2024 Colorado Organic Grains Microgrant Program
The Colorado Grain Chain (CGC), a nonprofit organization that seeks to grow and connect a vibrant community-centered grain economy in the state of Colorado, is excited to announce a new round of Microgrant funding available to stakeholders in the Colorado organic grain chain. Applicants will be considered if they meet the below criteria, provide a project narrative, project budget, and agree to participate in our data collection efforts. We are also able to provide free product development support and free technical assistance (this cannot be used for help with transitioning to an organic certification) for those who reach out. These services are available to any applicant, not just those selected as 2024 Microgrant winners. 
Although grains make up an average of 30-50% of dietary intake, the organic grain market for human consumption is relatively limited, with little emphasis on local sourcing. Since the inception of the CGC in 2019, our nonprofit’s mission has been to grow and connect a community-centered grain economy in our state. This work involves connecting our membership base of 50+ Business and Consumer Members to educational and marketing resources, partners, and technical assistance. CGC’s membership base ranges from farmers, processors (millers and maltsters), to artisanal makers (bakers, brewers, distillers, chefs), food hubs, and institutions. 

In January 2024, we received an Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In our three-year project proposal, we planned to distribute six $5,000 Microgrants each year and focus on different parts of the Colorado organic grain supply chain. With this funding, the CGC is working to enhance market opportunities for producers, processors, and value-added product makers of organic grains for human consumption. 

This year we will focus on the middle part of the supply chain, which is the part of the process that falls after harvest but before retail. Qualified applicants might be involved in aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, or distribution. Anyone who malts, mills, stores, cleans, or otherwise processes organic grains in Colorado is eligible as well as food hubs and distributors. 

Through analysis of the grain supply chain and conversations with Colorado grain stakeholders, we’ve determined that the primary issues to address in working to make organic grains more accessible are currently storage, marketing, and distribution. We’d love to have your business apply for a CGC Microgrant, so please continue reading to see if you qualify and reach out with any and all questions. microgrant@coloradograinchain.com

The CGC would like to see the selected projects showcase their plan to form at least three new partnerships within the grain value chain. As one of our core values, the CGC is committed to creating links between those working in the value chain and we truly believe that the stronger our networks, connections, and collaborations, the stronger our businesses will all become. 

Example Projects for 2024 Microgrants:
  • Increase organic grain storage capacity with the purchase of pallet shelving, hard-sided grain bins, or other vessels
  • Purchase of a specialized piece of equipment for malting, milling, seed cleaning, sorting, or labeling
  • Hiring a public relations firm for marketing and advertising value-added products and/or the business' role in the organic grain value chain utilizing the Colorado Grown Grains Co-Brand
  • Buying a delivery vehicle to specifically alleviate organic grain supply chain bottlenecks
  • Improvements and/or alterations to an existing building to use their space more effectively or to accommodate new equipment

Basic Eligibility Requirements: 
  • Must be certified organic or in transition to becoming certified organic 
  • Based in Colorado
  • A current CGC Business Member or join now!
  • Project proposal that demonstrates market connectivity with at least three partnerships along the grain supply chain and speaks to the longevity/sustainability of the proposed project 
  • Submit completed application and survey by 5pm Friday September 27, 2024
  • Ability to create and implement a project budget that shows how the funds will be utilized and spent by December 6, 2024

Questions? Email  microgrant@coloradograinchain.com or 
[[Schedule an Initial Onboarding Call Here]]

2024 Microgrant Program Timeline:
Note: Grants winners will be notified on October 16, funding will be distributed on October 21, and funding must be spent by December 6, 2024. Winners agree to provide all receipts (and photos if applicable)
  • June 24 - September 27: Open period to accept applications (~13 weeks) 
  • September 27: Applications & Surveys due by 5pm MST
  • October 16: Winners notified privately
    • Sign agreements about timeline (spending, reporting)
    • Set up fund distribution for winners (banking details, mailing address)
  • October 21: Funds distributed to winners, winners announced publicly
  • December 6: Funds must be exhausted, proof/receipts due
  • Week of December 9: Follow up interviews
  • Fall 2025: Follow up survey with 2024 Microgrant recipients 

Allowable activities table

[[Baseline Data Survey]] [[Microgrant Application]]

Resources to learn more about starting the process towards Organic Certification: 
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