Best Hunger Grants

The Maryland Food and Agricultural Resiliency Mechanism Grant Program (MFARM) helps people who are food insecure to access the nourishment that they need, while providing a market for farmers to sell their products. The purpose of this program is to build food system resiliency by leveraging Maryland agricultural/seafood products and services to support the State's food banks and charitable emergency food providers to alleviate food insecurity.

The grant program allows Maryland's food banks, charitable emergency food providers and nonprofits to request funding to purchase agricultural/seafood products listed in the Certified Local Farm and Fish Program and deliver it to Maryland families in need throughout the year.

​​The funding priority is to purchase agricultural/seafood products listed in the Certified Local Farm and Chesapeake Invasive Species Provider Directory.

​Grant funds may also be used to fund the following activities;

• The transportation of agricultural/seafood products

About

Our Impact

At the Co-op we are mission-driven to serve our members, the community, and the environment that we call home. Learn about the programs and initiatives that we champion and the results of our work.

Apply for a Grant

Hunger Mountain Cooperative Community Fund financially supports businesses, organizations, and initiatives aligned with our mission.

Apply for a Hunger Mountain Cooperative Community Fund Grant

Hunger Mountain Co-op wants everyone to feel welcome, and we strive to be an inclusive and anti-racist community.

This year, we will consider requests for grants of $250 to $3,000 and will only fund projects that are designed to support local food systems, food access, and projects that address inequities in the local food system. For our purposes, the local food system includes farmers, producers, food shelves, and organizations working to make food accessible to our community. Your application will be reviewed by the HMCCF Committee and the Co-op’s Council. Scoring criteria is at the bottom of the application. Grants will be announced at our Annual Meeting in September. Submission deadline: Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

By submitting this application, if approved, you give permission to announce the grant award through area media sources and use your organization as a recipient of a HMCCF Grant in promotional material.

About the Indiana State Department of Agriculture

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was established as a state agency by the Legislature in 2005. ISDA reports to the Lt. Governor, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state.

Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant Program

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (“ISDA”), Division of Economic Development is seeking applications for the Indiana Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant Program (RFSI) to carry out projects that enhance the resilience of middle-of-the-food-supply-chain.  Applicants/Grantees applying for infrastructure program funding are permitted to claim indirect costs under the RFSI Program, not to exceed the 10% de minimis cap. Applicants/Grantees applying for special equipment-only funding are not eligible to claim indirect costs. ISDA encourages applications from woman or veteran owned businesses, socially disadvantaged businesses and historically underserved farmers, ranchers, and underserved communities.

Grant funding may not be used on meat, poultry, wild caught seafood, food for animal consumption or dietary supplements. If these items are included in your project, your project must clearly define what percentage of your project will include these items and you must be able to demonstrate that no grant or matching funds are used for those portions of the project.

Projects must choose ONE of two project options: Option 1- Special Equipment Only; Option 2- Infrastructure Projects. You may not do both project options.

Option 1- Special Equipment Only

For this project pathway, grant funding requests must be between $10,000 and $100,000. The only eligible expense in the budget for this project is the special equipment to be purchased. The equipment does not have to be American made and can be a used piece of equipment as long as the equipment is in good, working order. You may not include training for the piece of equipment in the budget. You may include installation of equipment if it is included in the quote and does not require construction of the space the equipment will be placed in. Matching funds are not required for Special Equipment Only projects. 

About the Indiana State Department of Agriculture

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was established as a state agency by the Legislature in 2005. ISDA reports to the Lt. Governor, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state.

Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant Program

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (“ISDA”), Division of Economic Development is seeking applications for the Indiana Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant Program (RFSI) to carry out projects that enhance the resilience of middle-of-the-food-supply-chain.  Applicants/Grantees applying for infrastructure program funding are permitted to claim indirect costs under the RFSI Program, not to exceed the 10% de minimis cap. Applicants/Grantees applying for special equipment-only funding are not eligible to claim indirect costs. ISDA encourages applications from woman or veteran owned businesses, socially disadvantaged businesses and historically underserved farmers, ranchers, and underserved communities.

