Private Food and Nutrition Grants

The Cultivator of Change program, sponsored by the Western New York Foundation, is designed to recognize and support individuals demonstrating exceptional leadership within the food system. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to strengthen communities by fostering local and regional food systems. The program directly supports the foundation's strategic priorities by investing in vital leaders who are critical to the well-being of the communities in Western New York. The program targets leaders who act as change agents among underserved populations, operate with empathy and compassion, seek community-driven solutions to pressing food system issues, and are willing to share their experiences and knowledge. The primary impact goal is to empower these leaders, enabling them to continue and expand their efforts in building stronger, more equitable food systems. The program focuses on individuals who prioritize equity and demonstrate the potential for realizing scale in their work, contributing to the foundation's theory of change by supporting bottom-up innovation and community resilience. Key priorities for this grant include identifying leaders who actively work to address food system challenges within Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming counties in New York. The program emphasizes leaders who are committed to equitable practices and show a strong ability to engage communities in developing sustainable food solutions. This focus ensures that the grants directly address critical needs within the specific geographic areas served by the Western New York Foundation. Selected food system leaders will receive a $2,500 grant to aid their ongoing work. The expected outcomes include enhanced capacity for individual leaders to continue their impactful work, increased innovation in community-driven food system solutions, and ultimately, stronger, more equitable local and regional food systems. Measurable results will include the selection of two leaders from each of the seven counties twice a year, demonstrating the consistent identification and support of these vital community assets.

The Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation offers grant opportunities for nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local governmental bodies within Douglas County, Oregon. Focusing on Basic Needs, Abuse Prevention and Intervention, Education, Health and Wellness, and Community Support, the Foundation aims to fund projects that have a significant impact within the communities of Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and Lane Counties. With a maximum grant amount of $15,000. The Foundation emphasizes support for small grants that contribute meaningfully to the project or program, limiting organizations to one proposal per year unless specified otherwise. A final report is required from all grantees before reapplying. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Fall opening/closing deadlines: March 2nd to September 1st

The South Salt Lake Neighborhood Block Party Grant program is designed to foster community engagement and strengthen neighborly bonds within the city. Recognizing that strong neighborhoods are built upon positive relationships, this initiative directly aligns with a foundational mission of promoting community well-being and resident interaction. By offering financial assistance and support for event planning, South Salt Lake aims to empower its residents to create vibrant and connected communities, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life in the city. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents of South Salt Lake, specifically those who host and participate in block parties. The program targets individuals and families within neighborhoods, encouraging them to come together for shared experiences. The impact goals are centered on building stronger community ties, fostering a sense of belonging, and increasing opportunities for family-friendly activities. This includes creating environments where neighbors can interact, build relationships, and collectively enhance their immediate living spaces. The program prioritizes events that bring residents together, offering financial help for eligible expenses such as food, paper goods, door prizes, and entertainment/performers. A key focus is on events that are open to all residents in the neighborhood and take place on the host's block within city boundaries. This ensures that the grant effectively supports broad community participation and localized engagement, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility for all neighbors. The expected outcomes of the Neighborhood Block Party Grant program include an increase in neighborly interactions, a stronger sense of community identity, and a greater number of family-fun activities occurring in various blocks across South Salt Lake. Measurable results will include the successful execution of up to five block parties during the 2024 season, with each event potentially impacting numerous residents through social engagement and shared experiences. The program's theory of change posits that by providing direct support for community-led initiatives, residents will be more empowered to take an active role in shaping their neighborhoods, leading to more cohesive and supportive local environments.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa has established the Women's Fund Grant Program with the mission to support organizations and programs that benefit women and girls in Black Hawk County. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's broader goal of fostering long-term change and addressing critical issues within the community. The grant specifically targets issues that lead to systemic change for women and girls, aiming to create lasting positive impacts rather than just providing short-term aid. The primary beneficiaries of this program are women and girls residing in Black Hawk County, Iowa. The grant seeks to achieve significant impact by focusing on several key areas. These include enhancing leadership, cognitive, and knowledge skills through education and literacy programs; identifying and addressing healthcare issues specific to women and girls, encompassing mental, emotional, and physical health; providing concrete assistance for women and girls dealing with poverty and homelessness to help them secure housing and move out of poverty; and focusing on the safety of women and girls through violence prevention efforts in homes, schools, and communities. The Women's Fund Committee prioritizes grant requests based on several criteria to maximize its strategic impact. Top priority is given to requests that address barriers to racial equity and work to reverse systems of racism for women and girls in Black Hawk County. Additionally, the committee favors requests that address critical and urgent needs with solution-based approaches, demonstrate effective programming with significant direct impact, show innovative approaches to advancing women's and girls' growth and success, and leverage other funding or community support to amplify the grant's reach. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets within the provided text, the focus areas and funding priorities imply a commitment to creating tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls. The "long-term change" emphasis suggests a strategic theory of change centered on addressing root causes of inequality and vulnerability. By funding initiatives in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and safety, the foundation aims to empower women and girls, improve their overall well-being, and contribute to a more equitable and supportive community environment in Black Hawk County.

