Applications are now being accepted from individuals or organizations (profit or nonprofit) for a crowdfunded $1,000 grant that will improve the downtown Farmville community.

According to a press release from the Farmville Downtown Partnership, proposed projects could range from art, urban agriculture, social entrepreneurship, education, technology and more. The deadline to submit applications is March 21.

“Improving a community begins with an idea. But it takes initiative to develop that idea and financial support for it to become a reality,” said Joe Gills, a Farmville Downtown Partnership volunteer and the SOUP event coordinator. “Farmville Downtown exists to help the community by offering a grassroots model for crowdfunding creative projects — while enjoying a tasty meal.”

Based on the number of submissions, a minimum of four entrants will be asked to present at the SOUP Event on April 1, at the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts, stated the release. “That evening, each presenter will have four minutes to share their idea with the community. Audience members can then ask each presenter up to four questions. After the presentations, the community will place their votes and enjoy soup, bread and good company while the results are tallied with the winner of the $1,000 grant announced at the end of the evening.”

A $5 donation at the door of the event will help fund the best proposal presented that night, based on attendees’ votes.

“We encourage you to submit an application for your idea to improve the Farmville community in some way,” said Gills. ”

Originating in Detroit, SOUP events are now held all over the country as a way to fund creative projects.

“Entries will be judged based on the creativity of the idea, the degree to which the proposal will benefit downtown Farmville and the feasibility of its budget. The winning idea will be implemented under the auspices of the Farmville Downtown Partnership in conjunction with its proposer,” the release stated.

For more information about Farmville Downtown SOUP, visit www.farmvilledowntown.com/soup, call (434) 392- 3060 or email soup@farmvilledowntown.com.