Grant funding may not be used on meat, poultry, wild caught seafood, food for animal consumption or dietary supplements. If these items are included in your project, your project must clearly define what percentage of your project will include these items and you must be able to demonstrate that no grant or matching funds are used for those portions of the project.

Projects must choose ONE of two project options: Option 1- Special Equipment Only; Option 2- Infrastructure Projects. You may not do both project options.

Option 2- Infrastructure Projects

For this project pathway, grant funding requests must be between $100,000 and $3 million. Matching funds of 50% of the total project cost are required unless the applicant qualifies as a Historically Underserved Farmer or Rancher by the USDA standards or a Socially Disadvantaged Business, Women Owned or Veteran Owned business by SBA standards (See Section A for definitions), then you qualify for a 25% match of the total project cost. Infrastructure projects may include, but are not limited to: construction, transportation, equipment, training, renovation, or expansion. Please contact ISDA if you have questions regarding eligibility of your infrastructure project.

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) serves as the chief steward of the state’s natural resources – from beautiful Narragansett Bay to our local waters and green spaces to the air we breathe. Our mission put simply is to protect, restore, and promote our environment to ensure Rhode Island remains a wonderful place to live, visit, and raise a family. 

Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI)

The purpose of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) is to develop and administer state-coordinated initiatives to build resilience across the middle of the State’s food supply chain for food crops. Funds will support expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy, grains for consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry. DEM will work in partnership with USDA to make competitive sub-award investments in middle of the supply chain infrastructure (Infrastructure Grants) to domestic food and farm businesses and other eligible entities.

Cost Share or Match Required

Infrastructure Grant Recipients are required to contribute 50% of the total proposed project cost as a match to federal funding. This applies to all applicants except those who qualify for the reduced match described below.  

For historically under-served farmers and ranchers, or for other businesses that qualify under SBA categories of Small disadvantaged business, women-owned small business, or veteran-owned small business, the required match funding Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant (RFSI) contribution or cost share is reduced to 25% of the project cost. 

What Can I Use the Funding for?

RFSI will focus on funding Infrastructure Grant activities in each State that:

• Expand capacity for processing, aggregation and distribution of agricultural products to create more and better markets for producers;
• Modernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems;
• Enhance worker safety through adoption of new technologies or investment in equipment or facility improvements;
• Improve the capacity of entities to comply with federal, state, and local food safety requirements;
• Improve operations through training opportunities;
• Support construction of a new facility;
• Modernize or expand an existing facility (including expansion and modifications to existing buildings and/ or construction of new buildings at existing facilities);
• Construction of wastewater management structures, etc.;
• Modernize processing and manufacturing equipment; and
• Develop, customize, or install equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases efficiency in water use, improves air and/or water quality, and/or meets one or more of USDA’s climate action goals.

About Us

At the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), we are dedicated to our mission of serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. As the largest executive branch agency in the state, our broad reach allows us to provide essential, community-based support where and when it matters most. Our DPHHS team is passionate about improving our clients’ lives and helping them build a more secure and independent future.

Food Farmacy Project

Support food insecure patients to access food resources. Using a team-based care approach, a clinic will partner with a local food pantry to improve access to healthier food for patients with high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol. Funds cannot be used to directly purchase food.

About the Montana Department of Commerce

Every day, staff at Commerce work alongside private industry and local organizations to create jobs, grow businesses, provide affordable housing and improve community infrastructure.

The economy of the Treasure State continues to grow and diversify. Studies rank Montana as the number one place in the country to start a business. Plus, our workforce has earned some of the highest rankings in both trade and technical skills by having one of the highest STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) concentrations in the country.

Public and Community Facilities

Public and Community Facility Grants

Montana's CDBG Public and Community Facilities grants help local governments fund construction or rehabilitation of infrastructure and facilities that primarily benefit low- to moderate-income (LMI) Montanans, i.e. individuals earning less than 80% of the area median income. These projects can target LMI residents and provide direct benefits by improving or creating access to suitable living environments or necessary services, or these projects can provide an area-wide benefit to the entire community as long as at least 51% of the project’s beneficiaries are determined to be LMI. 

