Grants for Individuals - Food and Nutrition

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF). This grant program aims to provide flexible support to eligible applicants that offer consistent annual artistic programming and/or arts services within Pennsylvania. The fund is designed to bolster the administrative, programmatic, and project-related expenses of arts organizations, aligning with the PCA's mission to support and strengthen the arts community across the state. This initiative reflects the PCA's strategic priority of fostering a vibrant and sustainable creative sector by providing direct financial assistance where it's most needed. The primary beneficiaries of the CSFF are nonprofit, tax-exempt corporations, or units of local government in Pennsylvania that demonstrate a history of at least two years of consistent arts programming. Pre-K-12 public, private, and parochial schools are not eligible, but are directed to other PCA opportunities. The fund targets organizations with an annual average arts revenue between $10,000 and $200,000. The impact goal is to ensure the continued delivery of artistic programming and services to communities throughout Pennsylvania, thereby enriching the cultural landscape and supporting the economic viability of the arts sector. The program prioritizes flexibility, allowing funds to be used for a wide range of needs, including administrative costs, program development, and specific project expenses. This approach is rooted in the understanding that a resilient arts sector requires adaptable support. While annual grants are not guaranteed and are dependent on the PCA's budget, the expected outcome is that successful applicants will be able to maintain or expand their artistic offerings, reach broader audiences, and continue to contribute to the cultural and economic well-being of Pennsylvania. Measurable results would include the number of organizations supported, the scope and reach of the artistic programming delivered, and the overall stability of the recipient organizations. By investing in these entities, the PCA's theory of change posits that targeted financial support will lead to a more robust, diverse, and accessible arts environment, ultimately benefiting all Pennsylvanians. The project period for this grant is January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025, with a grant size ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, typically set at $5,000 per applicant.

The Opelousas Downtown Development District (ODDD), with support from the City of Opelousas and Opelousas Main Street (OMS), is launching the fifth round of funding for its Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program. This program is a grant/reimbursement initiative designed to empower property and business owners in rehabilitating commercial buildings. The overarching mission alignment for this program is to create a positive visual impact within the city, stimulate private investment, and diligently preserve Opelousas' historic identity and cultural assets. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are property and business owners within the Opelousas Downtown Development District who own commercial buildings. The core impact goals are to foster economic development through private investment, enhance the aesthetic appeal of the downtown area, and ensure the safeguarding of the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. The program directly supports the revitalization of commercial spaces, which, in turn, contributes to a more vibrant and economically robust downtown. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible and permanent building improvements. Eligible uses of funds are comprehensive, including restoration and renovation of buildings, installation of awnings (without signage), brick cleaning or re-pointing, accent lighting, removal of deteriorating or inappropriate materials visible from the street, and restoration of windows, doors, and original exterior/interior architectural features. Additionally, interior work related to ceiling repair, electrical, and plumbing is covered, as well as work on roofs, cornices, gutters, downspouts, and the cleaning, preparation, and painting of walls and trim. These priorities are aimed at holistic improvement of commercial properties. The expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the visual appeal of downtown Opelousas, an increase in private investment in commercial properties, and the successful preservation of historic buildings. While not explicitly stated as "measurable results" in the traditional sense, the program's structure and goals imply that the number of rehabilitated buildings, the amount of private investment stimulated, and the visible improvements in the downtown area would serve as key indicators of success. The program offers a total of $200,000 in grant funds, with a maximum application amount of $10,000 per project, providing a clear framework for financial allocation and impact tracking.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for agricultural development projects in developing countries and emerging democracies, focusing on increasing productivity and trade through the monetization of U.S. agricultural commodities.

