FreshMinistries awarded $1.98 million grant for aquaponics project in USVI

That's great news! Thanks for posting. Wonder why no local entity has mentioned it? I get the Avis every day and haven't seen it mentioned.

I was wondering if it was real since no one, government, senators, or local news outlets had commented or taken credit for it.

Well, it is listed on EDA website, but maybe not reported here because no local entity seems to have control of funds?

"$1,985,218 in Public Works funds to the Fresh Ministries and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, Jackson, Florida, to support construction of the Agri-Business Economic Development Center in the U.S. Virgin Islands for use by the Fueling Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (FEED) program. FEED will provide hands-on training and classroom sessions to individuals interested in mastering the skills required to own, manage, or work within the innovative aquaponic and hydroponic growth systems, state-of- the-art nurseries, and field-based farming. The center will serve as a catalyst for the revitalization of the agriculture industry and diversification of the territory’s economic base. This project is part of a $2,481,522 project that the grantees estimate will create 46 jobs. "

Yes. That's on the link but why there is no "official statement" is curious, given the fact that government entities like their limelight.

The Daily News had a short article in Monday's paper. It was in the business section. Glad to see something positive for St Croix.

This is in the news again. Will it really happen?
The Consortium ran the press release, too.

https://www.stjohntradewinds.com/freshministries-to-launch-desmond-tutu-project-to-end-hunger-in-virgin-islands/

" “Our sincere thanks goes out to our partners—Farmers In Action, the Episcopal Church and to Albert Bryan Jr., former commissioner of labor, without whose early vision and leadership this could not have been accomplished.”"

Maybe waiting for Bryan to win before taking credit? And what did a Labor commissioner have to do with this?

One thing a Labor Commissioner should do is offer relevant employment training. He may have been introduced to the organization during or after his tenure. I heard him mention hydroponics during one of his radio interviews but nothing specific.

One thing that seems new vs the 2015 announcement is the fact that there are now local partners named. St Croix Farmers in Action has a pretty active facebook public group.

The Father of Aquaponics was a professor at UVI for years and helped develop Aquaponics at Eudora Kean and on St Croix.

It would be exciting if it actually happens!

Another scam.

All religious organizations and their commercial activities should be fully taxed in my opinion.

I am usually skeptical.

However, unlike some religious organizations, FeshMinistries files an IRS form 990 reporting its financial activities. The organization has received a gold star from Guidestar for transparency as well. I've attached the 2017 IRS 990 below.

https://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2017/592/967/2017-592967898-0efdc935-9.pdf

Even more surprising, I actually personally know some of the organization's trustees as trustworthy and honest individuals.

I still haven't figured out the interest in supporting a project in the Virgin Islands.

FreshMinistries branches from the Episcopal church.

All religious organizations and their commercial activities should be fully taxed in my opinion.

I couldn't care less how responsible the trustees are.

Religious organizations should be taxed like any other business, because that's what they are...a business.

They sell products and services like every other business.

Am I wrong?

What I find most appalling is that churches and related religious organizations are not required to file annual IRS form 990s or 990EZs as are other kinds of NPOs. Total lack of transparency and no accountability for scoundrels.

Taxation is a question for NPOs. For organizations that sell non-mission related goods, the IRS requires payment of UBIT - the unrelated business income tax. Most non-profits comply.

The new tax law with the increase in the standard deduction will affect how individuals donate to charities and churches - since most individuals will no longer need to itemize.

I couldn't care less how responsible the trustees are.

Religious organizations should be taxed like any other business, because that's what they are...a business.

They sell products and services like every other business.

Am I wrong?