Food Access Emergency Grants

The Food Access Emergency Grants program, administered by the Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF), aims to address immediate food insecurity challenges in Chaffee County, Colorado. The initiative is part of CCCF's broader mission to support equitable, sustainable solutions in local communities through strategic grantmaking and resource sharing. CCCF promotes transparency and accessibility by publishing all grant opportunities on its official website, social media platforms, press releases, and newsletters. Organizations may subscribe to CCCF’s newsletter or reach out directly via email for further updates or inquiries. This emergency grant cycle was initiated in response to anticipated delays in the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which are expected to compound existing food insecurity across the region. CCCF created the Food Access Emergency Grants as a special cycle in 2025 to provide rapid-response funding to organizations actively addressing food access. With a total funding pool of $50,000, the program enables eligible food providers to request up to $5,000 to bolster their current efforts in feeding vulnerable populations. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and funds are disbursed quickly to maximize impact. Eligibility for this grant is limited to organizations actively operating food access programs within Chaffee County. This includes those running pantries, meal services, backpack food programs, or distributing food via partner agencies. Programs that are low-barrier—such as those not requiring membership—are given preference. Applicants must fall under one of several qualifying statuses, including 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6), churches, government entities, or programs under the fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c)(3) organization. Public-private partnerships are encouraged, but the primary applicant must meet one of the predefined eligibility statuses. The application process is straightforward and is facilitated through CCCF’s Grants Portal. Organizations must log in or create an account to begin the application. The application window opens on November 1, 2025, and closes on December 31, 2025. Required information includes project name, amount requested (up to $5,000), tax status, geographic reach of the program, types of food services provided, and the average number of people served. Applicants are also expected to describe their programs in detail, including food volume distributed, operational hours, and how the funding would expand their reach or effectiveness. Documentation requirements include a W-9 dated within the last three years. If applicable, fiscal sponsor agreements must be uploaded. Banking information for direct deposit is also requested, including a completed ACH form and a voided check to expedite payment if awarded. An agreement to the program’s nondiscrimination policy is mandatory; applicants who do not agree to this statement are deemed ineligible for funding. The CCCF team is available for support throughout the application process via their designated grants email. This emergency grant initiative does not currently recur annually, but CCCF suggests that the fund may be extended depending on evolving community needs, particularly if delays in SNAP distribution persist or fundraising efforts increase the available funding pool.