roadside.market Homestead Improvement Fund
A community-driven grant program where 90% of our platform's net profit is given back directly to the farmers and roadside stands that make it possible.
Current Grant Pool
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How the Fund Works
The Roadside Market Homestead Improvement Fund (RHIF) is a continuous, community-driven grant program. Our goal is to take the success of the platform and inject it directly back into the homesteads that keep it going.
1. The Pool Grows
Every time a transaction occurs on the platform—whether it's a verification kit, a custom Trail, or an Honor Box contribution—we take our net profit (after Stripe fees and taxes) and automatically deposit 90% of it into the fund.
2. Applications Open
Farmers and stand owners submit their pitches. Need a new cooler? Materials for a greenhouse? Seeds for the season? Tell us what you need and how it will improve your homestead.
3. Finalist Selection
Once applications close, the Roadside Market team reviews all submissions to ensure eligibility and selects a shortlist of Finalists with the most impactful or creative projects.
4. Community Voting
The power is handed back to the community. Any registered user on the platform gets exactly one vote to cast for the homestead they want to see funded.
5. The Grant is Awarded
The homestead with the most votes is awarded up to $250 toward their project. To claim funds, the homestead must complete the work and submit photo proof along with itemized receipts to be reimbursed for the grant amount they won.
Finalist Judging Criteria
Before community voting begins, Roadside Market will narrow all submissions down to a shortlist of finalists based on the following official criteria:
- Feasibility & Realism: Is the requested amount accurate and realistic for the proposed timeline and scope? (Providing itemized links to materials/quotes greatly helps).
- Community & Customer Impact: Does the project directly improve your ability to serve your local community with better produce, products, or accessibility?
- Clarity of Pitch: Is the pitch clearly written, well-documented, and easy for the public to understand?
- Homestead Sustainability: Will this project provide a lasting, long-term benefit to the operations of the homestead or farm?
Eligibility Rules
- You must have a fully completed Business Profile on Roadside Market.
- You must own a claimed (green leaf), active stand on the map that has been updated within the last 30 days. Hidden under-construction stands also qualify.
- Your account must be in good standing.
- Past grant winners must wait 12 months before applying for another grant.
- The proposed project must directly benefit your homestead, farm operations, or roadside stand infrastructure.
- Grant applications are capped at a maximum of $250 per cycle.