Certain projects such as senior centers, food banks, homeless shelters, youth homes, or head start centers are presumed to serve a limited clientele that is primarily LMI. Therefore, determining exactly what percent of project beneficiaries qualify as LMI is not required. Other projects, such as a wastewater improvements or water treatment improvements provide benefits to the entire community and are considered to have area-wide benefit because both LMI and non-LMI residents are served. Therefore, applicants must document at least 51% of the project’s beneficiaries qualify as LMI for projects considered to have an area-wide benefit.

The South Carolina Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) aims to enhance the health of individuals aged 60 and above by providing nutritious USDA food packages. Administered by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, the program helps eligible participants with limited income access essential nutrients. Local agencies distribute food and offer nutrition education while connecting them to additional support services like SNAP and Medicaid. This initiative addresses dietary deficiencies in the senior population of South Carolina.

Baltimore Community Foundation

Mission: Inspire donors to achieve their charitable goals from generation to generation and to improve the quality of life in the Baltimore region through grantmaking, enlightened civic leadership, and strategic investments.

Kaiser Permanente’s Social Health Impact Fund

Unmet social needs such as lack of food, housing, or transportation are barriers to health and well-being. Addressing these needs is an integral part of quality care. As an integrated health system committed to total health, Kaiser Permanente not only provides excellent medical care and support for mental health and wellness, we are also addressing the social health needs of our members and communities. To help address unmet social needs, Kaiser Permanente, in partnership with Unite Us, has deployed the Mid-Atlantic Community Network – a social service resource locator that integrates clinical and social care and is supported by data integration and partnership with community.

Ecolab Foundation

Ecolab Foundation is a philanthropic arm of Ecolab dedicated to advancing community well-being through programs that promote education, environmental stewardship, and public health. Its mission is to create positive social impact by supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and foster sustainable development.

The foundation’s primary areas of engagement include educational programs that enhance learning and workforce readiness, environmental projects that encourage conservation and sustainability, and health-related initiatives that improve hygiene and safety. It focuses on partnerships that deliver measurable benefits and long-term impact.

Ecolab Foundation operates primarily within the United States while also supporting global initiatives aligned with its corporate responsibility goals. Its geographic scope reflects a commitment to addressing local community needs and contributing to broader sustainability efforts.

The foundation collaborates with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community-based groups. It prioritizes partnerships that demonstrate strong governance, clear objectives, and alignment with its mission of education, health, and environmental responsibility.

Ecolab Match Program

Ecolab established the Volunteer and Community Relations programs to encourage and reward Ecolab employee and alumni involvement in the communities where people live and work. There are three programs including the Board Leadership Volunteer Grant.

Board Leadership Volunteer Grant

Ecolab will donate up to $500 USD annually to a qualifying 501(c)3 organization (some restrictions apply) for which an eligible person serves on the Board of Directors. 

Focus Areas of Giving

• Youth and Education: programs that promote youth development, particularly for programs that ensure all students are successful
• Civic & Community Development: affordable housing, work readiness, crisis assistance and hunger relief
• Environment & Conservation: hands-on environmental learning programs, environment and conservation organizations
• Arts & Culture: arts education for children and youth as well as support for museums and the performing arts

The FY 2026 SNAP Earnings Verification Support Grant by USDA's Food and Nutrition Administration aims to enhance food assistance programs by supporting State agencies in verifying earned income electronically. With a funding pool of up to $38 million, the grants will help states explore various income verification services. This initiative is vital for improving the efficiency of SNAP operations and ensuring that eligible applicants receive the assistance they need effectively over a 24-month period.

The Alliance for Health Equity

The Alliance for Health Equity pursues its mission through grantmaking, providing scholarships, building partnerships and being catalytic to spark new initiatives where they are needed the most. Our ultimate goal is to improve the health, social, emotional, economic conditions among children, teens, and families in the Coatesville Area School District.

