Urban Farmer in Milwaukee — Founder of Nonprofit — Receives MacArthur Genius Grant

Adam Williams — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:18:11 +0000

Will Allen, an urban farmer in Milwaukee, Wisc., was one of 25 people to receive a $500,000 no-strings-attached MacArthur Fellowship this year. Allen is the founder and CEO of Growing Power, a nonprofit organization and land trust to provide people with good health via affordable, quality food.

To me, the fact that an urban farmer leading a nonprofit for the benefit of teaching communities to grow, in a slew of meaningful ways, can receive such a prestigious fellowship — and the associated financial boon — is remarkable.

Along with Allen, there was a saxophonist genius, a lighting designer genius, a neuroscientist genius, an astronomer genius, a fiber artist genius, a geriatrician genius and on and on.

Urban Farmer Wins MacArthur Genius Grant

Sarah Pressman Lovinger — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:17:35 +0000

Will Allen, former pro basketball player, founded Growing Power to help low-income people in Milwaukee and Chicago grow their own food locally.

He will now have an extra $500,000 to help his efforts.

Green Options » MacArthur Foundation

Urban Farmer in Milwaukee — Founder of Nonprofit — Receives MacArthur Genius Grant

Will Allen, an urban farmer in Milwaukee, Wisc., was one of 25 people to receive a $500,000 no-strings-attached MacArthur Fellowship this year. Allen is the founder and CEO of Growing Power, a nonprofit organization and land trust to provide people with good health via affordable, quality food.

Urban Farmer Wins MacArthur Genius Grant