Looking to support a farmer with their VAPG application? Below is a template to follow. Pay close attention to the bolded portions which you should edit using your own words:
March 10th, 2021
Grants Division
Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA
To Whom it May Concern:
I am writing to you today in support of APPLICANT’S NAME AND AFFILIATION application for a Value-Added Producer Grant. This project will allow APPLICANT to invest in their business by STATE THE PROJECT GOAL HERE BRIEFLY (ie: expanding sales of local apples).
HERE IS WHERE YOU NEED 1 TO 3 SENTENCES UNIQUE TO THE SIGNER. SELECT BELOW THE PARAGRAPH TEMPLATE MOST RELEVANT TO THIS SUPPORTER.
FOR VENDORS/BUYERS:
VENDOR NAME will be providing ITEM TO BE PROVIDED BY VENDOR. BRIEFLY DISCUSS THE BENEFIT OF PROVIDING SAID ITEM TO THE PROJECT.
EXAMPLE: Sally’s Storefront will be providing shelving space for the value-added commodity, supporting their sales efforts by placing the item in front of local customers. Sally’s Storefront sees X traffic to the store and does not currently sell an item like the one APPLICANT will provide.)
FOR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS OR COMMUNITY MEMBERS:
I’m supportive of this project because of the impact of APPLICANT NAME’S farm on our local community. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT IMPACT AND HOW THE SIGNEE WILL SUPPORT THE PROJECT.
EXAMPLE: I have been a member of this community for X years, and serve as the chair of our local Chamber of Commerce. Local businesses like APPLICANT’S farm support the economic fabric of our community. This grant will position them to grow as a business, thus securing their impact on our community for years to come and expanding the reach of their services to more community members. I look forward to supporting their project through networking support.)
By gaining access to grant funding, APPLICANT NAME will be in an even better position to expand their business. Thank you for considering their application and supporting one of our local producers as they continue to grow their business.
Sincerely,
SIGNEE NAME
SIGNEE AFFILIATION / BUSINESS / ORGANIZATION
SIGNEE ADDRESS
SIGNEE PHONE NUMBER
SIGNEE EMAIL ADDRESS