Grants for Nonprofits - Food and Nutrition

The Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF) administers a portion of New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program. This program, funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) of 2021, aims to enhance, grow, and improve the mid-channel of the food supply chain within New York State. The overarching mission alignment is to expand each state’s middle-chain capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural food products, excluding meat, poultry, cannabis, animal food and forage, fiber, and wild-caught seafood. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are New York State agricultural producers, processors, groups of producers and processors, nonprofit organizations, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals that bring producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or invest in equipment for middle-of-the-supply-chain activities. The impact goals are to increase the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York and regional markets, benefit multiple producers and markets, and support the development of new value-added products. The program prioritizes infrastructure development to expand business capacity for processing, aggregation, storage, and distribution. Specific focuses include targeting infrastructure projects to the dairy, fruit and vegetable, and organic industries. Another key priority is to create greater market access to intermediaries like food hubs, aggregators, wholesalers, and distributors, with the goal of increasing local food sales to institutions such as schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities. Expected outcomes include expanded processing capacities, modernized equipment and facilities, increased packaging and labeling capabilities, enhanced worker safety, and greater storage space, including cold storage. The program also seeks to develop and install climate-smart equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases water use efficiency, and improves air/water quality. Measurable results would involve an increase in New York-sourced food products in local markets, a greater number of businesses with expanded processing and distribution capacities, and an increase in local food sales to institutions, ultimately strengthening the resilience and efficiency of the state's food supply chain.

This funding opportunity supports multi-site clinical trials aimed at testing high-risk medical interventions for diseases related to diabetes, digestive disorders, and kidney health, targeting a wide range of eligible organizations including universities, nonprofits, and businesses.

The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is offering a Starter Fund Grant Program, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, for small community organizations and groups focusing on advancing an equitable and sustainable local food system within Seattle, with eligible activities including food justice initiatives, community organizing, food-related job training, and more.

This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based organizations in evaluating the impact of upcoming public policies and programs that aim to improve health behaviors and reduce chronic disease risk factors through behavioral changes.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to California-based non-profit organizations to deliver essential reentry services and housing assistance for individuals transitioning back into the community after incarceration.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in specific West Virginia and Ohio counties that provide programs in financial education, community development, support for teachers, services for seniors and veterans, and initiatives to combat food insecurity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Philadelphia to deliver free tax preparation and financial literacy services to low-to-moderate income households, helping them build wealth and access essential financial resources.

This grant provides funding for a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C. to create a peer-led program that educates and supports youth aged 13-24 in preventing HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancies while promoting health equity.

This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based researchers and organizations in developing non-addictive pain relief therapies to combat the opioid crisis, with a focus on advancing preclinical candidates toward clinical trials.

This funding opportunity provides $7,000 to community-based organizations in North Carolina to implement health-promoting programs for historically marginalized populations, focusing on chronic disease prevention and management.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is offering a competitive grant opportunity aimed at increasing access to emergency services and immediate assistance for vulnerable residents in Greater Hartford. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to support nonprofits in addressing the basic human needs of the community. The grant seeks to fund projects and services that provide critical immediate aid to those in need. The target beneficiaries of this grant are vulnerable residents in Greater Hartford who require emergency services and immediate assistance for basic human needs. The impact goal is to enhance the availability and accessibility of essential support, ensuring that individuals and families facing crises can receive timely help. The grant focuses on direct provision of emergency services and assistance. The priorities and focuses of this grant include, but are not limited to, food or food assistance, emergency clothing, personal care items, emergency financial aid (such as rent, mortgage, utility, or childcare assistance), emergency medical aid (including dental, medical, mental health, and prescription expenses), aftercare programs for victims of domestic violence, and immediate or informal case management services. The Foundation welcomes requests for individual projects ($1,000-$15,000) and collaborative projects (up to $20,000) for a one-year period. Expected outcomes include improved access to vital resources for vulnerable populations, a reduction in immediate hardships faced by residents, and strengthened community support systems. Measurable results could include the number of individuals served, the types and quantities of aid provided, and the specific needs addressed. The Foundation's strategic priorities are implicitly aligned with a theory of change that by directly supporting emergency services and basic needs, they can alleviate immediate suffering and contribute to the overall well-being and stability of Greater Hartford's most vulnerable residents.

Funding and Duration: The CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture anticipates that up to $180,000 will be awarded to projects to support agricultural education and training. Grant amounts range from $2,500-153,000. The maximum grant duration is one (1) year, six (6) months and grant funds cannot be expended before January 1, 2025, or after June 30, 2026. CDFA reserves the right to offer an award amount less than the amount requested. * NOTE: Non-profit programs administered or managed by a university, such as the 4-H Youth Development Program are exempt from this limitation. Two funding opportunities available: Tier 1 – California Adopted Agricultural Education Programs Up to 85 percent ($153,000) of total available grant award funding is reserved for the California FFA Association; the non-profit organization that represents state-adopted Agricultural Education Programs (Education Code Sections 52450-52454). These programs have proven to be effective on a statewide basis in meeting the priorities and intent of the CalAgPlate program. Tier 1 grant awards range from $10,000 to $153,000 per project. Tier 2 – Local/Community/State Agricultural Education Programs Up to 15 percent ($27,000) of available funding will be awarded to eligible Local/Community/State Agricultural Education Programs. This Tier is open to non-profit organizations, as well as state, local, and Indian tribal government agencies within California which promote and administer agricultural education and leadership programs targeting K-12, post-secondary, and adult education. Individual schools and school districts are encouraged to partner with eligible non-profit organizations. Institutes of higher learning are ineligible to directly apply*, however, they can partner with eligible organizations on a proposed CalAgPlate project. Tier 2 grant awards range from $2,500 to $10,000 per project. Funding Category I: Agricultural Education In this funding category, CDFA will consider projects that enhance and benefit agricultural education opportunities for students and educators. Examples:• Agricultural curriculum development and implementation• School/community garden enrichment programs• Interactive agriculture learning experiences, outdoor agricultural education programs (e.g., farms/ranches)• Agriculture demonstrations/activities (e.g., exhibits). Funding Category II: Agricultural Career Awareness, Development and Training In this funding category, CDFA will consider projects that advance, promote and support agricultural career development and training for high school and college students. Examples:• Interactive training experiences and mentorship programs• Practical career preparation and career advancement opportunities• Outreach programs and career expos• Informational workshops for next-generation/beginning farmers. Funding Category III: Agricultural Leadership Development In this funding category, CDFA will consider projects that provide leadership experiences and skills for participants that encourage agricultural leadership development. Examples:• Agricultural leadership conferences• Agricultural leadership training programs• Education tours focusing on agricultural policy issues/areas.

