Best Hunger Grants

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.

Capacity Building Grants

Capacity Building Grants will be awarded for a 12-month funding period for up to $20,000 for organizational development, staff training, or infrastructure. 

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Rural Champions Grant

Grant Details

The Rural Champions program will provide support needed to fill the gap in driving successes throughout Kansas when there is a lack of capital or the capacity of a dedicated individual to see a project through to completion.

Rural champions communities and organizations will be selected for this program and will receive a stipend to focus strategically on a critical need for their community for 1 year. Selected Champions will develop an implementation strategy for the identified community need in the first three months and then have until December 2028 to fully implement this strategy. In this application you will describe the needs in your community and how having a Champion will benefit your community.

Examples of eligible community projects include, but are not limited to:

• Rural grocery/food access
• Childcare
• Placemaking/Beautification/Art
• Trails/Recreation
• Entrepreneurship
• Co-Working/Maker space
• Health/Wellness
• Housing
• Broadband
• Regional talent recruitment

Match Requirement: 25% cash & in-kind ($5,200)

CDBG Public Services

Funding Opportunity Details

Approximately $1,210,432 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are available to cities and counties through the state of Iowa’s Public Services Program. All incorporated cities and all counties in the State, except those designated as HUD entitlement areas, are eligible to apply for and receive funds under this program. The Applicant will establish a subrecipient agreement with the participating nonprofit entity (“Subrecipient Partner”) for implementation of the program. Additionally, all Applicants & Subrecipient Partners must work with a Grant Administrator that complies with IEDA’s Certified Grant Administrator Policy (typically council of government or IEDA-approved consultant) to submit the application and conduct grant administration / project delivery.

The purpose of the Public Service Program is to support essential service providers, Homelessness Service Providers and Food Pantries, that address the most urgent and persistent needs of low- and moderate-income households in Iowa. By focusing resources on these high impact service areas, the program aims to support local safety nets, access to nutritious food, and individuals and families experiencing housing instability to improve community resilience. These investments complement broader CDBG goals by ensuring vulnerable Iowans receive the immediate services necessary to achieve long-term housing, health, and economic stability. 

Wawa Foundation

The Wawa Foundation is Wawa’s recently established 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded to encompass all of Wawa’s charitable giving. The Wawa Foundation is committed to fulfilling lives every day by building stronger communities.

The Wawa Foundation Hero Award

What does it mean to be a hero to our communities? The Wawa Foundation Hero Award honors a non-profit organization, and its volunteers, serving Philadelphia by providing services that build stronger communities through preserving our independence, protecting our safety and mentoring and inspiring our youth.

The Wawa Foundation would like to hear from your organization or an organization that has had a direct impact on you or someone you know. Let us know what being a hero means to your organization and how it’s working to inspire and improve the communities it serves.

Share your organization’s story – including its mission, purpose, and services – by completing the form below. You may also share a video (up to 4 minutes long) in addition to your story. We’ll select 4 of the most compelling stories for voting by the public. The organization with the most votes will be presented to The Wawa Foundation Hero Award Panel for final approval and determination.

The winning organization will receive a $50,000 grant from The Wawa Foundation, and three finalists will each receive a $10,000 grant. The Wawa Foundation Hero Award will be announced as part of the Wawa Welcome America! festivities.

The WWF Food Systems Fellowship aims to promote environmental sustainability and equitable food distribution by supporting researchers and practitioners in graduate studies. It fosters understanding of food systems' complexities at local and global levels, addressing climate change, biodiversity, and human health. The fellowship encourages innovative solutions through diverse partnerships, focusing on governance, technology, and community engagement. Eligible applicants from specific countries can apply for funding to enhance their expertise and contribute to transformative food system practices.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Hunger Relief, sponsored by the Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to combat food insecurity in rural communities. Grants between $1,000 and $20,000 are available for organizations supporting food banks, meal programs, and community gardens. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, this initiative prioritizes nonprofits with 501c3 status serving specific regions in the East and West. The program seeks to enhance the vibrancy of member-owner communities while fostering educational and community vitality.

