MAELC Common Fund

Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC) Common Fund Grant

Donor: Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC)

About: The MAELC Common Fund Grant provides vital funding for impactful statewide agricultural education initiatives in Minnesota. This grant program specifically targets collaborative projects focused on agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR) education at primary, secondary, and postsecondary levels throughout Minnesota.

With an impressive average award of approximately $18,658 over the past five years, this grant represents a significant opportunity for educational institutions and organizations looking to advance agricultural education across the state. The program accepts only single-year funding requests, making it ideal for well-defined projects with clear objectives and measurable outcomes.

What sets the MAELC Common Fund Grant apart is its strategic emphasis on statewide impact through collaborative initiatives. The council gives special consideration to applications that address at least one of their core goals: enhancing instruction quality for diverse graduates, increasing participation in AFNR education across various demographics, and improving widespread understanding of agricultural education.

Applications undergo a thorough evaluation process, where the MAELC Grant Committee reviews submissions and makes recommendations to the full board. Selected applicants gain the valuable opportunity to present their proposals directly to the MAELC board, allowing for in-depth discussion and clarification of project details.

The grant follows a structured financial disbursement process, with 75% of funds provided upfront to kickstart projects, while the remaining 25% is released upon successful project completion and submission of comprehensive documentation. This approach ensures accountability while providing necessary resources for implementation.

For organizations seeking to make a genuine difference in Minnesota’s agricultural education landscape, partnering with Grantaura can significantly enhance your chances of securing this competitive funding. Our experienced grant research and writing team can help you develop a compelling application that aligns perfectly with MAELC’s priorities, highlights community partnerships, and provides detailed budget justifications—all crucial factors in the selection process.

Focus: agriculture education, food systems, natural resources, collaborative initiatives, educational programs, statewide impact, program improvement, curriculum development, professional development, diversity in agriculture, agricultural workforce development

Region: Minnesota, United States

Eligibility:
-Educational institutions (primary, secondary, postsecondary)
-Organizations serving the agriculture, food, and natural resources sectors
-Entities capable of implementing initiatives with statewide impact
-Collaborative partnerships between educational institutions and industry
-Organizations with projects addressing at least one of MAELC’s core goals
-Applicants must demonstrate community partnerships and additional funding sources
-Projects must be completed within a single-year timeframe
-Applications should feature detailed, creative proposals with complete budget justifications
-New initiatives preferred over repeat projects

Benefits:
-Average grant award of approximately $18,658 (based on last five years)
-75% of funding provided upfront for immediate project implementation
-Opportunity to present proposals directly to the MAELC board
-Support for innovative agricultural education initiatives
-Enhancement of statewide agricultural education infrastructure
-Potential for significant impact on Minnesota’s agricultural education landscape

Deadline: April 15, 2025

Terms:
-AFNR – Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, which encompasses the study of agricultural systems, food production and processing, and the management of natural resources
-MAELC – Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council, a 16-member legislative council that provides leadership to promote and expand agricultural education in Minnesota
-Common Fund – The specific grant program within MAELC designed for projects with statewide impact
-Indirect costs – Expenses incurred for a common or joint purpose benefiting more than one project, including proportional costs of office space, utilities, etc. (limited to 5% for MAELC funding)
-In-kind contribution – Non-cash contributions provided by the grantee or third parties to a project