This funding opportunity supports community gardens in metro Atlanta by providing financial assistance for infrastructure improvements and larger projects that promote sustainable food growing and community engagement.

This grant provides funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government entities in Akron, Iowa, to support projects that enhance community quality of life in areas such as arts, education, health, and the environment.

The Indiana Department of Health’s (IDOH) Maternal and Child Health Division aims to fund community-based organizations, local health departments, hospitals, and not-for-profit organizations in Indiana. The primary goal is to implement evidence-based or promising practice programs focused on teen pregnancy prevention and positive youth development. This initiative aligns with the IDOH's mission to improve maternal and child health outcomes across the state by empowering youth to make healthy decisions and avoid risky behaviors. The funding is provided by the Family and Youth Services Bureau and the IDOH, Maternal and Child Health Division (MCH). The program's target beneficiaries are youth within Indiana, with an intentional focus on high-risk groups. These include youth in or aging out of foster care, those in the child welfare system, idle youth (not working or in school), school dropouts, youth living in poverty, youth in juvenile centers, traditionally underserved racial or ethnic groups, LGBTQIA+ youth, and runaway or homeless youth. The impact goals are to reduce teen pregnancy rates, promote self-regulation, encourage healthy relationships, and foster goal setting through a positive youth development framework. The priorities and focuses of this grant include providing evidence-based sexual risk avoidance education curricula that normalize voluntarily refraining from non-marital sexual activity. Programs should also emphasize the benefits of self-regulation, success sequencing, healthy relationships, and goal setting. Applicants may also implement the Teen Café Model alongside an evidence-based curriculum. Additionally, the program prioritizes teaching youth skills to avoid risky behaviors, explaining how alcohol and drug use increases vulnerability, defining "consent" and "active consent," and teaching the importance of attaining self-sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity. Where appropriate, mentoring, counseling, and adult supervision should be provided to support these objectives. Expected outcomes include a decrease in teen pregnancy rates among participating youth, an increase in youth demonstrating self-regulation and goal-setting behaviors, and improved decision-making regarding sexual activity. Measurable results will likely be tracked through participant engagement, knowledge acquisition on consent and risk avoidance, and, ultimately, a reduction in pregnancy rates within the target populations. The strategic priority is to equip Indiana's youth with the knowledge and skills necessary for positive development and to avoid the risks associated with early sexual activity, thereby improving long-term health and well-being outcomes. The theory of change posits that by providing comprehensive, evidence-based education and support, at-risk youth will be empowered to make informed choices that lead to healthier lives and a reduced incidence of teen pregnancy. Projects are scheduled to start October 1, 2024, and conclude September 30, 2026, contingent on federal funding availability.

This grant provides food pantries in Michigan with commercial-grade refrigeration units, technical assistance, and funds to purchase nutritious dairy products, helping them better serve individuals and families facing food insecurity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Ohio that assist families affected by sickle cell disease through education, outreach, and resource development.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and collaborative partnerships in Hawai‘i to improve community food security and resilience in response to the impacts of COVID-19.

This grant provides funding to support early-career researchers from diverse backgrounds as they transition from mentored postdoctoral positions to independent faculty roles in biomedical research.

The Food for Thought Grant Program, sponsored by the Western New York Foundation, aims to support educational and artistic projects that foster awareness, build knowledge, and cultivate conscious advocates for local and regional food systems. This aligns with the foundation's broader mission to engage artists, educators, community members, and food system stakeholders in creative expression and collaboration to spark social change. The program's core objective is to bring these diverse groups together to highlight the importance of just and sustainable food systems. The program primarily targets organizations interested in submitting projects that use arts and/or education to uplift opportunities or inform on issues related to the food system. The ultimate beneficiaries are the communities within Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming counties in New York, as the program seeks to widen community participation, promote collaboration and dialogue, and engage and empower these communities at large. The impact goals include raising awareness, inspiring action, and creating a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system. The program prioritizes projects designed to foster community participation and dialogue, encouraging creative approaches to food system education. It also focuses on the facilitation and exchange of learnings, insights, and expertise related to the food system to inform the public. Learning agendas are specifically encouraged to share practical knowledge, raise awareness, and inspire action towards building better food systems. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) entities or those with a fiscal sponsor or acting as a pass-through. Expected outcomes include an increase in community engagement with food system issues, enhanced collaboration among various stakeholders, and a more informed public regarding sustainable and equitable food practices. Measurable results could involve the number of projects implemented, the reach of educational and artistic initiatives, and documented shifts in community knowledge and advocacy. The Western New York Foundation’s strategic priorities, as evidenced by this program, lean towards fostering community-led initiatives that utilize innovative methods like arts and education to address critical social and environmental issues, particularly within the context of local food systems. Their theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by empowering local communities and fostering creative dialogue, significant social and systemic changes can be achieved.