Private Food and Nutrition Grants

The Building Healthy Communities: Middle School Program, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, is a grant opportunity designed to provide physical, mental, and emotional health support to Michigan schools, students, and staff. This program emphasizes a whole-child approach to health, recognizing the diverse needs of school communities across the state. It offers flexible instructional options, including in-person and virtual learning, and allows schools to prioritize investments in critical areas such as mental health, self-care, and physical activity resources. The program's mission aligns with fostering sustainable cultures of wellness in schools through education, policy, and environmental change. The primary beneficiaries of this program are middle school students in 5th, 6th, or 7th grade attending eligible public, charter, or private nonprofit schools in Michigan. The program also indirectly benefits school staff and the broader school community by promoting a healthier environment. The overarching impact goal is to establish knowledge and behaviors for a healthy lifestyle that lasts a lifetime, starting from a young age. This is achieved by tailoring health and wellness initiatives to the unique needs of each school. The program's key priorities and focuses are to encourage students to: eat more fruits and vegetables, choose fewer sugary food and beverages, eat less fast and fatty food, be active every day, and spend less entertainment time in front of screens. These specific goals guide the implementation of health and wellness initiatives within participating schools. Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in students' dietary habits and physical activity levels. While not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the measurable results would likely track changes in student consumption of healthy foods, reduction in sugary and fatty foods, increased daily physical activity, and decreased screen time for entertainment, all contributing to a healthier student population. The foundation's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, include promoting community health, especially among youth, and addressing the identified needs for physical, mental, and emotional health support within the Michigan school system. The theory of change appears to be that by partnering with schools and implementing tailored health and wellness initiatives, students will develop healthier habits and contribute to a sustainable culture of wellness within their school communities, ultimately leading to improved long-term health outcomes.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist healthcare providers and community organizations in New York State that are working to overcome healthcare access challenges in rural areas.

This program provides financial support to for-profit food businesses in northeast Washington, D.C., that aim to improve access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food in underserved neighborhoods.

The Wyoming Arts Council’s Performing Arts Fellowships program is designed to honor and support excellence in the fields of Music and Theatre/Dance. These fellowships are unrestricted awards of merit, providing $5,000 to artists. The program's core mission aligns with fostering artistic excellence within Wyoming by recognizing exceptional talent and providing financial support that allows artists to further their craft and impact the cultural landscape of the state. The selection process involves a jury of noted professionals who evaluate applicants based on appropriate media samples and artist statements, ensuring that the awards are granted to artists who demonstrate significant achievement and potential in their respective disciplines. The primary beneficiaries of this program are individual performing artists residing in Wyoming, specifically those engaged in music or theatre/dance. The program targets artists who are at least 18 years of age, not full-time students, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and have maintained domicile in Wyoming for a specified period. The impact goal is to enhance the artistic vitality of Wyoming by empowering its most talented performing artists. By providing unrestricted funds, the fellowship aims to give artists the freedom to pursue projects, training, or creative endeavors that will elevate their work and, in turn, enrich the artistic offerings within the state and potentially beyond. The program prioritizes artistic excellence and the advancement of individual artists' careers in music and theatre/dance. A key focus is on supporting artists who have a strong connection to Wyoming, as evidenced by residency requirements. The emphasis on merit, assessed through artistic samples and statements, ensures that the fellowships are awarded to those who have demonstrated a high level of accomplishment and commitment to their art form. The program’s strategic priorities include nurturing a vibrant arts community and ensuring that Wyoming artists have opportunities for professional recognition and growth. The theory of change posits that by investing directly in exceptional individual artists, the program will contribute to a stronger, more dynamic arts ecosystem in Wyoming. Expected outcomes of the Performing Arts Fellowships include an increase in the quality and quantity of artistic output by award recipients, enhanced professional development opportunities for Wyoming artists, and a heightened profile for Wyoming's performing arts scene. Measurable results could include tracking the artistic achievements and career advancements of past fellows, such as new performances, compositions, choreographic works, national or international recognition, and the overall impact of their work on local communities. While the grant duration is not specified, the ongoing nature of the fellowship program, with a maximum of two awards per artist lifetime and a four-year waiting period between fellowships, suggests a sustained commitment to long-term artistic development within the state.

The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) is offering the 2024 Vibrant Communities Grants, a program designed to support single art projects across various counties in Georgia. This initiative aligns with the GCA's mission to increase the reach of arts grants statewide, as mandated by the Georgia Legislature. The program aims to fund diverse arts programs in as many counties as possible, thereby fostering vibrant cultural landscapes and promoting artistic engagement within communities. The grants are intended to enhance local arts scenes and provide opportunities for artistic expression and appreciation. The target beneficiaries of the Vibrant Communities Grants are non-profit organizations with 501(c)3 status, local government entities, public libraries, and schools, colleges, or universities located within specific eligible Georgia counties. The impact goals are to support and expand arts programs, ensuring broad access to cultural activities. This includes enabling various artistic endeavors such as performances, art exhibits, educational workshops, and artist residencies. By funding these projects, GCA seeks to enrich communities, provide creative outlets, and promote the arts as a vital component of local development. The program prioritizes a wide array of arts projects, including theatre productions, concerts, class field trips, art exhibits, murals, art festivals, and art classes. Notably, due to the ongoing impact of COVID, online programs are also eligible for funding. The focus is on projects that can be completed between October 15, 2024, and June 1, 2025, and must take place within the applicant's county. A key requirement is a 50% cash match for the grant request amount, emphasizing community investment and shared responsibility. Projects promoting specific religious doctrines or political parties are not eligible. Expected outcomes include a broader distribution of arts funding across Georgia, leading to an increase in local arts programming and engagement. Measurable results would be the number of funded projects, the types of artistic disciplines supported, and the geographical spread of these initiatives across the eligible counties. The grants are expected to range from $1,000 to $5,000 per project, ensuring that a greater number of smaller-scale, impactful projects can be realized. This strategic approach reflects the GCA's theory of change, which posits that by decentralizing arts funding and making it accessible to a wider range of organizations and counties, they can cultivate more vibrant, culturally rich communities throughout the state.