The Seed-And-Scale Match Fund

The Seed-And-Scale Match Fund is a signature funding initiative of The Alliance for Health Equity (AHE) that supports community-based organizations working to address key social determinants of health in Greater Coatesville. Seed-And-Scale is designed to help organizations launch new ideas, strengthen existing programs, and scale solutions rooted in community need and lived experience.

The Seed-And-Scale Match Fund supports both emerging initiatives and established models that reduce systemic barriers, expand access to essential resources, and strengthen pathways to long-term community impact. 

Focus on Social Determinents of Health (SDoH)

• Healthcare Access and Quality: Access to affordable, culturally responsive healthcare services including physical, behavioral, and preventive care that support wellness across the lifespan. 
• Education Access and Quality: Access to high-quality learning environments, academic support, and enrichment opportunities which enable children and youth to thrive. 
• Neighborhood and Built Environment: Safe, stable physical environments including housing and food access that support healthy living and community stability. 
• Social and Community Context: Strong relationships, supportive networks, and community engagement that foster belonging, resilience, and collective well-being. 
• Economic Stability: Strong relationships, supportive networks, and community engagement that foster belonging, resilience, and collective well-being. 

Aid to Agencies

About the Program

The Arapahoe County Aid to Agencies (A2A) Program provides financial support to nonprofit organizations delivering essential services to Arapahoe County residents. Established in 2008 by the Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners, the program was created to address critical community needs through strategic partnerships with local nonprofit providers.

Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $30 million to nonprofits serving residents across the county. 

For the 2026–2027 funding cycle, approximately $3,079,500 in General Fund support will be available, including designated allocations for safety net providers. 

In 2025, the program framework was updated to align with Arapahoe Forward and strengthen transparency, accountability, measurable outcomes, and alignment with community-identified needs. The updated framework prioritizes investments that address documented service gaps and improve quality of life for Arapahoe County residents.

Safety net providers are nonprofit organizations that deliver essential services to vulnerable or underserved populations. These organizations are typically distinguished by one or more of the following: 

• Serving as the sole or primary provider of a critical service  
• Offering services that do not duplicate existing County programs  
• Addressing high-need and high-impact service areas with demonstrated community demand  

Organizations currently designated as safety net providers: 

• Three Birds Alliance (formerly Gateway Domestic Violence Services)  
• Aurora Mental Health Center & Recovery – Detox Services  

These organizations receive direct base funding outside of the competitive application pool.

MGM National Harbor Charitable Grant

We believe that corporations have the responsibility and the resources to affect the world’s most pressing economic, social and environmental issues. The growth and success of our company depends on the business decisions that we make, and the ways in which we harness our influence for good. Through our monetary, in-kind and volunteerism support, we invest in charitable organizations that focus on five critical issues.

• Education: K-12 public education, public colleges and universities, community colleges
• Fighting Hunger: Programs that provide access and nutritious meals for food-insecure individuals and families within the community.
• Health and Wellness: Programs that encourage a healthy lifestyle and improve one’s well-being while reducing social and health challenges.
• Workforce Development: Educational and training programs that align with our business and prepare individuals for sustainable career opportunities.
• Environmental Sustainability: Programs that improve the quality of our environment and promote sustainability through education, stewardship of community ecosystems, conservation and beautification.

*Before submitting a request for support, please see our eligibility requirements below. Incomplete forms and those with missing documentation will not be considered. Each request must be submitted no later than 45 days prior to your sponsorship deadline. Please, no phone calls or emails.

We fund work that:

• Has a clear strategy
• Can be effectively measuredto evaluate success
• Approaches challenges witha commitment to long-term change
• Builds an inclusive anddiverse community
• Uses innovation to addressa social issue

Commodity Supplemental Food Program

1.2 Program Description

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a federally funded grant program of the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The grant is administered through the Minnesota Department of Health in the Supplemental Nutrition Program section of the Child and Family Health division.