The City of Tacoma's Grit City Trees Program aims to foster happy and healthy neighborhoods by facilitating community tree planting. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of environmental stewardship and community well-being, enhancing green spaces within the city. The program, which has evolved since 1993 and was revitalized in 2016, focuses on equitable access to trees and the knowledge required for their successful long-term growth. The primary beneficiaries of the Grit City Trees Program are Tacoma property owners with eligible right-of-way planting opportunities, as well as neighborhood groups and individuals in designated Priority Planting Areas. The impact goals include increasing the urban tree canopy, improving neighborhood aesthetics and air quality, and educating residents on proper tree care. By providing free trees, supporting materials, and expert guidance, the program empowers residents to actively participate in greening their communities. The program prioritizes proper tree placement and selection, guidance on right-of-way planting, and educational resources on long-term care and maintenance. It also supplies essential materials like tree stakes, ties, compost (TAGRO), and watering supplies to ensure the trees thrive, especially during dry months. Delivery of up to 150 trees is offered, with priority given to Neighborhood Groups and individual applicants in Priority Planting Areas. Remaining applicants can pick up materials from the City’s plant holding facility. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of healthy street trees across Tacoma, particularly in underserved areas. The program anticipates enhanced community engagement in urban forestry, leading to more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods. Through application and planting assistance, and the submittal of planting permits, the City of Tacoma aims to remove barriers to tree planting and simplify the process for residents, ultimately contributing to a greener and more resilient urban environment.

This program recognizes and honors young professionals under 40 in the Denver metro area who demonstrate exceptional leadership, community involvement, and significant career accomplishments.

This grant provides funding to Vermont early childhood education providers and nonprofits to purchase shares from local farms, enhancing access to fresh, locally grown foods for young children.

The Newton Community Pride Community Micro Grant program is designed to support local organizations, artists, service projects, and non-profits in Newton, Massachusetts. This initiative directly aligns with the Newton Community Pride's mission: "To build community through free arts and culture programming, public art, beautification and service projects." By offering financial support to diverse community-driven initiatives, the program aims to enhance local engagement and foster a vibrant community spirit. The grant's focus on projects occurring between November 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, ensures timely impact and responsiveness to immediate community needs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are community members in Newton, with a particular emphasis on historically marginalized groups and those who benefit from free community programming. The impact goals include fostering community building, promoting arts and culture, and supporting beautification and service projects within Newton. The program's strategic priorities include encouraging diversity, representing varied voices and experiences, and supporting first-time grant applications or organizations that haven't received an NCP grant in the previous cycle. This approach aligns with a theory of change that posits that by investing in accessible and inclusive community projects, Newton Community Pride can strengthen social cohesion and enrich the lives of its residents. The program prioritizes projects located in Newton that offer free community programming. Preference is given to first-time grant applicants and those that haven't been awarded an NCP grant in the previous cycle, encouraging broader participation and supporting emerging initiatives. Applicants are required to include event or program budget information and their most recent 990, if available, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability. Additionally, project locations must be vetted and approved before application submission, ensuring feasibility and appropriate use of public spaces. Expected outcomes include an increase in free arts and culture programming, more public art installations, enhanced beautification efforts, and a greater number of service projects benefiting the Newton community. Measurable results can be tracked through the number of funded projects, the reach and attendance of free community programs, and the demonstrable impact on historically marginalized groups. The maximum grant request is $1,500, with past grants averaging between $300 and $1,100, indicating a focus on numerous smaller-scale, impactful projects rather than a few large ones. Funding dispersal 15-30 days prior to the event or program ensures that resources are available when most needed. Exclusions from the grant include public school programs, requests for food/beverages, personal scholarships, capital improvement funding, and event/program support that would benefit any political or religious cause, individual, or group. These exclusions ensure that the grants remain focused on broader community benefit and align strictly with the non-political and non-religious mission of Newton Community Pride. The clear guidelines help maintain the integrity of the program and ensure that funds are directed towards initiatives that truly serve the entire Newton community in an inclusive manner.

This grant provides a three-month design partnership valued at $30,000 to nonprofit organizations and startups focused on women's health, helping them enhance their branding and communication efforts to drive social change.

The Fund for Women Barriers to Care Program 2023 in New York provides financial assistance to women currently undergoing medical treatment for breast cancer in Chemung, Schuyler, or Steuben Counties. Grants are awarded based on financial need and can be used for expenses such as transportation, childcare, food, and prosthetics. Each grant is limited to $500, and applicants may be receiving treatment within or outside the region as long as they live locally.

This program provides funding to small and mid-sized food businesses in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah to help them expand their market access and improve their operations.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering a grant of over $1 million through its Dairy Plus Program to California dairy farms for implementing advanced manure management practices that reduce methane emissions and manage nitrogen and salt surplus, with a focus on climate-smart practices and product markets.