The Wycliffe Charities Foundation, established in 1995, has invested over $3 million in local charities aiding those in need in Palm Beach County. In 2024, it provided $275,000 to organizations addressing issues such as abuse, hunger, and literacy challenges, as well as supporting individuals with autism. The foundation prioritizes a personal connection with recipient charities, ensuring funds are utilized effectively for defined projects that directly benefit the community.

The Paul & Helen Charitable Trust Grants focus on enhancing the lives of children and senior adults in Niagara and Erie Counties, NY, especially in the Black Rock/Riverside area. They support organizations providing essential services and promote public green space beautification. Grant amounts typically range from $10,000 to $25,000. Note that starting in 2026, requests will be considered every other year, emphasizing education programs, food insecurity, and respite care.

The Home Delivered Meals (Non-Formula and Formula) State Funding provides essential meal delivery services for homebound older adults in Illinois. This program, funded by the state as a matching share of federal funds, not only ensures that nutritious meals reach those in need but also allows volunteers to check on the welfare of the elderly. Eligible applicants include Area Agencies on Aging, government organizations, and nonprofit organizations.

The Big Bets Fellowship: Economic Opportunity in the United States is a transformative 4-month program designed to empower emerging leaders to tackle economic challenges head-on. With a focus on innovative solutions for job creation, affordable housing, and equitable access to resources, the fellowship equips participants with essential skills and a supportive network. The initiative aims to drive systemic change and promote sustainable economic prosperity, addressing inequalities while fostering resilient communities across the nation.

The John's Island Foundation (JIF) offers Core Grants annually to support capital needs of nonprofit agencies in Indian River County. Eligible agencies must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations that demonstrate a commitment to serving individuals facing challenges related to food, shelter, health, and education. JIF focuses on tangible capital improvements, ensuring that funds are used to enhance community services. This initiative reflects JIF's dedication to fostering a sustainable impact for those in need within the local community.

The Christopher Family Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations focused on employment, entrepreneurship, and food security, primarily in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. They aim to support pathways to family-sustaining wages, foster local entrepreneurship, and enhance food access. Eligibility includes organizations that demonstrate excellence, collaborative learning, and a commitment to the community. The foundation prefers programmatic support and does not fund individuals, governmental entities, or housing services. Overall, CFF seeks to empower the community and improve quality of life.

The Bargain Box of Hilton Head Grant, established in 1965, supports Beaufort County non-profits with cash grants derived from store sales. Operating as a 501(c)(3), it has contributed over $15.3 million to local charities, aiding in community activities related to education, health, and safety. Organizations must meet eligibility criteria, including having an active Board of Directors and a community focus. The grant fosters local engagement and supports a diverse array of charitable efforts.

The Embraer Foundation's (e)NVEST Community Grant program supports local initiatives addressing critical community needs in areas such as education, housing, food insecurity, and workforce development. With grants of up to $25,000 available, the program aims to create a positive impact in communities surrounding Embraer's facilities. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities that have been active for over a year, focusing on sustainable development goals aligned with the United Nations.

The Madison Visionary Partners Community Impact Mini-Grant supports local nonprofits seeking to enhance quality of life in Madison, Alabama. Grants between $500 and $2500 are available for projects in areas such as animal welfare, arts, education, health, and housing. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a direct impact and be based in Madison County. Ineligible requests include administrative operations, fundraising events, and religious programs. This initiative aims to foster community development and support local needs.

The Melrose Cooperative Bank Foundation Grant supports community service organizations in Melrose and surrounding areas. It focuses on education, health, human services, affordable housing, and general community support. Grants range from $250 to $10,000 and are available to 501(c)3 organizations. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants may reapply if previous submissions were denied due to missing information or relevance. The Foundation does not fund political activities or individual scholarships.

