15 Best Food Grants for Non Profits [Requirements]

Non-profit organizations that focus on providing food assistance to vulnerable communities can face significant challenges in securing funding to support their programs. Thankfully, there are a variety of food grants available to non-profits that can provide them with the support they need to feed those in need. In this blog post, we’ll explore 15 food grants that are available to non-profit organizations.

Available Food Grants for Non-Profits

1. Feeding America Grant

Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. They offer grants to local food banks and other non-profits that work to address food insecurity. These grants can be used to support a variety of programs, including food distribution, community outreach, and nutrition education. Feeding America typically distributes grants through its network of regional food banks.

Eligibility:

• Be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is in good standing with the IRS.
• Have a primary mission of addressing hunger and food insecurity in your community.
• Be able to provide documentation of your non-profit status, financial stability, and programmatic impact.
• Use the grant funds to address hunger and food insecurity in a specific community.

How to Apply:

• Visit the Feeding America website and click on the “Grant Opportunities” link.
• Review the grant guidelines and eligibility criteria to ensure that your organization meets the requirements.
• If you meet the eligibility criteria, click on the “Apply Now” button to access the online application portal.
• Create an account in the online application portal and complete the application form.
• Provide all required documentation, such as your organization’s IRS tax-exempt status letter, financial statements, and programmatic impact data.
• Submit the application before the deadline, which is typically in the spring or fall.

2. No Kid Hungry Grant:

No Kid Hungry is a campaign launched by Share Our Strength, a non-profit organization that works to end hunger and poverty.

The No Kid Hungry grant provides funding to non-profit organizations that work to ensure that children have access to healthy food. The grant can be used to support a variety of programs, including summer meals, after-school meals, and school breakfast programs.

Eligibility

• Be a tax-exempt nonprofit organization or a government entity.
• Be located in the United States or its territories.
• Serve low-income children or families.

How to Apply

• Visit the No Kid Hungry website at https://www.nokidhungry.org/grants and review the available grant opportunities.
• Determine which grant is most appropriate for your organization’s needs and capacity.
• Submit an online application by the deadline. The application process typically involves providing information about your organization, the population you serve, and the specific project or program for which you are seeking funding.
• If your application is approved, you will receive a notification from No Kid Hungry with instructions on how to accept the grant and fulfill any reporting requirements.

It is important to note that No Kid Hungry has limited funding and competition for grants is high. Therefore, it is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements and to submit a strong application that clearly demonstrates how your organization’s work aligns with the mission of No Kid Hungry.

3. USDA Community Food Projects Grant:

The USDA Community Food Projects grant provides funding to non-profit organizations that are working to address food insecurity at the community level.

The grant can be used to support a variety of programs, including community gardens, food banks, and farmers’ markets. The program is particularly focused on supporting projects that promote healthy food choices and address food insecurity in low-income communities.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a CFP grant, your organization must:

• Be a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, a tribal organization, a public food program, or a government agency.
• Be located in the United States or its territories.
• Demonstrate experience in implementing food security projects that involve the community.

How to Apply

• Visit the USDA CFP website at https://www.nifa.usda.gov/program/community-food-projects and review the Request for Applications (RFA).
• Determine which grant category is most appropriate for your organization’s needs and capacity. The CFP offers both Planning grants and Implementation grants.
• Submit an application through the Grants.gov website by the deadline. The application process typically involves providing information about your organization, the population you serve, and the specific project or program for which you are seeking funding.
• If your application is approved, you will receive notification from the USDA with instructions on how to accept the grant and fulfill any reporting requirements.

4. Walmart Foundation Grant

The Walmart Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations that focus on hunger relief, healthy eating, and sustainable agriculture.

The grant can be used to support a variety of programs, including food pantries, meal programs, and community gardens. The Walmart Foundation has a particular focus on supporting programs that help people access healthy and affordable food.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Walmart Foundation grant, your organization must:

• Be a tax-exempt nonprofit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
• Operate in the United States, with a focus on the communities where Walmart operates.
• Have a specific project or program that aligns with the Walmart Foundation’s focus areas and grant priorities.

How to Apply

• Visit the Walmart Foundation website at https://corporate.walmart.com/grants and review the available grant opportunities.
• Determine which grant is most appropriate for your organization’s needs and capacity.
• Submit an online application by the deadline. The application process typically involves providing information about your organization, the population you serve, and the specific project or program for which you are seeking funding.
• If your application is approved, you will receive a notification from the Walmart Foundation with instructions on how to accept the grant and fulfill any reporting requirements.

5. Whole Foods Foundation Grant

The Whole Foods Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations that focus on healthy food access and nutrition education.

The grant can be used to support a variety of programs, including cooking classes, community gardens, and healthy eating initiatives. The Whole Foods Foundation has a particular focus on supporting programs that help underserved communities access healthy food.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Whole Foods Foundation grant, your organization must:

• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or a governmental entity.
• Work to increase access to healthy, fresh food and/or food education in your community.
• Be located in the United States or Canada.