This funding initiative provides microgrants to underrepresented artists and makers in Frederick County, Maryland, to support revenue-generating projects that enhance their marketing and online presence.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations to collaborate on improving oral health care access for seniors in underserved communities across select Southern states.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local government units in McLean County, Illinois, to enhance health and well-being initiatives that address health equity and social determinants of health for underserved populations.

The Catholic Foundation of Michigan's grant program is designed to inspire charitable giving and support Catholic parishes, schools, and nonprofit organizations. The Foundation's core mission is to assist donors in investing in the future of these entities by providing grants that align with Catholic teachings and serve communities primarily in Michigan. The program seeks to empower organizations whose values and behaviors are consistent with Catholic principles, ensuring that funded projects contribute to the broader goals of the Catholic faith community. The grant program targets a wide range of beneficiaries within the Catholic sphere, including Archdiocesan, religious, or parish-sponsored nonprofit organizations, local nonprofit organizations adhering to Catholic Social Teaching, and various Catholic educational and formation initiatives. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the Catholic community in Michigan by addressing vital social service needs, fostering vibrant parish life, and enhancing Catholic education and spiritual development across all ages. The program aims to create a strong, welcoming, and supportive environment for individuals to encounter Christ and grow in their faith. The Foundation focuses its grants on three major areas: Empowering Social Outreach, Building Vibrant Parish Life, and Fostering Catholic Education and Formation. In social outreach, the priority is to respond to essential social service needs such as food, shelter, and medicine, leveraging both internal and external organizations aligned with Catholic Social Teaching. For vibrant parish life, the focus is on creating welcoming Catholic parishes, supporting resource development for community outreach, and encouraging training and new staff positions. In Catholic education and formation, priorities include supporting innovative faith formation, fostering high-quality ministries for various age groups, improving access to parochial schools, and promoting leadership development. The expected outcomes of the grant program are multifaceted, aiming for tangible improvements in the communities served. Measurable results could include increased access to social services for vulnerable populations, enhanced participation and engagement in parish activities, and improved quality and accessibility of Catholic educational and spiritual development programs. The Foundation's strategic priorities are rooted in the Gospel call to serve others, the importance of the parish as a faith community's home, and the value of lifelong Catholic education and formation. This theory of change suggests that by investing in these key areas, the Foundation can contribute to a more robust, compassionate, and spiritually enriched Catholic presence throughout Michigan.

