Economic Viability Microgrants Program

Economic Viability Microgrants Program is sponsored by Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC). This program supports NYC Watershed farm and forest businesses with up to $5,000 per fiscal year in reimbursable funding to strengthen long-term economic success.

Farms & Forests in Transition - Watershed Agricultural Council Agricultural Environmental Innovation Demonstration Program Farms & Forests in Transition Micro Grant Reimbursement Program Farms & Forests in Transition Support farm operations with property inside the NYC Watershed seeking professional services in transition, estate planning or succession planning.

Any NYC Watershed ‘farm operation’ as defined by Agriculture & Markets (AGM) CHAPTER 69, ARTICLE 25-AA, SECTION 301, Subdivision 11 meaning the land and on-farm buildings, equipment, manure processing and handling facilities, and practices which contribute to the production, preparation and marketing of crops, livestock and livestock products as a commercial enterprise, including a “commercial horse boarding operation” as defined in subdivision thirteen of this section, a “timber operation” as defined in subdivision fourteen of this section, “compost, mulch or other biomass crops” as defined in subdivision seventeen of this section and “commercial equine op eration” as defined in subdivision eighteen of this section.

Such farm operation may consist of one or more parcels of owned or rented land, which parcels may be contigu ous or noncontiguous to each other. Preference will be given to WAC participants. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with applicant selection occurring within three months.

Businesses approved for grant funding must provide proof of completion of proposed projects and all invoices for projects to WAC to be eligible for grant funding reimbursement. Project Details & Requirements Application Requirement Details Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified of the approved/denied status within three months of submitting their application.

Grant applications will be awarded based on availability of program funding and merit of the proposal based upon evaluation criteria included in this application. If the applicant does not meet eligibility per Agriculture & Markets (AGM) CHAPTER 69, ARTICLE 25-AA, SECTION 301, Subdivision 11. ‘ farm operation ’ they will not be considered.

Eligible applican ts mus t submit a complete grant application including a description of need for the funding. Applicants may only apply once per fiscal year. These are reimbursable funds.

Closeout packages must provide necessary documentation per each category before reimbursement is issued. Payment will not be issued to participants who are not in good standing with the WAC. $5,000 cap per applicant per year.

Approved applications are subject to cancellation after one year. Staff may grant extensions upon request with approval by the Economic Viability Program Manager. Grant recipients agree that a copy of all materials and documents, written or otherwise, including invoices, the completed project and its contents (sensitive, private or confidential information may be redacted) will be forwarded to WAC.

The applicant, qualified professional and the Economic Viability Program Manager agrees to sign the completed project/transaction/services form as part of the reimbursement closeout package.

Economic Viability Farms and Forests in Transition Reimbursement Program Application Economic Viability Farms and Forests in Transition Reimbursement Program Application Before You Begin Will the information provided in this application (name, business name, and mailing address) match the information on your W9?

Are you considered a NYC Watershed “farm operation” as defined by New York State Agriculture & Markets Law (AGM) Chapter 69, Article 25-AA, Section 301, Subdivision 11? You will be asked to upload a copy of your most recent Schedule F to verify farm operation status at the end of the application. General Applicant Information Are you a current WAC or Pure Catskills participant?

Are you a WAC Easement participant? Are you in good standing with WAC? Brief description of current operation (size, products, markets): Describe the transition service requested (estate planning, succession, LLC formation, etc.) Why do you need this service?

Explain how it supports business transition and preservation. Name and credentials of licensed professional you plan and why you are using this grant to apply for their services.

Feel free to include their qualifications, experience and any other relevant information: Proposed project timeline (complete within one year): Total Amount Requested (max $5,000): Professional service quote Ensure that the business information used in your application matches the W-9 form Supporting documentation (if applicable) Acknowledgment & Signature I understand this is a reimbursement grant and eligible expenses must occur after approval.

I will provide the completed transition document or plan, along with the WAC-provided completion form signed by me and the professional. I agree that sensitive information in submitted materials may be redacted as allowed. Farms & Forests in Transition Farms and Forest in Transition If you need assistance completing the application or if you have any other questions please contact the Economic Viability Program by email .

Thank you for your interest in our Economic Viability Micro Grants Program. Contact: evprogram@nycwatershed. org