This three-part toolkit offers the business and financial elements of starting and coordinating a local foods organization in Iowa. It is applicable to farmers markets, advocacy groups, coalitions and multi-stakeholder groups, food hubs, educational and civic groups, food policy councils, farmer cooperatives and others.

Part 1: Defining your organization’s focus and leadership.

Individuals and groups rising up to meet the demand for local foods can gain practical help and insight for setting up their own local foods group, or gain ideas to improve the operation of their current organization. Starting off in the right direction by defining your organization, identifying core values, a mission and strategic plans is the first step in this series. Finding champions and developing a coalition of others who are a natural fit to support your efforts is outlined, along with helpful ideas for organizing managers and employees. Resources and practical helps in this publication will help take your idea from concept to reality.

Part 2: Organizational structure.

Part Two of this toolkit series raises key questions to consider while forming your business or organization. Descriptions of nonprofit, for-profit and cooperative models will help you determine which legal structure is most suitable for your organization. A checklist for forming a new business or organization in Iowa is included. Resources and practical helps in this publication will help take your idea from concept to reality.

Part 3: Funding your local food organization.

Part Three of this toolkit series lays out methods of funding a local foods organization. A variety of revenue sources are outlined, each depending on the legal structure of your organization. Discussed in this publication: in-kind gifts, membership campaigns and fees, merchandise sales, events, sponsorships, crowdfunding, grants, investors and loans. Information on organizations that are tax deductible is included. Budgets and fundraising are emphasized. Resources and practical helps in this publication will help take your idea from concept to reality.