The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program, a program of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB), is pleased to announce FY25 funding for in-depth, individualized working lands business assistance.
Eligible applicants are entities that work to increase the viability of Vermont farm, food and forestry enterprises through providing business coaching. VHCB expects to make approximately $300,000 to $500,000 in contracts to provide in-depth, one-on-one assisstance to clients enrolled in the VT Farm & Forest Viability Program.
Applications
Applications are due October 2nd, 2023, and decisions will be finalized by early December, 2023 at the latest.
Funds are available for contracts beginning as early as November 1st, 2023 and ending as late as May 31st, 2025. Short extensions may be available if needed.
Submit completed applications and required materials to this link.
FY24 Viability Program Service Provider Application – Questions
FY24 Viability Program Service Provider Application – Instructions
Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Consultant – RFQ
The purpose of this RFQ is to identify skilled consultants with a strong background in community-based economic development who will provide grant writing support and/or other technical assistance to REDI clients.
Typical grant writing/fundraising projects contracted for through the REDI program are 1-12 months in duration with scopes of work ranging from ~$1,000 to $7,500 per project. For Fiscal Year 2025, we expect to make $100,000-$150,000 in contracts, and expect to select at least five qualified contractors to deliver these services. There is no limit on the size of a contract we will consider and contractors will be selected based on their skills and experience, the needs of clients, geographic location of projects, and other factors as appropriate.
See qualifications here:
REDI Consultants – RFQ REDI Request for Qualifications_FY24.pdf
We are particularly seeking the following types of skills, experience, and approach:
- An understanding of working lands, outdoor recreation, or community development fields
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- A focus on education and skill building, in addition to completing high quality deliverables
- Evidence of high success rate with federal and state grants and familiarity with private/donor fundraising (if applicable)
- Ability to navigate complex funding sources, application systems, and keep up to date on relevant opportunities in field of expertise
- In FY25 we are also specifically seeking expertise in the areas of: grant management & reporting and disaster recovery funding.
