COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
50% of cost assistance, up to $3,000,
toward the purchase of fresh produce
4/10/24 Update: The Community Partnership Program has exhausted assistance funding for the remainder of the year. Contact liv@csacoalition.org if you have any questions.
HOW IT WORKs
Is your organization interested in providing CSA shares for your community?
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The Partner Shares Program supports a select number of Community Partnerships each year. Community Partnerships are a way for community institutions (schools, food pantries, community centers, etc.) to purchase a bulk number of CSA shares from a FairShare farm, and receive 50%, up to $3,000, toward the cost of those shares*.
Assistance is awarded on a first come first serve basis.
USING CSA SHAREs
Community Partners can use CSA shares in a
variety of ways to fit specific needs.
Some Partners distribute shares to a set number of households over the course of the season, while others incorporate the shares into community food programming.
FairShare supports innovative approaches and will work with applicants to provide guidance and resources over the course of the CSA season.
FINDING A FARM
Work with a farm that will deliver CSA shares straight to you.
Check out FairShare's Farm Search Tool and see which farms serve your area. Reach out to FairShare or to the farm directly and ask about setting up a new CSA pickup location at your organization.
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Note: You can apply for the Partner Shares program, even if you haven't selected a farm yet, and FairShare staff will work to
match you.
*For example:
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You want to purchase 10 Standard Shares, which are $600 each.
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50% assistance: We provide $3,000, you contribute $3,000.
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You want to purchase 10 Small Shares, which are $400 each.
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50% assistance: We provide $2,000, you contribute $2,000.
1. IS MY ORGANIZATION ELIGIBLE?
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CLICK THROUGH THE STEPS BELOW TO GET STARTED
APPLY
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Individual applicants use the following sliding scale eligibility guidelines to participate in the Partner Shares program. Organizations are eligibly for Partner Shares Community Partnership funding if the majority (50% or more) of the individuals/households you serve qualify for Partner Shares based on the guidelines below.
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Please note: Community Partnerships receive 50%, up to $3,000 towards the cost of CSA shares.
Assistance is not available for off-farm products (for example, Partner Shares funding cannot be used for coffee or flower shares.)
2a. PICK A FARM & SIGN-UP FOR THEIR CSA
Not sure which farm to pick? Use our FARM SEARCH TOOL, and use the search criteria to find the farm that is right for you. Work with FairShare, or directly with the farm, to see about setting up a new pickup site at your community location. Confirm the number of shares that you will be signing up for with the farm, and forward that confirmation to liv@csacoalition.org.
Note: You can apply for the Community Partnerships program, even if you haven't selected a farm yet, and FairShare staff will work to match you.
Steps 2a and 2b can happen at the same time
2b. SIGN UP FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Complete the COMMUNITY PARTNerSHIPS APPLICATION, and someone from FairShare will get back to you within 14 business days.
3. CONFIRM PAYMENT
FairShare will contribute up to 50% of the cost of the community shares. The remaining cost is covered by the community organization and/or farm.
If paying through FairShare, we accept the following forms of payment:
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CHECK: 1 installment, processed upon receipt. Payable to FairShare CSA Coalition, for the total amount due.
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CREDIT CARD: Processed upon receipt. You can pay your full co-payment amount at once with your credit or debit card.
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Alternatively, you may choose:
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COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION IS PAYING FARM DIRECTLY
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FARM WILL COVER THE REMAINING COST
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OTHER:In some cases, farms and organizations collaborate and fundraise to cover the remaining cost of the shares. Please indicate how these shares are being funded.
4. SEND PAYMENT
Depending on which payment method you choose, you may need to send in checks or EBT vouchers.
FAIRSHARE CSA COALITION
211 S. Paterson St, Ste. 280
Madison, WI 53703
SIGN UP FOR PARTNER SHARES
We offer both an online and paper form. Once you fill out this form, forward a confirmation of your CSA farm sign up to partnershares@csacoalition.org. We will then be in contact with you about a payment plan for your co-payment.
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THanks to our partners in equity