The **Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina** offers **Immediate Needs Grants** to support organizations that address the most pressing and basic needs of individuals and families experiencing poverty across South Carolina. These grants are intended to help nonprofits provide direct services and essential resources that contribute to stability, dignity, and improved quality of life. By funding programs that deliver immediate relief and empower long-term self-sufficiency, the foundation continues its mission of reducing poverty and fostering compassion-driven community change throughout the state. Grants in this category are awarded to organizations delivering programs that meet needs related to **life and health**, **education and skills**, and **access and participation**. Examples of eligible initiatives include programs offering food assistance, mental health support, healthcare access, housing, literacy education, vocational training, affordable childcare, or transportation services. Each grant provides **$5,000** in funding, and **Cycle II Immediate Needs Grants** specifically target organizations with annual operating budgets of **$500,000 or more**, ensuring that established service providers have resources to meet urgent community challenges. The foundation evaluates applicants based on their demonstrated impact, community engagement, and accountability. Eligible organizations must identify and fill gaps in local resources, gather and apply participant feedback, and define clear measures of program success. Funded programs must have a direct and immediate effect on people’s daily lives, improving access to essential services and strengthening participants’ ability to thrive despite economic hardship. The grants aim to support both the continuity and expansion of programs that have proven effectiveness in addressing the complex realities of poverty. Eligibility is limited to organizations operating **within South Carolina** that have been established for at least one year. The foundation does not fund individuals, capital campaigns, scholarships, or organizations whose missions do not directly address poverty. Instead, it focuses on nonprofits that demonstrate strong community relationships, responsiveness to local needs, and an ability to deliver measurable outcomes tied to human well-being. Through the Immediate Needs Grant program, the Sisters of Charity Foundation reaffirms its enduring commitment to serving South Carolinians with compassion and equity. By supporting programs that meet basic needs while fostering education, access, and health, the foundation works toward its broader vision—a South Carolina where all individuals have the opportunity to live with dignity, security, and hope.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, tribal governments, and non-profit organizations in Arizona to enhance urban and community forestry initiatives that promote tree planting, care, and climate resilience.

This funding opportunity supports Florida-based nonprofit organizations working to combat food insecurity through community-driven solutions that improve access to nutritious food for underserved populations.

The "Building Healthy Communities: Reducing Health Disparities in Elementary Schools" program, funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, is a school-based initiative designed to address the social determinants of health contributing to widespread disparities across Michigan communities. This program aligns with a broader mission to foster healthier environments and reduce health, education, and economic disparities at the elementary school level. It recognizes the critical link between social determinants and a child's overall well-being and academic success, positioning schools as key environments for intervention. The primary beneficiaries of this program are elementary school children, educators, and the broader school community within districts most affected by health, education, and economic disparities in Michigan. The impact goals are multifaceted, aiming to facilitate healthier school environments, assist educators in recognizing and addressing issues of trauma in children, improve children's mental health, and ultimately increase school attendance and academic achievement. By focusing on these areas, the program seeks to create a more supportive and equitable learning environment for all students. The program's priorities and focuses include providing necessary resources and professional development to educators. This involves equipping them with the tools to identify and respond to trauma, promote mental well-being, and implement strategies that enhance overall school health. The core strategy is to engage entire school districts, from central administrators to individual teachers, to ensure a comprehensive and sustained commitment to the program's objectives. This district-wide approach is crucial for integrating the program effectively into the existing educational framework. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a significant improvement in children's mental health, a demonstrable increase in school attendance, and enhanced academic achievement. The program also aims to create measurably healthier school environments and reduce the impact of trauma on children's education. While specific metrics are not detailed, the emphasis on state and national data to identify and recruit participating districts suggests a data-driven approach to tracking progress and demonstrating impact on reducing disparities in health, education, and the economy within targeted communities.

This grant provides funding to North Dakota organizations for tailored workforce initiatives that address regional employment challenges, including talent attraction, retention, and infrastructure investments.

