NonProfit News Pod: Alchemist Public Market Continues Construction, Funding Gap Improves

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...The future of Sacramento's River District is taking shape, but an important challenge remains.In this NewsPod update, I'm speaking with Sam Greenlee, CEO of Alchemist CDC, to discuss the latest developments surrounding the Alchemist Public Market project. After years of planning and more than $13 million secured in state and federal funding, construction is underway on what promises to be a transformative community asset for the region. The project will bring together a grocery market that accepts WIC and CalFresh, a commissary kitchen for emerging food entrepreneurs, restaurant incubation space, community gathering areas, and a weekly farmers market—all in a neighborhood currently classified as a food desert. While the project has secured its funding commitments, a reimbursement-based grant structure has created a short-term cash flow challenge. Sam shares how the community has already responded with more than $770,000 in loans and charitable support, allowing construction to continue while Alchemist works to secure approximately $1 million more in additional bridge funding. We discuss: The vision behind the Alchemist Public Market  Why the River District needs this project  How reimbursement-based public grants create funding gaps  Recent community support and progress  Opportunities for donor-advised funds, foundations, and private lenders to help  The economic and community impact this project will create for Sacramento This conversation provides important context for anyone interested in community development, food access, small business incubation, and the future of Sacramento's River District. Learn More: For information about bridge funding opportunities or to support the project, contact: Sam Greenlee: [email protected] Shannin Stein: [email protected] hear the original podcast with Sam and Shannin, listen HERE.The Alchemist Public Market is under construction today. With the right support, it will be serving Sacramento residents by early 2027. If you, or a collective group might be able to help, please reach out. Let's get this project completed.Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.