Hunger Relief Grant

The Hunger Relief Grant under the Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund is a targeted funding initiative administered by the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office to support small, volunteer-driven nonprofit organizations addressing food insecurity across Illinois. Established as part of the broader Charitable Trust program, this specific grant opportunity focuses exclusively on providing financial resources for organizations that deliver direct food assistance to individuals and families in need. The program is funded through fees collected from nonprofit organizations filing with the Illinois Secretary of State, ensuring that the funding source is derived from the nonprofit sector itself rather than taxpayer dollars. The primary purpose of the Hunger Relief Grant is to strengthen food access programs in underserved and economically distressed communities. The grant is designed to support organizations such as food pantries, soup kitchens, and community meal programs that provide essential nutrition services. Unlike other funding tracks within the Charitable Trust program, this grant is strictly limited to food-related expenses. All awarded funds must be used exclusively for the purchase of food, and no portion of the grant may be allocated toward administrative costs, staffing, or other program expenses. The funding structure is fixed, with ten grants of 5000 dollars awarded during each annual cycle. This creates a total program allocation of 50000 dollars for the Hunger Relief Grant cycle. The grant term is one year, and all funds must be expended within that timeframe. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, making it accessible to smaller organizations that may lack additional financial resources. The simplicity of the funding structure is intended to reduce administrative burden and allow organizations to focus on direct service delivery. Eligibility for the Hunger Relief Grant is limited to nonprofit organizations that meet several specific criteria. Applicants must be recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and must be based in Illinois, providing services exclusively within the state. In addition, organizations must operate without any full-time employees, reinforcing the program’s focus on volunteer-driven entities. Eligible applicants must also demonstrate that their primary activities involve providing food assistance to individuals in need and must agree to use all grant funds solely for food purchases. The application process is conducted through an online portal and is open annually from June 1 through July 31. Applicants are required to submit organizational information and program details demonstrating eligibility and alignment with the grant’s purpose. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers, making this a single-step submission process. Applications are first reviewed by staff within the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office to confirm eligibility and completeness. Following administrative review, applications are evaluated by the Charitable Trust Stabilization Committee, which assesses each proposal based on its alignment with hunger relief goals and service to high-need populations. The committee makes recommendations to the State Treasurer, who holds final authority over grant awards. As part of the evaluation process, applicants may be subject to site visits to verify operations and ensure compliance with program requirements. Successful applicants are notified after the review process concludes and must use awarded funds within one calendar year.

Ensure organization clearly demonstrates volunteer-only staffing; strictly align budget to food purchases; highlight service to high-need populations