The Scherman Foundation's Core Fund Arts Program in New York City supports a diverse range of professional performing arts organizations and a limited number of visual arts groups. The program prioritizes excellence and innovation, providing general operating support to empower artistic leaders with flexible funding. It aims to enrich the city's spirit, create sustainable communities, impact social wellbeing and cohesion, and serve as an economic engine while attracting emerging and established artists and art lovers from around the world. The program supports small groups dedicated to the work of a single artist, larger producing entities, museums, and organizations that sustain the creative life.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) offers the Environmental Sustainability Grant Program to support and enhance the environmental sustainability of the Greater Cincinnati region. This aligns with GCF's mission to increase accessibility and quality of greenspaces, conservation, horticulture, and nature education, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity for historically marginalized groups. The program aims to address environmental disparities and promote equitable access to nature's benefits. The primary beneficiaries of this program are organizations whose efforts are based in the Greater Cincinnati region, specifically within the counties of Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont in Ohio; Boone, Kenton, and Campbell in Kentucky; and Dearborn in Indiana. The program targets historically marginalized groups by prioritizing requests that connect them to the benefits of nature, including fresh food access and nature education, particularly for children and youth. The overarching impact goal is to foster a more environmentally sustainable and equitable region. The program prioritizes proposals that develop solutions with a racial equity lens, recognizing that environmental issues often disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Key focus areas include beautifying, creating, conserving, and restoring greenspaces, with a preference for those benefiting historically marginalized groups. Additionally, the program seeks to connect these groups to nature's benefits through various initiatives, such as increased fresh food access and nature education programming. Collaboration between well-aligned organizations is highly favored, as is an asset-based approach to the work. Expected outcomes include expanded or strengthened existing programs, successful capital improvements, the launch of new initiatives, and enhanced organizational capacity among grantee organizations. Proposals are expected to articulate clear and measurable outcomes, demonstrating how their efforts will contribute to the program's goals. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the general intent to increase accessibility and quality of greenspaces and nature education, the emphasis on "clear and measurable outcomes" suggests a commitment to tracking the tangible impact of funded projects. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its preference for organizations demonstrating partnerships, community alignment, insights from past results, and an asset-based approach, all contributing to a theory of change that values collaborative, data-informed, and community-centric environmental solutions with a strong equity focus.

This grant provides unrestricted funding to nonprofits in Washington state that are focused on advancing equity in healthcare, climate and agricultural justice, and education, particularly for marginalized communities.

This fellowship provides financial support and recognition to individuals in Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia who are dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional food practices and culinary heritage in the Appalachian region.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries in the Black Hills region to address critical community issues such as education, mental health, substance abuse, and food security.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to qualified nonprofits in the Metro Denver area to enhance their capacity and effectiveness through technical assistance activities.

The Louisiana Cultural Equity Arts + Creation Grant, supported by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, aims to bolster individuals involved in the creation, documentation, or exhibition of artwork that captures, interprets, documents, or preserves Louisiana's diverse cultures. This grant directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to support and promote the unique cultural heritage of Louisiana. By focusing on cultural equity, the program ensures that artistic endeavors reflecting the state's traditions and social fabric are sustained and celebrated. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individuals based in Louisiana who are engaged in artistic and cultural work. The program particularly encourages applications from ALAANA individuals (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American) and those from historically underrepresented groups who are driving positive and transformative social change within the context of Louisiana culture and traditions. The impact goal is to foster a vibrant and inclusive artistic landscape that truly reflects the state's diverse population and promotes cultural understanding and preservation. The grant prioritizes projects that deeply engage with Louisiana's cultures and traditions. It focuses on supporting artists and creators who are committed to reflecting, interpreting, documenting, or preserving these cultural elements through their work. A key emphasis is placed on projects that demonstrate the potential for positive and transformative social change, especially from underrepresented voices. The maximum grant amount an applicant can request is $7,500, with grants generally ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, and a duration of one year. Expected outcomes include the creation of new artworks, the documentation of significant cultural practices, and the exhibition of diverse artistic expressions that enrich Louisiana's cultural tapestry. Measurable results would involve the number of projects funded, the reach of the created or exhibited work within communities, and feedback from beneficiaries regarding the impact of the grant on their artistic practice and community engagement. The Jazz & Heritage Foundation's strategic priorities are implicitly demonstrated through this grant's focus on cultural preservation, equity, and community engagement, indicating a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to a more diverse, equitable, and culturally rich Louisiana. All funded programs must occur between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, and all grant funds must be spent within Louisiana, further ensuring that the investment directly benefits the state's cultural economy and artistic community.