Funding overview

Money comes in two shapes, and they are funded differently. One-time setup, the land, a house, tools, the first plantings, is capital you raise once. Ongoing running costs are far smaller and are best covered by a mix of modest income and the founders' own capacity. The common mistake is funding recurring costs from a one-off grant that will not come again.

Principles

• Never depend on one source. A single funder withdrawing should not end the project.
• Start small. A modest, credible ask beats a large, vague one.
• Run several pathways at once, then back the winners. Explore broadly early, then put effort behind whatever is actually working.
• Keep asks specific and stewardship real. People give to a clear plan and stay for honest follow-up.

Raising the first money is easier than sustaining year three, so plan for the long tail, not just the launch.

What's here

• Pathways: the ways to raise capital, each with its scale, odds, and effort.
• Earned income and partnerships are covered under economics/revenue.

A future grants tool will scan for opportunities and keep a live feed; for now the pathways below are worked by hand.