter-kit". By fall 2026 we have a RFP to grant start-up funds for a small number of clubs to run in 2027, which would take our starter-kit materials and apply them in a diverse number of settings.
Refinement, and 2nd Grant Cycle for New Farming Clubs
We would work closely during 2027 with the partner farming clubs to update the Handbook + Starter Kit materials. In fall of 2027, we would have an expanded RFP for helping new clubs get started in 2028. We would expand staff in late 2027 in anticipation of supporting many new clubs in 2028.
Build Regional Alliances around Farm Clubs, Prepare 3rd Grant Cycle
Launch a peer network of Club leaders in 2028. FCC staff would engage in listening, connecting, iterating on best practices guidelines, and being open to new situations and strategic alliances. Continue with a new round of grants that end in 2031.
Timeline
Costs are in two categories. The first is staff and other organizational costs, first for Leadership Team Jason Bradford and Craig Litwin, and then for other staff in late 2027 and 2028. The second is for grants to help launch clubs. Obviously there is flexibility around these numbers, but they are based on the following scenario: 1. Jason and Craig are each paid at half FTE. 2. We will bring on one FTE support staff in late 2027 and another in 2028. 3. Clubs receive grant funds for 3 years. 4. Grants are for 4 clubs in 2027-2029, 15 clubs in 2028-2030, and 50 clubs in 2029-2031.
We imagine clubs will form with a range of existing resources and membership potential. Given group dynamics we expect effective clubs to range from 10 to 50 members. Below 10 and there is a high risk for the labor pool to be lacking during critical periods. Above 50 and coordination and group consensus becomes cumbersome. So we would grant to clubs who can form in the target range and suggest a budget between $20,000 and $60,000 per year depending on size and any special needs (e.g., infrastructure or equipment). This is enough to pay a farmer to manage the club part time, cover most costs to farm, and may provide some capital for start-up equipment and infrastructure. If the typical grant is in the middle of this range then our grant budget looks like the following:
We are aiming to have a robust organization tyhat is up to the task of catalyzing a Farming Club movement and invite funding supporters to reach out for discussion.