CSFP provides a monthly food package of USDA commodity foods to augment the diets of those who are 60 years of age and older, of low income and considered to be at nutritional risk.

Subject to the availability of federal funds, MDH awards grants to qualified local agencies to operate the program in designated geographic service areas within the State.

The Food is Medicine Infrastructure Initiative aims to combat chronic diet-related diseases among underserved populations in Delaware by providing medically tailored meals, food prescriptions, nutrition education, and care coordination. This program addresses food insecurity and its associated health disparities, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing hospitalizations for individuals with co-morbidities. By integrating nutrition into clinical care, the initiative supports self-management of chronic diseases and enhances overall community health.

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

FFY 2027 FoodShare Outreach Partner Solicitation

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) relies on its partnerships with state and local agencies, advocates, employers, and community- and faith-based organizations to help conduct outreach to low-income people who are not currently enrolled in FoodShare but may be eligible for the program. Under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Outreach Program, administrative costs for FoodShare outreach may be eligible for reimbursement at a rate of 25% of the expenditures. Partners are encouraged to submit outreach project proposals to DHS each year for reimbursement consideration under the SNAP Outreach Program.

United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG)

United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG) is committed to fighting for the education, financial stability, and basic needs of everyone in Central Kentucky. Through the work of UWBG programs, grant-funded programming, and our nonprofit partners, we’re making great strides toward creating a thriving community where everyone can prosper.

Safety Net Grants

The safety net grant funding threshold will be $20,000 and will continue to provide essential support to individuals and families facing an immediate crisis. (The single county basic needs grant threshold was $10,000 previously.) The focus on safety net services is a more refined approach from the wide lens of basic needs. By eliminating regional basic need grants, funding becomes more targeted, ensuring equitable grant distribution across counties. (Six-month Single County Safety Net grant application available now)

2026 Safety Net Grants – Investment Focus

Food Access & Nutrition Support:

• Food Pantry - Provides groceries for home preparation, typically including canned goods, grains, and other basic staples, to address short-term food insecurity.
• Weekend/Backpack Programs for Youth - Distributes easy-to-prepare food to children who lack reliable meals outside school days.
• Senior Nutrition Programs - Home-delivered or congregate meals targeted to older adults to prevent hunger and isolation.
• Infant & Toddler Nutrition Support - Provides formula, baby food, and nutrition supplies for households with young children.
• Community Kitchens / Congregate Meals - On-site meals are served at faith-based or nonprofit facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty.

 Housing Stabilization & Eviction Prevention

• Provides short-term financial assistance and limited supportive services to clients to prevent eviction or quickly stabilize households at risk of homelessness (including domestic violence housing stabilization). Primary focus is rent payment assistance, with flexibility for related costs (utilities, deposits, arrears, application fees) when directly tied to maintaining or securing housing.

Community Greenhouse Grant

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to fund projects that will deliver the greatest measurable benefit by enhancing food production opportunities through investments in shared, educational-use, durable greenhouses. This RFA provides instructions on how schools, community centers, non-profit organizations, and other public entities may apply for one-time grant funding for durable greenhouse structures and associated siting and installation costs. 

Funding Available:

• DACF anticipates awarding up to $500,000 through this grant opportunity.

Award Range:

• Award ranges will be between $10,000 and $100,000

Black Hills Area Community Foundation

We collaborate with our community to strengthen the Black Hills region for everyone.

Our mission is to lead solutions, give with purpose, and thrive together.

We invest in nonprofits, help donors enjoy giving, and manage initiatives to address key issues. We’re the only Community Foundation solely focused on serving the Black Hills area, spanning Butte, Meade, Lawrence, Pennington, Custer, Oglala Lakota, and Fall River counties.

As of 2026, Black Hills Area Community Foundation manages $100 million in assets and has invested more than $45 million in grants and scholarships since its establishment in 2006.

