Mini Grant Scoresheet.pdf

This is a Mini Grant Scoresheet evaluation document prepared by the Oregon Department of Education for the Farm to Child Nutrition Program (CNP) Education Grant, a competitive grant opportunity supporting food-based, agriculture-based, and garden-based educational activities in public schools, charter schools, and child care programs. The scoresheet establishes evaluation criteria across five distinct categories: proposed project and activity design (0-10 points), promotion of healthy food activities (0-6 points), clear educational activities (0-2 points), community and parent/guardian involvement (0-1 point), and educational activities support (pass/fail/not applicable). The grant period runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, with applications due November 16, 2025, and award notifications expected around December 10, 2025. Eligible applicants include school districts, education service districts, federally recognized tribes, nonprofit organizations, food producers, and child care program providers serving schools with at least 40% free and reduced lunch populations. Two funding tracks are available: a Capacity Building Mini Grant providing $2,000-$15,000 for single school or site projects, and a Capacity Sustaining Full Grant offering $15,001-$100,000 for district-wide or multi-site coordination.

The evaluation scoresheet requires applicants to demonstrate clear alignment between budgets and activity needs, identify qualified responsible staff and partners, provide measurable outcomes and indicators, and include risk management or contingency plans. Evaluation evidence may include work plans, timelines, detailed budgets, partner memoranda of understanding, staff resumes, and metrics tables. Projects must incorporate concrete strategies to promote healthy foods, such as taste tests, menu changes, and signage, while integrating local and seasonal produce with nutrition education. Active learning components including gardening, cooking, processing, and farm trips are expected, along with at least one community or parent engagement activity. The total funding available is $3,000,000 for the 2025-2027 biennium, with a first-round cap of $750,000 for mini grants. Allowable expenses include labor, materials, supplies, and travel, with administrative costs capped at 25% of the total award and indirect costs limited to 25%, with restrictions on permanent structures and capital equipment. Preference is given to culturally relevant projects involving community participation and local food procurement activities.