MAC MINI-GRANTS

 

HISTORY

 

Since 1994, Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom (MAC) has been awarding mini-grants to Massachusetts educators for agricultural education projects. The Mini-Grant program was launched when MAC Board member James Munger outlined a project inspired by his work with the Bristol County Farm Bureau.

 

More than $266,000 has been awarded to more than 400 diverse projects that work to foster agricultural awareness across the Commonwealth.

 

Our mini-grant partners include the Massachusetts State Grange.  A special thank you to the generous sponsorship of 2015-2022 from the Massachusetts State Grange Roots Education Initiative.  Learn more about your local Grange at www.massgrange.org.

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THE PROGRAM

 

 

Over the past twenty-seven years, mini-grants have funded a wide diversity of projects, from the very technical (such as setting up aquaculture and hydroponic systems) to such projects as growing pumpkins.

 

Some provide resources to carry out agriculture education projects, while others develop new ideas and programs that highlight the importance of agriculture.

 

CRITERIA

 

Applications are considered from schools, after-school programs, farms working with schools and youth gardening organizations. Projects that involve cost-sharing and/or collaborative ventures are strongly encouraged.

 

 

MAC does not fund individuals or non-profit organizations. Mini-grants may not be used to fund salaries or honoraria, computer equipment or overhead expenses. Because we do not fund projects on a long-term, sustainable basis, an organization may receive funding from MAC a maximum of three times. A proposal that did not receive funding the first time may be resubmitted in a later grant cycle.

 

Read the MINI GRANT Guidelines and then APPLY for a Grant

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NEW "Special Grants": 

The Marian Hazzard Grant for Advancement of Pollinator Systems

and

the Marjorie A. Cooper Grant for Promotion of Dairy Topics or Agricultural Careers.

         

CRITERIA  for the Hazzard or Cooper Mini-Grants

The Marian B. Hazzard Mini-Grant will be awarded to a project that seeks an interdisciplinary approach to impacting Pollinator Systems. The award will be $2000 and be selected from mini-grant applications during each cycle, if appropriate. The recipient will be expected to submit lesson plans related to the project with the final report. The recipient will receive a certificate at the completion of the project recognizing it for its achievement.

 

Criteria for Award:

1. Applicants will submit a normal mini-grant application and signify they wish to apply for the Hazzard Grant.

2. The application must be of superior quality with no grammatical errors and a clarity of the purpose of the grant.

3. The project must have a clear budget showing community support through in kind donations or matching funds. Of the materials needed for the project, 60% must be sourced locally in Massachusetts. Recipients may buy items at chain stores but materials should be purchased in your area.

4. The project must be innovative and creative, clearly showing how they will excite their students through hands-on activities.

5. The project must be tied to the Massachusetts Frameworks, with detailed explanations of what standards the project is meeting and how.

6. The applicant must prove the project is interdisciplinary with an explanation of how multiple subjects will be involved.

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Marjorie A. Cooper Mini-Grant for the Promotion of Dairy and Agricultural Careers

 

The Marjorie Cooper Mini-Grant will be awarded to a project that involves dairy science and/or the promotion of agricultural careers. The award will be $2000 and be selected from mini-grant applications during each cycle, if appropriate. The recipient will be expected to submit lesson plans related to the project with the final report. The recipient will receive a certificate at the completion of the project recognizing it for its achievement.

 

Criteria for Award:

1. Applicants will submit a normal mini-grant application and signify they wish to apply for the Cooper Grant.

2. The application must be of superior quality with no grammatical errors and a clarity of the purpose of the grant.

3. The project must have a clear budget showing community support through in kind donations or matching funds. Of the materials needed for the project, 60% must be sourced locally in Massachusetts. Recipients may buy items at chain stores but materials should be purchased in your area.

4. The project must be innovative and creative, clearly showing how they will excite their students through hands-on activities.

5. The project must be tied to the Massachusetts Frameworks, with detailed explanations of what standards the project is meeting and how.

6. The project must have a public component, ie. a public event, publication, or other materials to inform the public about the project.

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THE PROCESS

 

The Mini-Grant Committee reviews applications based on mini-grant guidelines that are in keeping with the goals of MAC and encourage grants that seek to educate youth about the real issues involved in the agricultural industry in Massachusetts.

 

The maximum grant award is $1,500. Most grants range from $300 to $500. Two funding cycles allow educators the flexibility to develop proposals during summer vacation and school holidays.

 

Each award is made in two parts. 60% of the total is sent out when the award is announced. The final payment of 40% is sent out only after a final report has been received by MAC.

 

For more information on Mini Grants please email us at:

massaginclassroom@gmail.com