Rapid City Food Services Grant

The Rapid City Food Services Grant supports nonprofit programs that improve access to food for Rapid City residents living in under-resourced areas. The funding will strengthen and expand food services, including addressing gaps in charitable food access after 5 p.m. or on the weekends.

Priority will be given to applications serving areas of greatest concern identified in the Food Security Needs Assessment of Rapid City conducted by Augustana Research Institute. 

Eligible Projects

Applicants can apply for up to $25,000 to support activities in one or both of the following categories:

1. Equipment and infrastructure that establishes, expands, or strengthens services.

• Examples include refrigerators or freezers, signage, vehicles for food transport, storage capacity improvements, or construction costs related to food service expansions.

Funding & reporting structure: Grants for equipment will be awarded through a one-time award. Grantees will be required to attend an in-person meeting or phone conversation within 30 days following the completion of the grant year.

2. Staff or volunteer support to strengthen service availability on evenings or weekends over a three-year period.

Applications must include a plan to expand services to include at least one evening or weekend time slot per week over a three-year period.

• For example, an annual staff stipend or support for volunteer coordination allows a food pantry to expand their hours to include a 3-hour shift on Saturdays.
• For example, staff or volunteer support that increases access to supermarkets or food pantries in the evenings or on weekends.

Funding & Reporting Structure: Grants in this category could be awarded over a period of three years, renewed annually. In this case, the grantee will be responsible for tracking the success of the expansion. Each year, BHACF will check in with the grantee to understand outcomes of the expansion.

Sustainability: Requests for staff or volunteer support must address the long-term sustainability of the expansion. If the service is successful, BHACF will consult with the grantee to determine a plan to sustain the expansion. 

Equitable Food Access Initiative: Healthy Corner Stores RFA

The Department of Health (DC Health) is requesting proposals from qualified applicants to implement evidence based or evidence informed strategies that increase food access and improve food environments for District residents through corner stores.

The purpose of this funding is to improve food access and food environments in communities experiencing inequities that contribute to food insecurity. The District of Columbia, Department of Health (DC Health), Community Health Administration (CHADistrict of Columbia to implement evidence-based, multi-level interventions designed to improve food environments, food access, and food security for vulnerable residents across the lifespan.

The total funding amount of up to $750,000 is anticipated for one (1) award for the first budget period

Equitable Food Access Initiative: Produce Incentives

The total funding amount of $2,100,000 is anticipated for one (1) award for the first budget period. 

The mission of DC Health is to promote and protect the health, safety, and quality of life of residents, visitors, and those doing business in the District of Columbia. The agency is responsible for identifying health risks; educating the public; preventing and controlling diseases, injuries, and exposure to environmental hazards; promoting effective community collaborations; and optimizing equitable access to community resources.

The Community Health Administration (CHA) within DC Health works to prevent the leading causes of death, protect and promote the health of mothers and children, and eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities. CHA’s approach targets multiple factors that influence health through evidence-based programs, policies, and systems change.

The purpose of this funding is to attract qualified applicants to implement evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies to increase food access and improve food environments for District residents with lower incomes through farmers’ market produce incentives.

Food insecurity impacts every town in America — rural, urban, and all the communities on every road in between. It affects all age groups — from children through seniors — including about one-third of college students. It happens for different reasons — a lost job, a natural disaster, a pandemic, and more.

Ann B. Zekauskas saw this food insecurity first-hand while volunteering in New York City soup kitchens, often on Thanksgiving. She knew that people go hungry every day — and that many food-insecure people are prone to obesity. Limited options often lead to food choices that are higher in calories, but lower in nutrition.

Whether it’s to aid a family that has fallen on hard times or to assist a community or a country during a crisis, we support food banks, neighborhood kitchens, and other hunger relief organizations to provide the next healthy meal to those in need.

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints make up a diverse community of people around the world with a shared faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ showed us that faith is more than a belief. When we put our faith into action and follow Christ’s example in all that we do, He can bring more joy and peace into our lives. This is the mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Utah Area Humanitarian Operations

Relieve Suffering – Instill Hope – Build Self-Reliance

Humanitarian Strategy

Across the Utah Area, many individuals and families are facing significant and growing challenges. We are deeply grateful for the many compassionate community leaders and dedicated organizations working to relieve suffering, instill hope, and build stability and self-reliance.

