Best Grants for Food Pantries in Indiana

Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation

The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation goes beyond food aid to create lasting change. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships and volunteer action, Stop Hunger tackles the root causes of food insecurity.

In 2025, Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and the Hunger Center awarded grants to 131 programs representing 118 communities in 37 states plus the District of Columbia. Collectively, these programs provided an estimated 22,000 backpacks full of shelf-stable food items for students to take home for the weekend or holidays when school meals are not served.

Since 2006, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has been a driving force behind weekend and holiday hunger relief for students across the U.S. Through support of food backpack programs, the Foundation partners with local food banks and schools to discreetly provide K-12 students with backpacks filled with nutritious, shelf-stable meals. These backpacks are distributed in safe, familiar settings – typically on the last school day before a weekend or school break – ensuring that all children who rely on free or reduced-price school meals don’t go hungry when school is out.

K-12 Backpack Grant

The K-12 Backpack Grant is an initiative launched by the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and administered in partnership with the Congressional Hunger Center to support community backpack programs. Grants of $1,000 will be issued to community organizations with established backpack feeding programs that provide students with shelf-stable, nutritious meals when school is out of session.

Joseph G Markoly Foundation Inc

When Joseph Markoly originally established the foundation more than thirty years ago, its focus was on Alzheimer’s and heart disease support, funded through a number of the larger national disease-related organizations. Over time the focus has shifted to helping small to mid-size organizations in our local communities which support children and seniors in a variety of effective ways. 

Markoly Foundation was established in honor of Joseph G. Markoly, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Joseph’s family was affected directly by both Alzheimer’s and heart disease having lost a family member to each condition. For that reason, the foundation dedicates a majority of their resources to providing grants to organizations that focus on the treatment of each of these diseases. In addition, Markoly Foundation supports a variety of programs dedicated to helping children and seniors by providing services, supplies, programs and research in areas impacting these demographics.

Joseph G. Markoly Foundation Grant Support for Elder Organizations

The Markoly Foundation takes pride in supporting local organizations that provide services for elders in our community. Seniors face a number of challenges that come with aging, especially when they don’t have loved ones who are able to assist them with their needs. We provide grants for a variety of senior-related programs from Caregiver Education and Support to Emergency Meal Delivery and Transportation Services.

We are dedicated to providing funding for local nonprofit programs that improve the quality of life for all, but particularly for the children and elders in our community.

Indiana food delivery and distribution nonprofits can access funding through Save Mart Cares to strengthen food access and youth and family support programs. Community-based organizations working on food access, hunger relief, and related services may apply for US $500 - US $10,000, including projects that enhance food pantry operations and infrastructure.

U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities operating food security or food distribution programs, including Indiana food pantries, can apply for Islamic Relief Usa’s Summer Food Service Program (SUN) 2026 funding to expand summer meal access for children. Grants support USDA-approved SUN sites, helping organizations start new sites, grow existing ones, or sponsor subgrantees.

Food pantries and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Indiana focused on food delivery, food security, refugee services, free healthcare clinics, or community development may be eligible for Turkey Distribution 2026. Grants from Islamic Relief Usa help U.S. partners host Thanksgiving turkey distributions, with at least 85% of funds going to direct services.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits, religious organizations, and public schools that distribute food to people in need can receive ongoing donations of unsold bread and baked goods through the Day-End Dough-Nation program. Panera Bread Foundation partners with food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and similar programs willing to pick up and distribute items weekly on a continuous basis.

Food pantries and other food retailers or food enterprises in Indiana can seek funding to expand healthy food access in underserved areas, support jobs, and strengthen low-income communities. Grants from Reinvestment Fund, through the Healthy Food Financing Initiative FARE Fund, offer US $20,000 - US $250,000 for planning or implementation projects, plus technical assistance.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters that are 501(c)(3) nonprofits can receive funding to purchase food or provide shelter for low-income and vulnerable people in eligible U.S. states. Focused on food access and shelter programs, UNICO Foundation supports established, community-based services; Indiana organizations may need to verify domicile requirements before applying.

Nonprofit organizations in Indiana providing food pantries, food distribution, or nutrition education can apply for Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation’s Fighting Hunger Grants, with awards up to US $10,000. U.S. and Canadian groups focused on direct food assistance, food rescue, or related nutrition education may be eligible for program or project support.

Whole Kids Foundation provides Indiana school districts with support to shift their meal programs from processed foods to scratch-cooked, fresh whole foods. Medium-sized, self-operated districts in the National School Lunch Program receive multi-year training, on-site assessments, strategic planning, and a Technical/Equipment Assistance Grant valued at up to US $250,000 per district.

Indiana food delivery and distribution nonprofits, especially wildlife conservation organizations, can access funding through the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation to tell powerful stories about their impact. The Storytelling Grant supports 501(c)(3)s and aligned for-profits in preservation, education, or wellness with awards of more than US $50,000 for communications and storytelling projects.

Focused on food access and basic needs, Ameriprise Financial invites Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for support for food pantries, food banks, meal programs, and related services. Eligible U.S.-based organizations must align with its Meeting Basic Needs or other focus areas and may receive priority if they actively engage Ameriprise volunteers.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in East Chicago that own or rent commercial property can apply for Foundations of East Chicago’s general operating grants, with awards up to US $12,500 for core expenses. Funding can cover lease or mortgage, utilities, office equipment, basic office supplies, service providers, contractors, and general maintenance, supporting food distribution and related community programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) food pantries and related charities in Indiana can seek support for food delivery, nutrition education, and housing stability programs. FDC Foundation supports improved nutrition for Americans, diabetes-related services, alternative health, education initiatives, and housing opportunities across the U.S., so Indiana organizations addressing hunger within these areas may be eligible.

Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek program funding for education, health, safety, food pantry, and community enrichment initiatives, including related equipment, materials, and space costs. Foundations of East Chicago supports measurable, outcomes-focused programs across areas like food distribution, mental health, job training, and youth enrichment, with awards up to US $35,000.

The Therapeutic Garden Grants program, sponsored by the National Garden Bureau, awards $7,500 annually to five selected therapeutic gardens, promoting health and healing through gardening. Organizations must have a defined therapeutic program for at least a year and a commitment to the garden for five years. Grants are co-funded by several partners, and winners are determined through a social media voting contest, ensuring community engagement and visibility for the gardens.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Nonprofit organizations in Indiana operating food banks, food delivery, or other proven anti-poverty services can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation; awards are typically more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or general support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s with audited expenses over $2 million and strong, scalable results for underserved populations may be eligible.

Hospitals, NICU programs, and charity organizations in Indiana and across the U.S. can seek funding to enhance support for families with infants in neonatal intensive care. Grants from Little Giraffe Foundation provide up to US $2,000 for items like gift bags, books, gas cards, food pantry support, and bonding supplies that may benefit NICU families served by food pantries.

Indiana food pantries and other community-focused 501(c)(3) charities, schools, churches, and government agencies can seek Spark Good Local Grants of US $250 - US $5,000 for projects serving their local Walmart or Sam’s Club service area. Grants from Wal-Mart Foundation help fund community needs like food pantries, elder services, animal shelters, and clean-up efforts across the U.S.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.