Food Pantry Grant

The Food Pantry Grant offered by the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation (CSCHF) is a strategic funding opportunity designed to improve access to nutritious food for residents across Michigan’s Copper Country. In partnership with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, CSCHF aims to support local nonprofit food pantries that serve Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties. This grant opportunity reflects the shared mission of both organizations to enhance community health outcomes by addressing food insecurity through strengthened pantry services and direct food assistance. Concept papers are currently being accepted, with a firm submission deadline of February 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. Applicants must submit a concept paper no longer than two pages outlining their project ideas, target populations, anticipated health outcomes, collaborative partners, and a summary budget with total requested funds. Only organizations that submit competitive concept papers will be invited to proceed to the full proposal stage. The total amount available through this grant round is $150,000, with no specified maximum for individual grant awards. Projects may focus on food supply acquisition, emergency or supplemental direct food assistance programs, or pantry capacity building—such as improvements to refrigeration, storage equipment, or other infrastructure enhancements. Eligibility for this grant is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that operate a food pantry or deliver direct food assistance. Organizations must be domiciled in and serve one or more of the four eligible counties. Additional criteria include compliance with IRS tax-exempt status, possession of a current Michigan charitable solicitation license unless exempt, submission of recent IRS Form 990 filings, and adequate financial review documentation. Organizations must also demonstrate sufficient capacity to carry out the proposed activities and reporting requirements. Local units of government, public education institutions, for-profit entities, individuals, and any organizations engaging in discriminatory practices or using funds for religious or political purposes are ineligible. Submissions must be emailed to [email protected] by the stated deadline. The concept paper should include key project details, including the need addressed, population served, expected outcomes, and how the project aligns with one or more of the foundation's priority areas: food supply, direct food assistance, and food pantry capacity building. All applicants should articulate measurable health outcomes and consider the project's long-term sustainability and potential to expand impact beyond the grant period. The review process is managed by the Grants Management Committee. Applicants whose concept papers are deemed promising will receive an invitation to submit a full proposal. Uninvited applicants will not be considered further in the current cycle. Important elements of a strong application include clarity in project goals, collaboration with community stakeholders, and the ability to connect proposed activities to tangible health improvements. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the foundation via email or by calling 906-523-5920. Supporting documents such as the Concept Paper Outline and the official Request for Concept Papers are available to guide prospective applicants. The foundation encourages early communication and clear articulation of project details to ensure alignment with its strategic goals and to optimize community benefit.

Clearly define need and impact; avoid jargon; show measurable health outcomes and collaboration; explain long-term sustainability.