Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 Caren S. Franzini Fellowship
The Caren S. Franzini Fellowship was established to cultivate and celebrate exceptional women in development finance, recognizing their leadership and commitment to advancing the industry. Administered by the CDFA Foundation, this six-month fellowship is open to women employed by a CDFA member organization with less than 10 years of experience in the field. Apply by Friday, March 14!
FBN Launches First Land Loan for Regenerative Agriculture
FBN, the farmer-to-farmer network and agriculture's leading marketplace for inputs, capital, marketing, and sustainability services—announced the launch of its Regenerative Agriculture Financing (RAF) Land Loan pilot program, a first-of-its-kind innovation in farmland financing. The pilot program, supported by a $750,000 program-related-investment loan and grant from the Walton Family Foundation, will provide approximately 20 farmers with discounted interest rates—ranging from 0.25% to 0.5%—on newly financed land for seven years.
2025 CDFA Federal Policy Conference Returns April 15-16!
Uncertainty can cause concern. But it can also provide opportunities. This is why we're hosting the annual CDFA Federal Policy Conference this April 15-16 in Washington D.C. This is your chance to hear from—and be heard by—the people influencing the development finance industry at the federal level. This isn't just a networking conference with informative breakout sessions, it's a chance to sit at the table and talk with representatives from federal agencies. Save your seat at this important meeting of the minds, and help us turn uncertainty into opportunity. Register today!
Worcester, MA, Food Hub Fast-Tracked to Union Station Through Federal, State Funding
After six years of being cramped in the Greendale People's Church kitchen, the Worcester Regional Food Hub will be able to complete its planned move to Union Station with funds from a grant awarded to the organization through a partnership between the state and federal governments. Through the food hub, local farmers can sell their products in the institutional marketplace, serving public schools, colleges, and hospitals. The funding awarded to the hub is just a portion of the $1,483,479 awarded to different Worcester County farms and food-centric organizations to help increase food resilience in the region.
Coming Up Next Month: CDFA's Intro and Advanced Bond Finance Courses
Join CDFA for our upcoming Bond Finance Week! The Intro Bond Finance Course will take place on March 10-11 followed by the Advanced Bond Finance Course on March 12-13. Register for one or both of these courses to learn from experts about how to bring economic growth to your community by utilizing the vast resources of the bond finance industry.
KeyBank to Give $1.5M to Massachusetts West Side Market's Transformation Project
KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation have awarded the West Side Market $1.5 million towards its Transformation Project. Of the Market's 800,000 annual visitors, more than 25% qualify for SNAP/EBT benefits and utilize those benefits while grocery shopping at West Side Market. Through community partnerships and program development, the Market will create new and expand existing food access and education programs, many of which are centered around the importance of providing fresh produce to neighbors with low incomes.
Edacious Raises $8.1M in Series Seed Funding to Unlock Nutrient Density in Whole Foods & Ingredients
Edacious, a multi-disciplinary technology company transforming the relationship between agriculture and human health, announced the successful close of its $8.1 million Series Seed funding round. The round was led by Patagonia's Tin Shed Ventures, with participation from the Nest Family Office, Trailhead Capital, Grantham Environmental Trust's Neglected Climate Opportunities, iSelect Capital, First Thirty, Pelican Ag, and other private investors. With this seed funding, Edacious will scale operations, enhance its proprietary tools, and deepen collaborations across the food system to create a more transparent food system and healthier planet.
Comprehensive Guide to Funding Opportunities for Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture is a holistic approach to farming that emphasizes practices that are environmentally friendly, economically feasible, and socially responsible. By understanding the landscape of funding opportunities—from government grants to corporate sponsorships—NGOs can effectively mobilize resources to support their missions. With careful planning and strategic partnerships, organizations can make significant strides toward promoting sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both people and the planet.
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