Why this matters
What we're building
Food systems rooted in community thrive. We're investing in the people and practices that make that possible.
The Community Growth + Innovation Micro Fund (CGIM) exists to invest in community-based food and plant entrepreneurship, agricultural innovation, and sustainability projects that are already making a difference. Applied Wisdom Solutions provides micro-capital to BIPOC-led and community-rooted food initiatives to strengthen how food is grown, processed, distributed, and accessed locally.
AWS believes agricultural innovation is essential to:
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Strengthening local food systems
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Increasing food access and food security
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Supporting farmer and grower sustainability
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Reducing reliance on fragile or distant supply chains
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Building long-term community health and economic stability
Innovation may include new or unique growing practices, improved distribution models, value-added food products, or more sustainable systems.
Numbers
Allowable Use of Funds
Grant funds may be used for:
Who
Who can apply here
Farmers, growers, gardeners, food entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and community food access projects in Genesee County, Michigan. We focus on BIPOC-led and community-rooted initiatives.
Process
How to apply and what happens next
Online only. 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Plain language. No grant-writing experience required. Optional photo submission. Reviewed monthly; awards in 30 to 45 days.
Online application, no paper required
Applications are submitted online only
Short, plain-language application
Takes approximately 10–15 minutes
No grant-writing experience required
Applicants may optionally upload a photo that tells the story of their work.
Application links are shared via:
AWS website
Community partners
Email and social media
Rolling Timeline
Applications Accepted: Rolling basis (year-round)
Review Period: Monthly
Award Notifications: Within 30–45 days of submission
Grant Period: Begins upon award and runs for 12 months
Review & Scoring Process
Recipients agree to participate in monthly check-ins for the full 12-month grant period
Applications are reviewed by:
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Food-based organizations or food system leaders with experience in agriculture and community food systems, and/or
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A neutral third-party reviewer (when applicable)
Reviewers do not score applications where a conflict of interest exists.
Scoring Criteria (100 Points)
Applications are scored objectively based on:
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Equity & community leadership
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Community influence and people served
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Clear food or agricultural focus
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Sustainability practices
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Readiness to use funds responsibly
Applicants are not ranked against one another.