How to Apply

• Visit the Whole Foods Foundation website at https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/ and review the available grant opportunities.
• Determine which grant is most appropriate for your organization’s needs and capacity. The Whole Kids Foundation offers several grant programs, including School Garden Grants, Honey Bee Grants, and Let’s Talk Food Grants.
• Submit an online application by the deadline. The application process typically involves providing information about your organization, the population you serve, and the specific project or program for which you are seeking funding.
• If your application is approved, you will receive notification from the Whole Foods Foundation with instructions on how to accept the grant and fulfill any reporting requirements.

6. Kellogg Foundation Grant

The Kellogg Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations that focus on improving children’s health and well-being, with a particular focus on addressing food insecurity.

The grant can be used to support a variety of programs, including school breakfast programs, community gardens, and nutrition education initiatives. The Kellogg Foundation is particularly focused on supporting programs that work to improve food systems and increase access to healthy food.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a Kellogg Foundation grant, your organization must:

• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or a governmental entity.
• Have a specific project or program that aligns with the Kellogg Foundation’s focus areas, which include healthy children, thriving communities, and racial equity.
• Be located in the United States or one of its territories.

How to Apply

• Visit the Kellogg Foundation website at https://www.wkkf.org/grantseekers and review the available grant opportunities.
• Determine which grant is most appropriate for your organization’s needs and capacity. The Kellogg Foundation offers several grant programs, including grants for community engagement, early childhood education, and racial equity.
• Submit an online application by the deadline. The application process typically involves providing information about your organization, the population you serve, and the specific project or program for which you are seeking funding.
• If your application is approved, you will receive notification from the Kellogg Foundation with instructions on how to accept the grant and fulfill any reporting requirements.

7. Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation Grant:

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations that focus on improving community health and well-being, including addressing food insecurity. The grant can be used to support a variety of programs, including healthy eating initiatives, nutrition education programs, and food banks.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation has a particular focus on supporting programs that work to improve the health of vulnerable populations, such as low-income families and communities of color. Eligibility and application requirements for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation grant are as follows:

Eligibility:

• Organizations must be registered as 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, governmental entities, or academic institutions.
• The organization must have a mission that aligns with the foundation’s goals of improving healthcare access, quality, and equity.
• The organization must have a track record of successfully implementing similar projects in the past.

Application Process:

• Review the grant guidelines and application instructions on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation’s website to ensure your organization’s eligibility.
• Submit a letter of inquiry (LOI) outlining your organization’s project and its alignment with the foundation’s goals.
• If your LOI is approved, you will be invited to submit a full grant application.
• The full grant application includes a detailed project description, budget, timeline, evaluation plan, and expected outcomes.
• The grant review process takes approximately 6 months from the LOI submission to the final decision.

8. Newman’s Own Foundation Grant:

The Newman’s Own Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations that focus on nutrition, food access, and hunger relief.

The grant can be used to support a variety of programs, including food banks, meal programs, and nutrition education initiatives. The Newman’s Own Foundation has a particular focus on supporting programs that help people access healthy and affordable food.

Eligibility:

• Organizations must be registered as 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, governmental entities, or academic institutions.
• The organization must have a mission that aligns with the foundation’s goals of improving healthcare access, quality, and equity.
• The organization must have a track record of successfully implementing similar projects in the past.

Application Process:

• Review the grant guidelines and application instructions on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation’s website to ensure your organization’s eligibility.
• Submit a letter of inquiry (LOI) outlining your organization’s project and its alignment with the foundation’s goals. The LOI must include a brief project description, budget, and anticipated outcomes.
• If your LOI is approved, you will be invited to submit a full grant application.
• The full grant application includes a detailed project description, budget, timeline, evaluation plan, and expected outcomes.
• The grant review process takes approximately 6 months from the LOI submission to the final decision.

9. Aetna Foundation Grant

The Aetna Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations that focus on improving community health, including addressing food insecurity. The grant can be used to support a variety of programs, including healthy eating initiatives, nutrition education programs, and food banks.

The Aetna Foundation also has a particular focus on supporting programs that work to improve the health of vulnerable populations, such as low-income families and communities of color.

Eligibility:

• Organizations must be registered as 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, governmental entities, or academic institutions.
• The organization must have a mission that aligns with the foundation’s goals of improving healthcare access, quality, and equity.
• The organization must have a track record of successfully implementing similar projects in the past.

Application Process:

• Review the grant guidelines and application instructions on the Aetna Foundation’s website to ensure your organization’s eligibility.
• Submit a letter of inquiry (LOI) outlining your organization’s project and its alignment with the foundation’s goals.
• If your LOI is approved, you will be invited to submit a full grant application.
• The full grant application includes a detailed project description, budget, timeline, evaluation plan, and expected outcomes.
• The grant review process takes approximately 3-6 months from the LOI submission to the final decision.

10. The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation Grant

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations that focus on providing hunger relief to children. The grant can be used to support a variety of programs, including meal programs, backpack programs, and food pantries.

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has a particular focus on supporting programs that help children access healthy and nutritious food.

