Innovation in Agribusiness Management Fund (IAMF)

Overview

The Innovation in Agribusiness Management Fund (IAMF) supports projects that are focused on one or more of the three key objectives of the IAMF program: human resource management, transition initiatives, and leadership.

The goal of IAMF is to advance Alberta agribusiness through assisting in the development of innovative management and leadership resources to build growing businesses.

Who can apply?

Applicants are encouraged to apply to IAMF with new and innovative projects that fit within the three key IAMF priority areas. IAMF will consider a wide range of projects within that framework. Non-profit groups, organizations, associations, communities, agri-food institutions, governments, and the private sector may apply for funding support. 

Applicants are encouraged to partner with others when building their projects. Up to 90% of the cost of a project can be covered by IAMF, but need for the funding must be demonstrated by the applicant.

IAMF has the right to communicate publicly on projects it has funded through Agriculture and Food Council's communications tools, as well as reporting on projects to IAMF stakeholders. Applicants to IAMF need to be aware that access to general information on their projects is available to the public.

Applicants must acknowledge the support of IAMF, Agriculture and Food Council, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Policy Framework Renewal Chapter, and Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development Fund as funding partners.

Requirements for Application

Completion of a Letter of Intent – Submit a two to three page letter outlining the project, the amount of funding requested, how the project fits with the IAMF priority areas, and a list of potential partners or other funding sources (Letter of Intent forms can be found on the side bar).

Receive approval to proceed from Letter of Intent to full application from the IAMF Manager. Pay $100 non-refundable application fee. Please make cheque payable to the Agriculture and Food Council. Note: Requests for IAMF support under $5,000 are not required to pay an application fee.

Application Content

Present a Project description – A detailed project outline showing relevance to IAMF priority areas. Outline project deliverables – Such as: number of workshops, recommendations, expected products, list the outcomes. Show the impact of project – Give a detailed account of who will benefit from this project. Provide signed letters detailing your support/partnerships – Information on partners in the project as well as evidence of their commitments. Provide a detailed budget – Showing the amount of IAMF support requested, amounts of other partner and applicant funding and letters of support, plus any confirmation of additional source funding.

Please note, IAMF staff will contact applicants for verification of details in the application.

Letters of Intent are welcome throughout the year. Please contact the IAMF Manager in regard to deadlines for applications and information on review timelines.

Deliverables

Successful applicants must provide the following information to IAMF as part of the reporting procedures:

Submit quarterly reports on project status, as required. A final report will be submitted, no longer than six months after the project is completed. The final report will include, but is not limited to: estimated and achieved results, financial benefits to the industry realized from the project, final statements of project expenditures (budgeted vs. actual), and samples of material created.

Applicants must show how their project relates to key areas for the project outline they submitted. In addition, applicants must also demonstrate the innovative nature of the project.

Excluded from IAMF eligibility

The following are excluded from IAMF funding support: direct payments to individuals, capital expenditures, costs incurred prior to project approval, costs associated with day-to-day operations, debt restructuring, and major equipment purchases.

NOTICE: All approved IAMF projects must have activities completed by February 15, 2010 and final reports completed by March 31, 2010. IAMF will close March 31, 2010. 

Innovation in Agribusiness Management Fund resources are provided in partnership with the following:

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
www.agric.gov.ab.ca

And also the:

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Canadian Adaptation and Rural Development Fund