The MathWorks Community Grant supports nonprofit organizations that align with its social mission, focusing on education, community support, green initiatives, and global relief. Grants, ranging from $200 to $5,000, are awarded quarterly to eligible organizations serving local communities. Applicants must demonstrate their programs' alignment with MathWorks goals and provide a summary report post-funding. The program excludes support for religious, political, or fundraising activities, ensuring a focus on charitable endeavors.

The St. Boniface Episcopal Church Grant aims to assist non-profit organizations in continuing Christ's ministry. By fostering partnerships, it provides financial aid and encourages parish involvement in projects that address hunger, homelessness, and children's education. The grant prioritizes works of mercy consistent with the Baptismal covenant and emphasizes programs that promote community support and engagement, aiming to build lasting relationships with recipients to respond effectively to local and global needs.

The W.R. & Floy A. Sauey Family Foundation, established in 1998, aims to enhance community welfare through philanthropy. It prioritizes local charities that support child and family issues, particularly in areas where Nordic Group Member Companies operate. The foundation seeks to create lasting impacts by funding initiatives that directly benefit the families associated with these companies, fostering a stronger quality of life in the communities served.

The Adirondack Trust Community Fund's Lend-A-Hand Grants support local charities in Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties. With grants up to $3,000, they prioritize projects addressing civil rights, community services, education, and more. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and demonstrate a clear community need. The fund aims to efficiently allocate resources to impactful initiatives, ensuring that local needs are met effectively and sustainably.

The TSET Built Environment Grants, initiated by the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, aim to enhance public health in Oklahoma by funding projects that promote physical activity and nutrition. With a total funding of $4.6 million, eligible organizations can apply for grants to improve community infrastructure, including parks, fitness centers, and access to healthy food. This initiative focuses on reducing preventable deaths related to tobacco use and obesity, thereby improving overall health outcomes for Oklahomans.

The Anne Brossman Sweigart Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting local nonprofits in the Greater Denver and Ephrata areas. With a commitment to empowering the community, this foundation honors a legacy of over 90 years by providing financial assistance to various sectors including food banks, education, arts, and historical preservation. By uplifting these organizations, the foundation aims to create a lasting positive impact for future generations.

The Charis Fund Grant supports non-profit organizations in California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada, focusing on social welfare, health, and education. Grants range from $2,500 to $7,500, aimed at addressing issues such as housing, food insecurity, and support for at-risk youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and can apply every three years, with specific restrictions on funding for arts and political activities.

Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless offers the Community Impact Grant aimed at supporting organizations that assist individuals and families facing food and housing insecurity in Minnesota. The grant focuses on providing necessary tools and infrastructure to crisis service providers, particularly those helping the homeless. Agencies with 501(c)3 status located in Minnesota are eligible to apply, ensuring that resources are effectively directed to those in immediate need.

Florida Blue Corporate Giving focuses on enhancing community health through strategic partnerships with local nonprofits in Florida. Their contributions aim to address critical social determinants of health, including food security, health equity, and education. By supporting initiatives that foster economic stability and well-being, Florida Blue is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Floridians and creating lasting impacts in the neighborhoods they serve.

The Pikes Peak Region Grant, offered by The Moniker Foundation, provides nine grants of $10,000 each, totaling $90,000, to support organizations addressing critical needs in health, education, environment, and arts. Applicants must operate in designated counties, be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and focus on specific areas such as housing assistance, educational programming, and environmental conservation. This competitive grant emphasizes community engagement and prioritizes essential operating activities.

The Moniker Foundation's Southwest Region Grant offers $10,000 grants and $1,000 participation grants to eligible organizations in a competitive process. Applicants must operate within designated counties and be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity. The program emphasizes early childhood education, youth programming, food security, and environmental initiatives, with an in-person Pitch Day required for selected applicants. Organizations are encouraged to focus on critical operating activities during the application process.