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All Durham College (DC) students are invited to apply for an exciting grant opportunity to pursue a project designed to support an urban agriculture initiative or idea.
The RBC Urban Agriculture Work Integrated Learning Program will provide $5,000 of funding to 10 DC student-led initiatives that support urban agriculture – any farming or food production done in an urban area.
With food insecurity a growing concern around the world, it’s more important than ever to develop alternative methods of food production.
Any project that supports urban agriculture within the community and aligns with Durham College’s Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture’s priorities is eligible. You can apply for the social enterprise grant or the entrepreneurship grant.
The grants are open to all DC students who can lend their unique experience and knowledge to projects that will further the development of this important practice. Maybe you’re a Marketing student with a great idea on how to promote urban agriculture initiatives, or an Architectural Technology student thinking of new ways to incorporate green spaces into buildings. Any idea that supports urban agriculture practices by any means is eligible and we are excited to see the scope and range of how DC programs and students can engage in this field.
Applications are open from January 29 to February 25, 2024, at 11: 59 p.m.
Successful applicants will be chosen in early March, and the projects can begin immediately. An event in the fall will celebrate the successful applicants and their work, allow them to share their project and network with other students, faculty, and industry professionals.
Any farming or food production done in an urban area is a form of urban agriculture. Aquaponics, aeroponics, rooftop farms and community gardens are just a few examples.
All students enrolled in a DC program as of January 1, 2024 are eligible to apply for a grant. You can be a student in any DC Faculty as long as your project promotes initiatives in urban agriculture.
A social enterprise project does not have to be a business (however, it can be one). A Social Enterprise project could either support a community partner (without creating a business), or it could be a for-profit or non-profit business. However, the project’s / business’ goal is to have a positive impact on environmental, social, and/or economic issues affecting communities.
Examples of social enterprise projects could include:
- Helping a local community centre build raised garden beds for their community garden.
- Developing social media ads for a local non-profit organization to promote their farmer’s market.
- Working with a local community group to develop a business plan to build an urban farm.
- Helping a school launch a community garden and providing expertise about plant care.
- Creating a non-profit organization that cooks farm-to-table meals for local food banks
An entrepreneurship project’s goal is for profitable gain and will likely be to start or grow a business.
Examples of entrepreneurship projects could include:
- Launching your own urban agriculture business that supports the community.
- Starting a business that utilizes local food.
- Developing technology that supports small-scale, urban agriculture.
The applications will open Monday, January 29 (12:01 a.m.) and will close on Sunday, February 25 at 11:59pm.
Complete the online application, here.
All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. The 10 successful applicants will be notified early March 2024.
Projects will run from April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. All project milestones must be achieved by September 30, and you will submit a report outlining your success, the impact of the grant on your career goals, and other notable information. A mid-term report will also be required. Successful applicants will receive more details about the reporting requirements. A final networking/showcase event will be held this fall.
Your application must include a cost breakdown and budget. The funding you receive will help offset the costs associated with implementing your project. Please note that only eligible costs will be reimbursed (receipt of purchase must be submitted for reimbursement). Eligible costs can include resources, tools (software or hardware), equipment, marketing, labour, and travel costs.
A number of organization can help you, including Durham College FastStart, Spark Centre, the Business Advisory Centre of Durham and 1855.
On your application, indicate which faculty member you’d like to work with (on a volunteer basis). If your project is selected, you will complete a form to outline the support you will you need. The faculty member must also sign this form agreeing to their involvement.
If you think you’ll need help but don’t have a specific faculty member in mind, select a Faculty (e.g. Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science) and its associate dean will connect you with someone who may be able to volunteer their time.
Yes, but please indicate the new areas you will develop/work on as part of this grant.
No, we hope that your business and project has long-term opportunities! However, you do need to demonstrate that you’ve achieved your goals/milestones as indicated in your application.
Please contact the Barrett Centre at Barrett.Centre@durhamcollege.ca with any specific questions.