This program provides funding to local organizations and individuals in Philadelphia to distribute free food to residents facing food insecurity due to disruptions in SNAP benefits.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to artists and organizers in Nebraska and Iowa who are working to challenge societal norms, foster community engagement, and promote collaboration through their creative endeavors.

This initiative provides financial support and training to 12 Native farmers to improve their agricultural practices and land stewardship, promoting food security and community health.

This grant provides financial support to local sports organizations in the Richmond Region to enhance their events and attract more visitors, boosting tourism and the local economy.

This grant provides financial support to individuals, businesses, and organizations in Denver to create projects that promote active living, such as improving walkability and bikeability in their neighborhoods.

The Alachua County Small Farmer Grant Program is a mini-grant initiative funded by the County Commission, designed to support Alachua County-based small farms and ranches. The program aims to promote local food system economic resilience and equity, particularly for marginalized communities. This grant differs from traditional reimbursement models by offering an immediate infusion of funds upon award, recognizing that small producers may lack the immediate cash flow for capital equipment. The total funding available for this mini-grant is approximately $100,000, with individual grant requests not exceeding $5,000. The primary target beneficiaries are small producers (farms, ranches, or other agricultural operations) within Alachua County that produce foodstuffs for human consumption and have annual gross cash income between $1,000 and $250,000. There is a strong prioritization for small producers with an annual gross cash income of no more than $75,000. Furthermore, the program specifically prioritizes black, women, indigenous, and persons-of-color owned agricultural operations, aligning with broader goals of economic equity and community support. The program's key priorities and focuses include assisting Alachua County residents and supporting the immediate acquisition of capital infrastructure and equipment. This direct funding approach is intended to enhance the farm's productive capability and financial expansion, addressing a critical need for small producers who may struggle with upfront costs. The grant is not a cost reimbursement grant, emphasizing its role in providing immediate financial support. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around improving the economic viability of these small producers and increasing the resiliency of local food production. The program also aims to expand the production of related value-added farm products. Ultimately, these efforts are designed to achieve the Board's policies related to economic development, specifically by increasing economic prosperity, economic equity, and fostering a diverse tax base within Alachua County.

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission are offering the Neighborhood Sustainability Grants (NSG) Program. This program aims to provide funding for innovative projects that improve community sustainability and promote healthy lifestyles through collaborative community partnerships. While specific foundation mission alignment, strategic priorities, or theory of change are not explicitly stated as coming from a "foundation," the program's goals directly align with the broader mission of urban sustainability and community well-being as typically pursued by municipal sustainability offices and commissions. The NSG Program targets a broad range of beneficiaries including individuals, groups of individuals, community groups, educational groups, nonprofit organizations, churches, and locally owned businesses. These applicants must be undertaking projects within the Flagstaff city limits. The impact goals are to enhance community sustainability, promote healthy lifestyles, meaningfully involve underserved communities, diverse groups, or vulnerable populations, build community partnerships, and facilitate volunteer engagement or management. The program prioritizes projects that align with at least one of its three core goals: involving underserved communities, building partnerships, or facilitating volunteer engagement. Additionally, projects must fall into one of the following categories: Building Energy, Climate Action, Food, Public Health, Resilience, Transportation, or Waste. These categories represent the key focuses for achieving Flagstaff's sustainability objectives. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of creative community projects that address sustainability challenges. Measurable results would be evidenced by the number of projects funded, the reach of those projects within the community, the level of community engagement and partnerships fostered, and tangible improvements in the designated sustainability categories. The program anticipates awarding a total of $75,000 in 2024, with individual grants capped at $7,500, indicating a focus on supporting multiple, smaller-scale community-led initiatives rather than a few large projects.

This grant provides funding for youth-led programs in Ohio to develop and implement effective suicide prevention activities that address mental health challenges among middle and high school students.

Feet First Philly's Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant, ranging from $500 to $2000, supports projects that enhance walkability and safety in public spaces across Philadelphia, with applications open to organizations, businesses, and individuals, provided the enhancements are not used for financial gain.