Proof of Impact
Turning Ideas Into Funded Action
Led by Emily Reno, Mezclada helps farmers, food councils, and food-system entrepreneurs secure the capital they need to grow thriving, resilient businesses. We bring together grant strategy, AI-powered tools, and real-world expertise in food systems to turn your ideas into funded projects that change lives.
The Mezclada Difference
If you’ve ever thought…
- “I know funding is out there, but where do I even start?”
- “How do I know if my farm or organization qualifies?”
- “I’ve written grants before — but I’m ready to level up and use new tools.”
You’re in the right place.
At Mezclada, we combine years of food-systems experience with modern technology and human insight. Our approach blends data-driven strategy with behavioral psychology — helping you identify funding that aligns with your mission and write applications that get noticed.
By the Numbers
- $650,000 secured in grants for farmers and food councils since 2023
- 75% grant success rate, unlocking critical capital for farm businesses
Dozens of clients empowered with tools and confidence to access funding on their own
Real Results
Case Study 1 — Supporting Farm Innovation & Equity
Challenge:
A small, non-profit farm was ready to scale its training for farmers but lacked matching funds. While they had experiencing managing federal grants previously, they didn’t through the new business, and were working with a small operating budget.
Solution:
Mezclada developed a strategy that aligned their goals with both federal and private funders, co-creating through every step of the process — from work plan design to budget development and storytelling.
Results:
- $507,873 awarded through the USDA Beginning Farmer & Rancher Development Program
- $85,000 through a private grant, with an additional $50,000 added after year one
- Funding helped expand technical assistance, on-farm training, and wraparound services for New American farmers
Case Study 2 — Building a Regional Food Council From the Ground Up
Challenge:
A newly formed regional food council had big ideas — but no dedicated funding or operational infrastructure. They needed financial support to launch community-based projects driven by volunteers and build a digital presence to share their impact.
Solution:
Mezclada wrote and submitted three successful grants to stabilize and grow the council’s capacity.
Results:
$35K from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
$15K from the Better Food Policy Fund / Tides Foundation
$11K from the Earth Rising Foundation
Funded regional marketing capacity, supported cross-county collaboration, and provided evaluation and training support
Featured by:
Better Food Policy Fund → Read the Story
Watch:
Emily’s YouTube series walking through this entire grant-writing process using AI tools → Watch on YouTube
What Clients Are Saying
Voices From Our Training Community
I learned so much about how to work toward my financial goals and use AI to help me get there.
An insightful and holistic approach to farm funding and business growth.
The work you do is so awesome… your community is going to do great at forwarding our collective intentions in land stewardship.