BRWIA is very excited to be partnering on this community philanthropy project. Supporting Economic Alternatives in the Mountains (S.E.A.M.) seeks to strengthen our region's communities through democratic community investments. We value place, participatory decision making, sustainability, and good ideas.

Participatory investment empowers communities to "vote with their dollar." Presented with proposals from local applicants, friends and neighbors invest directly in the projects of their choosing. This process cultivates relationships between community members and local entrepreneurs, challenging the traditional funding model. Participatory investment is a public dialogue, aimed at supporting community values and building a more resilient place-based economy.

Organized by Teddy Bourgeois, Chris Grasinger, Ben Loomis, Sarah Myers, Rachel Ellen Simon, and Dave Walker, S.E.A.M. seeks collaborative relationships with local organizations and initiatives. Partners for our first community investment dinner include Appalachian State University’s Power Shift team, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, CoBo Sushi Bistro & Bar, and High Country Local First. 


How It Works

Submissions
We are excited to invite all emerging High Country farmers and food producers to submit an idea. Awards of less than $1,000 can go toward funding a new tool, infrastructure improvement, conference fees, or any other project which will help you develop and grow as a producer.

●      Tell us in 500 words about your idea, how it will impact your work, and your budget goal.

●      All proposals will be considered.

●      Email submissions will be accepted until October 24, 2013 at 5 p.m.

Selection
Proposals will be anonymously screened by a panel of area food systems experts, who will choose three projects. Selection criteria will be based upon the creativity, feasibility, readiness, and sustainability of the projects. Applicants will be notified by October 27, 2013.

Funding
The three selected applicants will present their proposals to community members at a locally sourced, family-style dinner on November 10, 2013. The dinner will be hosted at CoBo Sushi Bistro of Boone, with ticket sales providing project funding. All are invited to attend. Following the presentations, attendees will vote to determine the allocation of funds to each of the proposals. All three projects will receive awards, but with varying levels of investment.

To submit a proposal, email S.E.A.M. at [email protected].

To purchase a dinner ticket, visit www.seamnc.org.

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture is acting as fiscal agent for this event, S.E.A.M. is  brought to you by a collaboration of community members and agencies. Ticket profits (after reimbursing dinner/food costs) will go directly to awarded applicants.