The Grain Place Foundation is pleased to announce two new initiatives to deepen our ability to work for the sustainable future of the Grain Place, as we live out our commitment to farming for the future of our soil and our communities:
INTERN HOUSE AT GRAIN PLACE FARM
We have begun laying plans to construct on-site housing for Grain Place Foundation interns, researchers, and volunteers. A new 900 square foot housing and research facility will include two bedrooms, utility/bathrooms, and a common area that includes a kitchen. Built on a full basement that will immediately serve as a storm shelter, our longer-term plans include expanding the Intern House to include two more bedrooms as the basement is finished. We are grateful that this housing will enable us to expand our research, internship and short-term volunteer opportunities in organic and regenerative farming.
The Intern House initiative began with a $100,000 gift from Linda and Greg Harrison, which gets us more than 2/3 of the way toward the first phase of construction. As much as possible, we will build an environmentally friendly structure. We will utilize volunteers as we complete the interior and provide furnishings; as the project develops, we will share a more specific list of opportunities to participate in support of this project. We welcome financial donations.
Currently, we are finalizing plans and searching for contractors who can construct the basement and enclose the building; we hope to start this fall.
If you want to make a financial contribution for the Intern House, you may do so on our website www.grainplacefoundation.org or mail a check to Grain Place Foundation, 1904 N Highway 14, Marquette, NE 68854. For more information about how to volunteer, contact Jay Vetter (jay@grainplacefoundation.org).
GRAIN PLACE FOUNDATION ENDOWMENT ESTABLISHED
As a part of our commitment to the long-term sustainability of our educational and scientific work in organic and regenerative farming at the Grain Place Farm, the Grain Place Foundation has established an Endowment Fund. Our goal is to raise endowed funds to match the value of the farm itself, which is currently the primary asset of the Foundation; to date, members of the Vetter family have contributed a value of $1.4M by donating their ownership shares in the Grain Place Farm.
The endowment will ensure that we are able to provide staff for the Grain Place Farm, as well as the research, experimentation, advocacy and educational activities that David Vetter and other Grain Place leaders have engaged in for over 45 years. This support is critical to enable a transition to the next phases of the Grain Place Foundation’s future, when members of the Vetter family will no longer able to provide as much volunteer leadership and labor. It will also provide staffing support toward future projects in continuation of the legacy of the Grain Place.
Funds in the Grain Place Foundation Endowment are managed by an Endowment Committee, directed to green, sustainable, and socially responsible investments for both growth and income. A generous unrestricted gift from Linda and Greg Harrison provided funds for us to open the Endowment in early 2022.
The Jeannie Taylor Vetter Fund was established in her memory, to support internships at The Grain Place. This endowed fund began with a minimum initial investment of $20,000 contributed by her family and friends.
For more information contact:
Jay Vetter, jay@grainplacefoundation.org (308) 850-3020