Application Forms for Value Added Development Grants
All required forms may be downloaded by clicking on the following (Note that the forms are in pdf format which requires Adobe Acrobat to read them.) Also include the proposal narrative listed below.
Table of Contents
For ease of locating information, each porposal must contain a detailed Table of Contents immediately following the required SF-424 forms. The Table of Contents should include page numbers for each component of the proposal. Pagination should begin immediately following the Table of Contents.
Proposal Summary
A summary of the Project Proposal,, not to exceed one page, must include the following: title of the project, description of the project including goals and tasks to be accomplished, names of the individuals responsible for conducting and completing the tasks, and the expected timeframe for completing all tasks (which should normally not exceed one year.) The applicant must also clearly state whether the application is for a planning grant or a working capital grant. The application cannot be for both.
Eligibility
A detailed discussion, not to exceed two pages, describing how the applicant meets the definition of an independent producer, agricultural producer group, farmer or rancher cooperative, or majority-controlled producer-based business venture as outlined in the "Recipient Eligibility Requirements" section of this NOFA. If the applicant is an agricultural producer group, it must specifically identify the group of independent producers on whose behalf the work will be done. In addition, the applicant must describe all organizations other than the applicant that are involved in the project. Applicants must state the percentage of the venture that will be owned and controlled by independent producers. No more than 10 percent of program funds can go to ventures that are majority-controlled producer-based business ventures as defined in the "Definitions" section of this NOFA. The applicant must also discuss the value-added product to be produced including the category of value-added as defined in the "Definitions" section of this NOFA.
Proposal Narrative
The narrative portion of the project proposal, not to exceed 35 pages (Times New Roman, 12 pt.) must include the following:
Project Title. The title of the proposed project must be brief, not to exceed 75 characters, yet represent the major thrust: of the project.
Information sheet. A separate one page information sheet which lists each of the evaluation criteria listed in this NOFA under the "Evaluation Criteria" section followed by the page numbers of all relevant material and documentation contained in the proposal which addresses or supports that criteria.
Goals of the Project. A clear statement of the ultimate goal of the project must be presented. It must describe the value-added venture to be developed.
Evaluation Criteria. Each of the evaluation criteria listed in the "Evaluation Criteria" section of this NOFA must be addressed specifically and individually by category. These criteria should be in narrative form with any specific supporting documentation. Financial statements used to support any evaluation criteria will not count as part of the 35 page limit.
Verification of Matching Funds
You must furnish a copy of a bank statement if matching funds are in cash or a copy of the confirmed funding commitment from the funding source. If an in-kind match is included, so state and provide verification of all commitments and how those commitments are valued. Matching funds (in-kind and cash) must be included on the SF-424 and SF-424A application forms. Applicants must certify that matching funds will be available at the same time grant funds are anticipated to be spent and that matching funds will be spent at the same rate as grant funds throughout the duration of the project. Other Federal grant funds cannot be used as matching funds.