This grant provides financial and in-kind support to nonprofit organizations in North Texas that promote youth hockey, enhance children's health and education, and foster community engagement.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Minnesota that are dedicated to improving services and resources for individuals and families facing homelessness and food insecurity.

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 funding opportunity supports community-led projects in Philadelphia that promote food justice by empowering marginalized groups to access, grow, and sell healthy food in areas with limited fresh food availability.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, government entities, school districts, and faith-based groups in Springfield, Missouri, to support programs that empower youth and encourage their participation in community service.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach County, Florida, that deliver essential services like food, housing, and transportation to help vulnerable residents meet their basic needs.

This grant provides financial support to small nonprofits focused on promoting diversity and inclusion for underserved communities, including various racial, ethnic, and LGBTQIA+ groups.

Arts Midwest is offering Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations rooted in communities of color, providing general operating support for those with annual expenses up to $500,000 in selected states.

This grant provides funding to support small farmers and public entities in Maryland to aggregate local food products for sale to wholesale and institutional markets, enhancing the local food system.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to designated Ohio communities for projects that celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States through storytelling and educational initiatives.

This grant provides unrestricted funding to nonprofit organizations in Polk, Warren, and Dallas counties, Iowa, that focus on improving the safety, education, and economic empowerment of girls and women.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Native communities for projects that enhance access to traditional foods, strengthen local food systems, and promote food security through culturally relevant practices.

Cox Communications, in partnership with the Arizona Community Foundation, offers grants through Cox Charities to support nonprofit organizations in Arizona. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance communities by investing in key areas. Eligible organizations include Arizona 501(c)(3) entities, government agencies, and tribal entities, with religious organizations able to apply for non-sectarian programs. The program aims to foster positive community impact by supporting initiatives that address critical social needs within the state. The Cox Charities grant program targets beneficiaries across several key focus areas: Education, with a priority on K-12 and STEAM initiatives; Diversity, specifically programs serving 80% or more of a target population or promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity; Environment/Sustainability, focusing on water conservation, waste reduction, or carbon reduction; and Digital Equity, supporting digital literacy programs, computer distribution, or services for underserved communities. These priorities reflect the foundation's strategic focus on empowering individuals and communities through access to essential resources and opportunities. The expected outcomes of the Cox Charities grant program are centered on measurable results within these focus areas. For education, the goal is to improve educational attainment and skills, particularly in STEM fields. Diversity initiatives aim to foster more inclusive communities and reduce disparities. Environmental grants seek tangible improvements in sustainability practices, such as reduced water consumption or waste. Digital equity programs are expected to increase digital literacy and access, bridging the digital divide for underserved populations. The grant duration is not specified, but grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its commitment to supporting programs that directly address identified community needs and create lasting impact. By prioritizing specific areas like K-12 and STEAM education, targeted diversity programs, environmental sustainability, and digital literacy, Cox Charities aims to drive systemic change. They emphasize fiscal accountability and responsibility among applicants, and organizations must demonstrate a non-discrimination policy. Furthermore, providing opportunities for Cox Communications Arizona employees to volunteer or serve on boards highlights a belief in community engagement and shared responsibility for achieving these outcomes.

This funding opportunity supports Tribal and Native-controlled initiatives that promote self-determination in food systems, focusing on community empowerment, cultural heritage, and intergenerational knowledge.

The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) is offering a grant program to academic faculty focused on identifying, evaluating, and developing safer alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This initiative aligns with TURI's mission to reduce the use of toxic chemicals and promote safer practices. The program seeks to foster research that directly addresses the environmental and health concerns associated with PFAS by finding viable replacements in various manufacturing and product applications. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are academic faculty and their graduate students located at institutions within Massachusetts. The program aims to support these researchers in conducting innovative studies that contribute to a cleaner environment and safer products for the general public. The impact goals are to reduce reliance on PFAS, mitigate their toxic effects, and encourage the adoption of less harmful alternatives across industries. The grant prioritizes research that focuses on specific applications where PFAS are commonly used, such as water and stain-resistant coated fabrics, textiles, apparel, footwear, surfactant applications (including fume suppressants), refrigerants and coolants, fire suppressants, fluoropolymers, manufacturing processing aids, coated food packaging, and other non-stick coated materials and products. Proposals should directly address these areas to develop practical and implementable solutions. Expected outcomes include the identification of novel, safer alternatives to PFAS, comprehensive evaluations of existing alternatives, and the development of new processes or materials that eliminate the need for PFAS. Measurable results would involve the number of alternatives identified and evaluated, the success rate of developed alternatives in specific applications, and the potential for widespread adoption by industries. TURI's strategic priority is to drive toxics use reduction through research and education, and this grant program embodies a key part of their theory of change by funding scientific inquiry into tangible solutions for harmful chemicals.