Great ideas for local community innovation could be rewarded with a grant of up to $50,000 thanks to a regional agriculture supplies and hardware store chain.
The Peavey Mart Community Agriculture Grant aims to help strengthen rural communities through the funding of local projects such as innovative urban agriculture projects in rural areas, towns or cities.
"We're looking for community innovation," comments Doug Anderson, President of Peavey Industries, parent company of the Peavey Mart retail chain. "That innovation could be focused on local agriculture or food supply, or innovation in the wider area of community development.
"The grant will be awarded to one or more individuals or non-profits who propose projects with clear benefits to their community," adds Anderson. "Our goal is to help local communities be self-reliant."
"Rebuilding local food systems will also rebuild local communities," says Michele Aasgard, Executive Director of Alberta Community and Co-op-erative Asso-ciation, which is reviewing all applications. "We believe this grant will be one tool to help people and communities re-engage with their food, and re-engage with each other."
Aasgard notes that any winning applications will likely include a business plan, budget and letters of support.
Applicants and their projects are to be located within 200km of a Peavey Mart store.
Applications are being accepted until June 30, 2013.
For more information and an application form, visit www.peaveymart.com.
Peavey Mart stores have served Prairie communities since 1975 and are currently located in 29 Prairie towns and cities.
Peavey Marts are owned by Peavey Industries Limited of Red Deer, Alberta.
