2025 Colorado Organic Grains Microgrant Program
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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 2025 Microgrant winners. 
2024 Microgrant Applications are now closed. Click here to stay tuned for updates on the second round in 2025 that will be focused on makers!

[[Sign Up for Updates on 2025's Microgrant Program]]

Purpose:
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 vibrant community-centered grain economy in our state. This work involves connecting our membership base of 65+ 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. 

In 2025 we will focus on the end of the supply chain which we have deemed the “makers.” This is the value-added and retail part of the grain process that falls after both harvest and processing. Qualified applicants might be involved in brewing, distilling, cooking, or creating value-added food products (bread, pasta, and more) with organic grains in Colorado.

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’re curious if this is true for your business as well. 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 all of our businesses will become. 

Example Projects for 2025 Microgrants:
  • Creating a new line of products to specifically highlight organic grains sourced from Colorado growers
  • 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 product making, including malting, milling, brewing, distilling, 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
  • 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 apply 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 by August 4, 2025 (applications coming soon!)
  • Submit completed baseline survey by August 4, 2025
  • Ability to create and implement a project budget that shows how the funds will be utilized and spent by November 10, 2025
  • View Allowable and Unallowable Costs & Activities (here) - examples are subject to change year to year based on focus areas
2025 Microgrant Program Timeline:
Grants winners will be notified on August 25, funding will be distributed on September 2, and funding must be spent by November 10. Winners agree to provide all receipts (and photos if applicable).
  • May 7: Open period to accept applications (~13 weeks) 
  • August 4: Applications and baseline survey due by 5pm MST
  • August 25: Winners notified privately
    • Sign agreements about timeline (spending, reporting)
    • Set up fund distribution for winners (banking details, mailing address)
  • September 2: Funds distributed to winners, winners announced publicly
  • November 10: Funds must be exhausted, proof/receipts due
  • Week of December 1: Follow up interviews
  • Fall 2026: Follow up survey with 2025 Microgrant recipients 

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