Best Food Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The New England Food Vision Prize aims to enhance local food supply chains in New England's educational institutions by awarding up to $1.5 million. The program supports innovative projects that increase the amount of regionally produced food served to K-12 and college students. By fostering collaboration among schools, farmers, and community organizations, the Prize strengthens food systems while prioritizing access for students and communities with limited fresh food options.

The Wild Geese Foundation supports organizations focused on human rights, food justice, youth empowerment, and climate resilience. With a commitment to marginalized communities, they prioritize reproductive justice and sustainable agriculture in New England. Grants are available to 501(c)3 organizations, excluding those with budgets over $5 million or involved in international projects. Their mission emphasizes the importance of fostering environments where youth can thrive, ensuring a just and equitable society for all.

Project Bread's School Breakfast Grant Program aims to ensure that all students in Massachusetts have access to nutritious meals through innovative breakfast solutions. By starting or expanding programs like Breakfast After the Bell, schools can significantly increase breakfast participation. The program provides essential support and resources to help schools assess their needs and implement effective strategies for enhancing breakfast accessibility, ultimately fostering a healthier school community.

The Food Access Infrastructure Initiative Grant, offered by Farm Credit East, provides funding up to $50,000 to organizations aimed at enhancing food security in the Northeast. Eligible projects include improving produce handling, expanding storage capacity, and enhancing distribution capabilities. Non-profit organizations within Farm Credit East's territory are encouraged to apply for support in capital projects that improve food distribution infrastructure.

The Project Bread Summer Eats Grant Program aims to combat hunger in Massachusetts by supporting Summer Eats sponsors with grants up to $7,500. The initiative focuses on expanding access to nutritious meals for children during the summer months when school is not in session. Through partnerships with local communities and organizations, Project Bread ensures that all children remain nourished and advocates for policies that enhance food accessibility.

The VMIG Charitable Giving Fund aims to enhance community quality of life in regions served by Vermont Mutual Insurance Group. This fund supports non-profit organizations focusing on education, youth development, community building, and basic needs such as housing and hunger. Eligible organizations must operate within specific states and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status. The fund reflects a commitment to fostering healthy, vibrant communities through meaningful financial contributions.

The Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation, established in 2007, supports small, impactful organizations in the Northeast US. The foundation prioritizes projects that alleviate suffering for people or animals and considers applications from 501(c)(3) organizations outside its usual funding parameters. Key areas of support include education, after-school programs, rehabilitation, arts, nutrition, and emotional support initiatives. The foundation is committed to fostering local community development through thoughtful funding.

The Sincere Foundation Grant offers up to $25,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations in the USA that provide essential services in Massachusetts, focusing on food security, housing stability, and safe spaces. The Foundation prioritizes programs that address the basic needs of vulnerable populations, supporting initiatives that foster community well-being and resilience. Eligible organizations must have an operating budget of $25 million or less and align with the Foundation's mission to create thriving communities.

The Massachusetts Urban Agriculture Grant Program aims to enhance food security and access to fresh produce in urban areas. It supports commercial projects for the production and marketing of food, focusing on long-term investments in infrastructure and innovative farming techniques. The program prioritizes initiatives that address soil quality, land acquisition, and community engagement, ensuring that urban farming benefits low to moderate-income neighborhoods and fosters local economic development.

About Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region.

The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

Farming Community Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level.

These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

This program encourages innovative solutions to challenges in farming and food systems in the Northeast USA, including but not limited to the areas of: Marketing and business; Crop production; Raising livestock; Aquaculture; Economic and social sustainability; Ecological knowledge; Projects related to climate and/or bioenergy work that provide direct or indirect benefits to farmers,ranchers, and private foresters; and more.

Technical Assistance Program

Applicants and grantees of the Farming Community Grant Program are eligible for Technical Assistance (TA) provided by Northeast SARE’s Technical Assistance Providers.

Funding: This grant is reimbursement based; you must spend money to receive the grant funds.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public school children each year. We also oversees programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year.

MA Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health (FRESH)

Purpose

The purpose of this state funded competitive grant program is to encourage National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Child Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) sponsors to start or expand their capacity to grow or procure local food and educate students, teachers, school nutrition professionals and staff about the local food system. Furthermore, this grant seeks to connect food system education to the availability of local foods served in school or early education meal programs through strategic planning and investment in internal staff positions and/or external partnerships.

Funding

Applicant proposals must be submitted in one of the following categories. Only one application will be accepted per Child Nutrition Program sponsor. Sponsors of both the NSLP and CACFP may only submit one application for consideration.

Applicants may apply for funding in one of the five following categories:

• New K–12 Farm to School Initiative Grants
• New Farm to Early Education Initiative Grants

["New" farm to school/early education initiatives engage in none or only one of the farm to school three "C's": Classroom (such as curriculum and school garden engagement), Cafeteria (such as local menu offerings) and Community (such as farm field trips or non-profit food system partnerships). Applicants that have been dormant in all farm to school activities for the last three years also qualify as "new."]

