FROM STAFF REPORTS

Abel’s Offering, a program of Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County, is dedicated to improving food security in Northeast Indiana through community gardening. The gardens create opportunities for recreation, exercise, spiritual growth, and personal development for individuals.

This is a matching grant of up to $2,000. You bring in-kind resources of whatever you believe are assets and/or possible funds and Abel’s Offering will match that offering with grant funds and technical support.

For Allen County residents, the grant is focused on churches, early childhood development centers, and 501(c)3 organizations. However, equally important are those would-be gardeners who come together from their neighborhood and want to do something great to bring people together to grow, eat, and share. Applicants must apply as a group of stakeholders. Individual applicants will not be accepted.

To apply, send a one-page application by March 24 that includes:

• Who – Explain about your organization or group and the contact person for this project.

• What – Describe the mission and/or vision for this garden.

• Why – Are there specific issues in your neighborhood or community you are trying to address?

• Where – List the address (or neighborhood if the location is to be determined) with site details.

List possible assets you can provide to be matched. Include garden details such as size, water source, etc. This may help in the initial review but will be discussed in greater detail with applicants that advance to the next step in the process.

Send the application by mail to Associated Churches: Abel’s Offering, 602 E. Wayne St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802 or by email to Jared@associatedchurches.org.

The selection committee will notify advancing applicants by April 7 with a meeting request to discuss their projects in more detail. Matching funds will be awarded no later than May 16.