Eligibility:

• Organizations must be registered as 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, governmental entities, or academic institutions.
• The organization must have a mission that aligns with the foundation’s goals of improving healthcare access, quality, and equity.
• The organization must have a track record of successfully implementing similar projects in the past.

Application Process:

• Review the grant guidelines and application instructions on the Aetna Foundation’s website to ensure your organization’s eligibility.
• Submit a letter of inquiry (LOI) outlining your organization’s project and its alignment with the foundation’s goals.
• If your LOI is approved, you will be invited to submit a full grant application.
• The full grant application includes a detailed project description, budget, timeline, evaluation plan, and expected outcomes.
• The grant review process takes approximately 3-6 months from the LOI submission to the final decision.

11. The Clif Bar Family Foundation Grant

The Clif Bar Family Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations that focus on promoting sustainable food systems, supporting family farms, and addressing food insecurity.

The grant can be used to support a variety of programs, including community gardens, food banks, and healthy eating initiatives. The Clif Bar Family Foundation has a particular focus on supporting programs that work to promote healthy and sustainable food systems.

Eligibility:

• Organizations must be registered as 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations or fiscally sponsored organizations.
• The organization must have a mission that aligns with the foundation’s focus areas of environmental protection and advocacy, promoting outdoor activity, and a sustainable food system.
• The organization must have a track record of successfully implementing similar projects in the past.

Application Process:

• Review the grant guidelines and application instructions on the Clif Bar Family Foundation’s website to ensure your organization’s eligibility.
• Submit an online application that includes a project description, budget, timeline, and anticipated outcomes.
• The grant review process takes approximately 2-4 months from the application submission to the final decision.

12. The Kraft Heinz Project Play Grant:

The Kraft Heinz Project Play Grant provides funding to non-profit organizations that focus on promoting healthy and active lifestyles for children.

The grant can be used to support a variety of programs, including sports and recreation programs, community gardens, and nutrition education initiatives. The Kraft Heinz Project Play Grant has a particular focus on supporting programs that help children access healthy food options.

Eligibility:

• Organizations must be registered non-profits, charities, or municipalities in Canada.
• The organization must work to promote community-based play or sports initiatives and play infrastructure projects.
• The organization must demonstrate a clear need for funding for play infrastructure or play-based programming.

Application Process:

• Review the grant guidelines and application instructions on the Kraft Heinz Project Play website to ensure your organization’s eligibility.
• Submit an online application that includes a project description, budget, timeline, and anticipated outcomes.
• The grant review process takes several months, with a public voting component.

13. The Community Foundation Grant:

Many local community foundations offer grants to non-profit organizations that focus on addressing food insecurity at the local level. These grants can be used to support a variety of programs, including food banks, meal programs, and community gardens.

Each community foundation may have different eligibility requirements and priorities, so it is important to research each foundation before applying.

Eligibility:

• Organizations must be registered as 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations or have a fiscal sponsor.
• The organization must have a mission that aligns with the foundation’s goals and priorities, which may vary by location and foundation.
• The organization must be based in the region or locality that the foundation serves.

Application Process:

• Research and identify the Community foundations or foundations that serve your region or locality.
• Review the grant guidelines and application instructions on the Community Foundation’s website to ensure your organization’s eligibility.
• Submit an online application or follow the instructions for paper applications, which may vary by the foundation. The application should include a project description, budget, timeline, and anticipated outcomes.
• The grant review process varies by the foundation and may take several months from the application submission to the final decision.

14. The Target Foundation Grant

The Target Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations that focus on supporting education, health, and wellness, including addressing food insecurity.

The grant can be used to support a variety of programs, including meal programs, food banks, and nutrition education initiatives. The Target Foundation has a particular focus on supporting programs that help underserved communities access healthy and affordable food.

Eligibility:

• Organizations must be registered as 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.
• The organization must have a mission that aligns with the foundation’s focus areas of education, arts, and social services.
• The organization must be located in or serve a community where Target operates stores.

Application Process:

• Review the grant guidelines and application instructions on The Target Foundation’s website to ensure your organization’s eligibility.
• Submit an online application that includes a project description, budget, timeline, and anticipated outcomes.
• The grant review process takes approximately 3-6 months from the application submission to the final decision.

15. The Coca-Cola Foundation Grant

The Coca-Cola Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations that focus on promoting healthy and active lifestyles, including addressing food insecurity.

The grant can be used to support a variety of programs, including nutrition education initiatives, community gardens, and healthy eating initiatives. The Coca-Cola Foundation has a particular focus on supporting programs that help people access healthy and affordable food.

Eligibility:

• Organizations must be registered as 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations or international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in countries where Coca-Cola operates.
• The organization must have a mission that aligns with the foundation’s focus areas of education, health and wellness, environmental sustainability, and enhancing communities.
• The organization must be able to demonstrate measurable and sustainable results.

Application Process:

• Review the grant guidelines and application instructions on The Coca-Cola Foundation’s website to ensure your organization’s eligibility.
• Submit an online application that includes a project description, budget, timeline, and anticipated outcomes.
• The grant review process takes approximately 6-12 months from the application submission to the final decision.