The Soil Trust is an initiative of Slow Money, making it possible for individuals to put their money to work in small food enterprises via small donations, active since October 2012.

They explain:

“Through Slow Money’s emerging network, including local chapters, investment clubs and regional and national gatherings, more than $20 million has flowed to 170 small food enterprises over the past two years. Lots of small, decentralized actions, linked by a strong vision: for the health of our families, our communities and our planet, we must bring money back down to earth.

ENTER the Soil Trust. Now, whether or not you can ever attend a Slow Money meeting, whether or not you are ever going to write a $5,000 or $50,000 check to invest directly in a small food enterprise, you can be part of this movement.

Chip in a tax-deductible contribution of $50 or more. We will aggregate these funds and invest the capital in collaboration with Slow Money’s network, utilizing the expertise of our national leadership and the local knowledge of Slow Money investors around the country. Investment returns will come back to the Soil Trust, to be re-invested, building a long-term, non-profit fund that will continue working to rebuild local food systems for generations to come.

By contributing to the Soil Trust, you not only build support for small food enterprises, but you contribute to the creation of a whole new kind of fund and whole new kind of funding. You join thousands of Slow Money folks around the country who are working together to fix the economy from the ground up.”