Longest Table Gathering Grant Program

The Longest Table Gathering Grant Program is administered by Innovia Foundation, a regional community foundation serving Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Innovia focuses on strengthening communities through philanthropy, partnerships, and investments that promote equity, connection, and long-term resilience. This grant program is part of a broader national movement tied to the 250th anniversary of the United States, using shared meals as a tool to foster civic reflection and community cohesion. The initiative emphasizes local engagement and encourages grassroots leadership in designing inclusive events that bring diverse groups together. The purpose of the grant is to support community-led Longest Table gatherings that transform public or shared spaces into welcoming environments for dialogue and connection. These gatherings are designed to reduce isolation, build trust, and encourage meaningful conversations among participants. The program prioritizes events that create a sense of belonging and facilitate interaction among individuals who may not otherwise connect. By supporting these gatherings, Innovia aims to strengthen social fabric and promote understanding across communities. Funding is provided through microgrants with award amounts of up to $2,500 per event, depending on the anticipated number of participants. Funds may be used for a variety of event-related expenses including venue rentals, permits, tables and chairs, accessibility accommodations, outreach materials, event supplies, youth engagement activities, and food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, funds cannot be used for alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, large capital purchases, debt repayment, or unrelated organizational expenses. Events must be free to attend and cannot function as fundraising activities. Eligible applicants include a broad range of community-serving entities operating within Innovia’s 20-county service region. These include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public agencies, tribal governments, educational institutions, civic groups, and informal community groups with a fiscal sponsor. Faith-based organizations are eligible provided that participation in events is open to all and not contingent on religious affiliation or practice. The program also allows partnerships and sponsorship arrangements to enable grassroots participation. The application process opens on April 17, 2026, with review beginning in early May. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all available funds are exhausted, encouraging early submission. There is no formal pre-application requirement. Applicants are expected to submit a proposal outlining their event plan, anticipated attendance, outreach strategy, and alignment with program goals. Review criteria focus on alignment with the principles of connection, inclusivity, and community-building, as well as geographic distribution across the service region. Grantees are required to host at least one community meal event between June 1 and September 30, 2026. They must conduct outreach to ensure diverse participation, maintain accessibility, and collect basic participation data and feedback. After the event, grantees must submit a brief final report including attendance numbers, reflections, evidence of community impact, and event photos. Some grantees may also be invited to share their experiences with others or participate in Innovia-led convenings. For questions or support, applicants can contact Innovia Foundation staff directly via phone or email. A named contact, Chelsie Hawley, serves as a Community Investment Program Officer and is available to provide guidance. Overall, the program represents a time-bound but impactful opportunity to strengthen community ties through simple, shared experiences centered around food, conversation, and inclusion.

Apply early due to rolling funding; prioritize inclusive outreach and community diversity; clearly demonstrate alignment with connection and trust-building goals