About the Creating New Fund Economies Fund

Resourceful Communities’ small-grant program, the Creating New Economies Fund (CNEF), provides direct investment in community-based efforts. Seed money supports a range of projects: eco- and heritage tourism, youth conservation programs, farmers markets, alternative energy production and more. Additional information for applicants follows. Submit questions to smallgrants@conservationfund.org.

A portion of CNEF funds is available to help rural United Methodist Churches (UMCs) strengthen food ministries. All UMCs are encouraged to contact Faith and Food Coordinator Aaron Hayworth (ahayworth@conservationfund.org) or Matthew Rouse (mrouse@consevationfund.org) to discuss potential projects. You can also email smallgrants@conservationfund.org with questions.

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM

We do not support individuals, for-profits (LLCs), nonprofit organizations with budgets over $300K, or nonprofit organizations in the following counties: Buncombe, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Mecklenburg, New Hanover, Orange and Wake Counties.
Applicants are required to speak with a Resourceful Communities staff member about their proposal before applying.
Click here to view important dates for the 2023 Creating New Economies Fund grant cycle.
Click here to view Eligibility and Frequently Asked Questions about the 2023 Creating New Economies Fund grant cycle.
Click here to view the Creating New Economies Fund's 2019-2022 list of grantees.

TOOLS AND FORMS TO ASSIST CNEF APPLICANTS

SAMPLE APPLICATION: Click here to download a sample Word Version of our CNEF Application. Please note: you will still need to complete and submit your application online at: tinyurl.com/cnef2023.
TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE: Need help understanding the triple bottom line (CNEF Application Question #6), a requirement for all funded projects? Click here for more information.
MEASURING FOOD IMPACTS: If you are applying for a food-based project, click here for an evaluation guide to help you develop evaluation measures (CNEF Application Question #7).
OPERATING/ANNUAL BUDGET: We ask applicants to submit an organizational budget. A sample can be found here.

PROJECT BUDGETS

- SAMPLE BUDGET: Click here to download a sample budget (Word document). Click here to download a sample budget (Excel spreadsheet).

- IN-KIND SUPPORT: Please be sure to include non-cash support or in-kind support for your project. Learn more here.

Working with a fiscal agent?

FISCAL AGENT OVERVIEW: If your organization is not a nonprofit and you are working with a fiscal agent:
- Click here to learn more about fiscal agents.
SAMPLE MOU: Click here.

APPLY HERE

TOOLS AND FORMS FOR FAITH AND FOOD COALITIONS

Faith & Food Coalitions: Funding up to $25,000 is available for groups of three or more rural churches and/or faith-based organizations that are improving access to fresh and local food for their communities. Priority will be given to rural communities and coalitions who partner with local farmers/aggregators. Please note: Coalitions of at least three churches, with one rural United Methodist Church, are eligible to apply. If your coalition includes more than five churches, we have some flexibility on the total grant budget; please contact someone on our team to discuss.

Click here to apply*
Click here to download a sample Faith and Food Coalition application.
Click here to download the attestation required for online submittal.
Click here to download a sample Faith and Food Coalition budget.

*Church coalitions are encouraged to contact Faith and Food Coordinator, Aaron Hayworth (ahayworth@conservationfund.org) or Matthew Rouse (mrouse@conservationfund.org) to discuss potential projects. You can also email smallgrants@conservationfund.org with questions.

FOR PAST CNEF GRANTEES

Click here for the 2022 CNEF Grant Report Form.
Click here for the 2022 Covid Emergency Grant Final Report Form.