Private Food and Nutrition Grants

The Ben and Jerry’s Foundation invites applications for its Equity and Justice Grant to support Vermont based, Vermont focused nonprofit organizations addressing racial, economic, social, and environmental disparities and injustice. The foundation seeks innovative programs that pursue fundamental change through a social justice and equity lens. Grants are up to 15,000 dollars, with an average award of about 10,000 dollars. Funding preference is given to efforts such as equity in education and early childcare, access to safe and affordable housing, criminal justice reform, workers’ rights, and equitable access to healthy and affordable food. Eligible applicants are Vermont based 501(c)(3) organizations or projects represented by a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent with total annual operating budgets under 350,000 dollars. The program does not fund requests that solely provide direct services, discretionary or emergency requests, schools, colleges or universities, individuals or scholarships, research or legal expenses, capital or endowment campaigns, government programs, businesses or associations, religious activities, one time events, other foundations or regranting organizations, or work outside Vermont. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the foundation’s process. Grant duration is not stated. Official information is available from the Ben and Jerry’s Foundation.

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.

The MainStreet Foundation annually donates $25,000 through its "25K For Kids" grant to a local non-profit organization in Maine. This initiative aims to benefit at-risk youth by focusing on providing life essentials such as food, shelter, and security. The grant application process starts on May 1st, with a final submission deadline of July 31st. Applications are reviewed in August, and three finalists are selected to present in person at the October Board meeting. The winner, along with runners-up, is announced in November. Organizations applying must demonstrate a clear positive impact on at-risk youth, aligning with the Foundation's priority for local organizations with sustainable budgets. Projects eligible for funding include after-school programs, mentoring, leadership development, literacy promotion, assistance with homelessness and family dynamics, mental health support, life-management skills, and more. The Foundation does not support general operating expenses, endowments, conferences, training, or facilities renovation. Multi-year requests or capital campaigns are also not supported. Grant recipients are requested not to apply for additional funding for at least 12 months from the conclusion of any previously funded projects.

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.

This grant provides funding to organizations working to improve environmental justice and community resilience in underserved areas of Arizona, California, Nevada, and Hawaii by addressing issues like air quality, water contamination, and public health disparities.

This funding supports Colorado newsrooms in organizing community engagement events to connect with diverse local residents, address their concerns, and foster trust between journalists and the communities they serve.

This grant provides financial support to schools, nonprofits, and municipal entities in Poultney and nearby communities for projects that enhance educational opportunities, family services, and community sustainability.

This grant provides financial support to faith-based organizations in the Greater Huntsville area that assist women and children with their basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter.