Company:
Pharos Creative
Year:
2023
Overview
The Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program (HRGP) funds energy efficient refrigeration units in corner stores, small businesses, and food donation programs in low-income or low-access areas throughout the state to stock California-grown fresh produce, nuts, dairy, meat, eggs, minimally processed, and culturally appropriate foods.
Low grant engagement
Opportunities like this often go under-promoted and, as a result, communities miss out on valuable funding and CDFA may decrease available funds in future grant cycles, despite a rising need by small businesses for climate-smart solutions. Nonprofits in Santa Barbara County wanted to leverage their food system networks to reach as many eligible applicants as possible.
Targeted Outreach
Pharos Creative partnered with Santa Barbara Food Action Network (SBCFAN) and Community Environmental Council (CEC) to facilitate outreach for Santa Barbara County potential applicants through calls, emails, and network-building, and provide technical grant assistance to eligible businesses and individuals. We conducted outreach and application assistance for the CEC team in low-income and low-food access parts of the south-central coast, in English, Spanish, and Mixtec. My work included hands-on grant narrative coaching, grant system assistance, project managemen, and post-grant testimonial collection.
CDFA published conclusions, video testimonials and data about the grant program on their website.
Below are stats and case studies relevant to the Community Environmental Council technical assistance.
