Commission to Strengthen Organizational Capacity
Award funds will help WVFMA improve the management and long-term sustainability of shared agricultural infrastructure across West Virginia.
CHARLESTON, WV, October 12, 2026 – The West Virginia Farmers Market Association (WVFMA) received a $25,000 grant through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) READY Nonprofits program, which helps nonprofit organizations strengthen operations and better serve their communities.
WVFMA will use the funding to develop and implement a formal asset management and governance framework for shared agricultural infrastructure, including poultry processing trailers, educational equipment, and partner-managed resources. The project will establish standardized procedures for equipment tracking, maintenance, scheduling, and long-term stewardship while strengthening organizational operations and board oversight.
WVFMA qualified for the funding after completing 10 weeks of virtual training in nonprofit operations, strategic planning, board development, human resources, marketing, and communications. Holly Morgan, WVFMA Executive Director, and Kacey Gantzer, WVFMA Vice President, represented WVFMA in the virtual training alongside a cohort of nonprofit organizations from across the Appalachian Region.
“Our capacity to grow our shared agriculture infrastructure is dependent on keeping detailed records and maintenance logs on and usage data on equipment based all over our state to support producers. We want to be a one-stop shop for producers to get their rental or sometimes free use of shared infrastructure from poultry processing trailers to honey extractors with ease. This grant from ARC gives us the opportunity to streamline internal processes,” says Morgan.
About the West Virginia Farmers Market Association
The West Virginia Farmers Market Association works to strengthen the capacity of farmers markets and positively impact the communities they serve by providing education, advocacy, and access to healthy, locally grown food. Through educational programming, technical assistance, shared resources, and statewide partnerships, WVFMA supports farmers markets, local producers, and the communities they serve.
About the Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to invest and partner to strengthen economic development in Appalachia to help the region reach its full economic potential.