Starting in 2026, we are elevating and focusing our humanitarian activities by prioritizing a set of targeted initiatives – population-specific initiatives and service gap initiatives. These initiatives are designed to strengthen community support and make the greatest possible difference for those who need it most.

We will:

• Focus on vulnerable populations
• Address critical gaps hindering holistic service delivery
• Strengthen coordination between service providers
• Prioritize ‘catalytic’ projects that improve self-reliance
• Promote long-term outcome tracking

We will also collaborate with community organizations on a limited number of non-initiative projects. Tracking of specific outcomes aligned with Utah Area priorities – especially Housing and Food – will be required.

Population-Specific Initiatives

Workforce Development for Refugees & Immigrants

• Need: Growing risk of homelessness and negative family impacts due to high housing prices and a decline in government support
• Goal: Work with employers, refugee services, and education providers to offer credentialing, job placement, and wrap-around service support without destabilizing income
• Desired Outcome: Measurable increase in the number of refugees and immigrants earning sustainable living wages and retaining housing

Transitional Housing for Domestic Violence Victims and Homeless Youth

• Need: Severe shortage of service-rich housing that could prevent future homelessness and enable long-term recovery
• Goal: Support experienced organizations in quickly expanding transitional housing and wraparound services through affordable renovation projects
• Desired Outcome: Long-term retention of housing, income growth, and improvement in well-being and self-reliance indicators as assessed by case workers

Service Gap Initiatives

• Social Worker Workforce Expansion: We will collaborate with community organizations to provide scholarships, stipends, and employee retention support for current and prospective social workers to fill growing gaps in high-quality staff who provide wrap-around services and track outcomes.

• Pre- and Post-Homeless Community Support: We will collaborate with community organizations to establish ongoing follow-up support through case workers or volunteers after diversion or exit from shelter, with a focus on preventing a return to homelessness and long-term outcome tracking.

• Case Manager Support for Food Pantries: We will collaborate with community organizations to expand case management in high-volume food pantries to create a stronger funnel to needed wrap-around services and to better track progress towards self-reliance.

Humanitarian projects in the Utah Area follow a one-year cycle. Implementing organizations have up to 12 months to complete the project, beginning on the date the Church approves the project. Organizations receiving a humanitarian donation from the Utah Area are expected to help beneficiaries progress towards greater self-reliance. This includes connecting individuals with community resources and monitoring and reporting their progress. Organizations are expected to track and report outcomes and engage with collaborating organizations in an integrated systems/services model for project beneficiaries.

Shapiro Family Foundation

Founded in 2025, the Shapiro Family Foundation is committed to fostering a more equitable and thriving community in New Orleans by addressing disparities in hunger relief and championing education access and equity. The foundation partners with local nonprofits with deep connection to the communities they serve to help expand their reach, strengthen their programs and ultimately create lasting positive change throughout New Orleans. 

Funding Priorities

• Serve low-income or under-resourced populations.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and community trust.
• Have a track record of measurable outcomes.
• Embrace collaboration and community-informed approaches.

Seed Money Grants

Seed Money Grants will be awarded for a 12-month funding period for up to $10,000 for new or pilot programs. 

Shapiro Family Foundation

Founded in 2025, the Shapiro Family Foundation is committed to fostering a more equitable and thriving community in New Orleans by addressing disparities in hunger relief and championing education access and equity. The foundation partners with local nonprofits with deep connection to the communities they serve to help expand their reach, strengthen their programs and ultimately create lasting positive change throughout New Orleans. 

Funding Priorities

• Serve low-income or under-resourced populations.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and community trust.
• Have a track record of measurable outcomes.
• Embrace collaboration and community-informed approaches.

Operating Support Grants

Operating Support Grants will be awarded for a 12-month funding period for up to $10,000 for general operations.