NCDC lists related events on the web page. If you have a related event to include on the web page, please email the information to ecranford2@unl.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Stuart Reid
Tel. 507-664-2034
stuart@foodcoopinitiative.coop
www.foodcoopinitiative.coop
Food Co-op Initiative Announces Grant Opportunity
Food Co-op Initiative today announced they are accepting applications for grants up to $10,000 for development of new grocery co-ops. The Seed Grant program provides a cash award along with proven resources to help organizations achieve success. Food Co-op Initiative advisers will work closely with awardees throughout their organizing process, including making at least one in-person visit to the community.
Food Co-op Initiative’s Seed Grant program is designed to streamline the startup process to foster the maximum number of successful, sustainable co-ops. These competitive grants must be matched by the co-op with funds raised locally. Grants may be used for payment to professional consultants, registration fees and expenses to attend training opportunities, and initiatives supporting member recruitment, capital-raising, community outreach, or other aspects of organizing the co-op.
Food Co-op Initiative was founded in 2010 in response to a continuing wave of interest in establishing new retail food co-ops. The Initiative provides a range of services to the hundreds of volunteer groups working to bring improved access to food and the other economic and social benefits of cooperatives to their communities.
In 2012, Food Co-op Initiative awarded $100,000 to 14 organizations in 12 states. Grants are funded by the USDA, Blooming Prairie Foundation, and the kind support of cooperators nationwide. Applications and guidelines are downloadable at www.foodcoopinitiative.coop. Deadline for applications to be received is August 1st. Awards will be announced by September 1st.
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About Food Co-op Initiative: Food Co-op Initiative is a non-profit foundation created to provide resources and support for communities that want to start new food co-ops. Food Co-op Initiative provides support, referrals, and training to help communities nationwide create successful grocery cooperatives.
Nebraska Season Extension Farm Tour
Hintz Produce
July 12, 2013 from 5:00-7:00pm
Hintz Produce, 1610 Dove Road, Hebron, NE
The demonstration will allow growers to:
- Take a first-hand look at the innovative design
- Learn how it was built
- Understand the benefits
- Determine how the project will extend the growing season
- Assess teh affordability and practicality of the method
- And more!
Guest Presenters: Mark Hintz, Producer Grower and Stacy Adams, UNL Professor of Agronomy & Horticulture.
FREE ADMISSION with a Free Meal! Please RSVP by June 30th to casey.foster@nebraska.gov or 800-422-6692
More information: http://www.ourbesttoyou.nebraska.gov/
NEXT WORKSHOPS:
- Savory Eats, September 14, 2013 from 2:00-4:00pm
Nebraska Season Extension Farm Tour
Savory Eats
September 14, 2013 from 2:00-4:00pm
Savory Eats, 52153 Highway 20, Brunswick, NE
The demonstration will allow growers to:
- Take a first-hand look at the innovative design
- Learn how it was built
- Understand the benefits
- Determine how the project will extend the growing season
- Assess teh affordability and practicality of the method
- And more!
Guest Presenters: Sandy Patton, Raspberry Grower and Stacy Adams, UNL Professor of Agronomy & Horticulture.
FREE ADMISSION with a provided refreshments! Please RSVP by August 30th to casey.foster@nebraska.gov or 800-422-6692
More information: http://www.ourbesttoyou.nebraska.gov/
Coming Soon
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International Year of Cooperatives
The International Year of Co-operatives, or IYC, celebrates a different way of doing business, one focused on human need not human greed, where the members (who own and govern the business) collectively enjoy the benefits instead of all profits going just to shareholders.
Having an International Year of Co-operatives provides an opportunity to captivate the attention of national governments, the business community and, most importantly, the general public on the advantages provided by the co-operative model.
As the global voice of co-operatives The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) is seeking to leverage the International Year to raise the public awareness of co-operatives worldwide. (cited from www.2012.coop/)
Cooperative Month
Is held every year in October, often highlighted by special events and projects. For more information on the 2012 Cooperative Month.
More Information
Official website on the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC). Here you will find information on events planned throughout the year, as well as suggestions on how to get involved and participate.
International years are declared by the United Nations to draw attention to and encourage action on major issues. The International Year of Cooperatives is intended to raise public awareness of the invaluable contributions of cooperative enterprises to poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration. The Year will also highlight the strengths of the cooperative business model as an alternative means of doing business and furthering socioeconomic development.
The United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 64/136 proclaiming the year 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC). The United States is joining countries around the world to celebrate the benefits cooperatives deliver to the communities which they serve.
