The William Stanley Foundation gifted the farm a $4,200 grant to support educational programming, infrastructure and the farmer’s market.
After touring the farm, founder William Stanley contacted Director of Sustainability Polly Knutson and asked to sponsor them. The William Stanley Foundation is a non-profit that supports three core pillars — financial literacy, education and entrepreneurial sponsorship — pillars which Knutson says the UCCS Farm exemplifies.
Polly Knutson, the director of sustainability and the UCCS Farm, said that the grant will be split over three installments: $2,000 the first year, $1,100 the second year and $1,100 the final year.
In the first year, the grant will be used for immediate needs, such as infrastructure, educational resources and workshops. In year two and three, the grant will be used to maintain workshops and other programs including mentorships and guest speakers. The grant will be used for student labor all three years.
“The farmer’s market helps create community, and the grant helps secure the longevity of the farm. It’s going to student education classes, the student positions that are working in the farmer’s market and then the infrastructure pieces that help us run the market,” Knutson said.
Stanley will be teaching a money management workshop on April 28 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. In late May, a series of educational sections on financial stewardship will be hosted at the farm. Specific dates and additional information will be posted on the UCCS Farm’s event calendar.
Knutson is optimistic about the future of the farmer’s market. “We are just so excited to have the partnership with the William Stanley Foundation, and we want to thank the foundation for their support of UCCS students,” she said.
The UCCS Farm is accepting applications for vendors for the upcoming farmer’s market season. The farmer’s market begins on June 27 and runs through Oct. 3. They are hosted every other Friday at the farm.
Students can apply here to become a farmers market vendor.
A variety of produce is grown in the UCCS greenhouse. Photo by Josiah Dolan.