• Expanding K–12 Farm to School Initiative Grants
• Expanding Farm to Early Education Initiative Grants
• MA FRESH CORP Planning Grant

Fund Use

The program is designed to support K–12 and early education programs in food literacy initiatives that connect local food system education to the availability of local foods served in school or early education meal programs. Applicants will be asked to indicate all activities their MA FRESH application seeks to fund. Project activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Building a new garden for children
• Building a new indoor growing operation for children
• Developing classroom curriculums or lesson plans that support food literacy efforts
• Expanding in-school or child care programming to promote food literacy for children through gardening, cooking, taste tests and more
• Field trip(s) to local farm/food producers
• Expanding before/after school/child care programming that supports food literacy, and exposure to local foods for children and families
• Completing farm to school strategic planning, including the development of an action plan, job description(s) for food literacy coordination, or a scope of work for a contractor to cultivating program structures that elevate internal staff capacity in food literacy
• Professional development and training for educators to bring food literacy activities or curriculum to their classrooms
• Professional development and training for school nutrition professionals to integrate local, unprocessed or minimally processed ingredients into program meals
• Funds can only be used to fund new staff time or salaries because of new or expanded initiatives.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public school children each year. We also oversees programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year.

MA Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health with Coordination and Optimization of Resources and Partnerships (MA FRESH CORP)

Purpose

The purpose of this state-funded targeted grant program is to support MA FRESH CORP affiliates to ensure local food system activities - including local food system education and local procurement in Child Nutrition Programs - are strategically integrated into the classroom, cafeteria and community through investment in internal personnel or contracted partnerships that support institutionalized programs that promote food literacy. Grant funds will support further off-boarding technical assistance and guidance to support the retention of internal personnel and food system education workplans past the grant period.

Fund Use

MA FRESH CORP is designed to ensure local food system activities — including local food system education and local procurement in Child Nutrition Programs — are strategically integrated into the classroom, cafeteria and community through investment in internal personnel or contracted partnerships that support institutionalized programs. This funding seeks to support the retention of internal personnel and food system education workplans as awardees work to transition their programming model to other sustainable funding models.

Funding will be prioritized for the budget areas described below. Applicants may apply for up to 50% of the total funding expended for FY26 Massachusetts Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health Coordination and Optimization of Resources and PartnershipsMA FRESH CORP in the following budget categories. Total funding requests may not exceed $50,000.

• Professional Salaries: For the coordination and implementation of local food system education and/or local procurement by full-time, salaried and benefited positions, part-time positions, or for the expansion of hours/stipending of internal personnel - such as nutrition professionals, educators, or community/family stakeholders.
• Contracted Services: To provide technical assistance, coaching, professional development, the development of resources such as program protocols or curriculum and/or strategic planning consultation. The hiring of a contracted partner should be in service of cultivating program structures that elevate internal staff capacity and should not be used primarily to support the direct execution of direct farm to school programming by the contracted partner.
• Professional Development Expenses (Other Expenses): To attend farm to school, food literacy, agricultural or culinary oriented workshops, trainings, or conferences. Associated costs may include registration fees, travel fees, mileage, compensation/stipends for out-of-work time, or the cost of substitutes required to provide coverage for personnel attending professional development opportunities.

Equipment, supply, and infrastructure costs capped at 10% of the total budget request are allowable but will be contingent on budget availability once priority budget areas described above are funded for eligible applicants.

MA FRESH CORP awardees will be required to:

• participate in periodic grant meetings, professional development opportunities and technical assistance
• track local spending (dollar value) within Child Nutrition Programs during the grant period
• complete a funding succession plan

Priority will be given to MA FRESH CORP affiliates that:

• Have created a job description and/or consultant scope of work that ensures local food system activities are strategically integrated into the classroom, cafeteria and community
• Have current programming in all three core areas of farm to school: Classroom (such as food system curriculum and school garden activities), Cafeteria (such as local menu offerings) and Community (such as farm field trips, family engagement or food system partnerships).
• Have successfully onboarded farm to school personnel or contracted partners through MA FRESH CORP funding and are seeking to retain these personnel and contracted partnerships through the duration of the 2026-2027 school year
• Have effectively stewarded use of MA FRESH CORP funding awarded to date
• Are committed to identifying strategies for retaining farm to school personnel or contracted partners through alternative funding strategies outside of the MA FRESH CORP grant program
• Are willing to participate in program evaluation and off-boarding technical assistance activities, including the completion of a funding succession plan.

The Kiwanis Foundation of New England End Hunger Grant supports Kiwanis Divisions and SLP Administrators in their efforts to combat hunger in New England. By contributing $1,500 towards a $4,000 meal packing project, participants can access $2,500 in funding for projects aimed at providing 10,000 meals. This initiative not only fosters community involvement but also ensures that vital resources are allocated to fight hunger effectively.

The Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP) aims to enhance access to healthy, affordable food and bolster economic opportunities for low to moderate income communities. By providing grants for food ventures in areas like Gateway Cities and rural regions, MFVP supports local agricultural enterprises and aligns with the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan. Key investment areas include food processing infrastructure and improved distribution systems, ensuring equitable access to fresh local food and promoting healthy eating.

The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant, offered by the UNICO Foundation Inc., aims to combat hunger and provide shelter for the homeless and indigent. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in 13 U.S. states. The grant focuses on direct services, ensuring that all funds are used for food and shelter, not for operating expenses, thereby promoting effective community support for vulnerable populations.

The McCarthy Family Foundation Charity Fund, established in 1956, focuses on supporting nonprofits in Massachusetts, particularly those addressing education, food, health, and housing needs. Grants may cover general operating expenses, program support, or specific capital improvements. The fund prioritizes organizations located north of Boston and may consider emergency grant requests. However, it does not fund endowment campaigns or sponsor fundraising events such as galas.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation provides grants aimed at combating hunger in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on direct food assistance, food rescue, and nutrition education. Eligible organizations can receive up to $10,000 in funding, with an average grant size of $5,000. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $2 million to support local food programs, ensuring communities have access to essential resources and assistance for those in need.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

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.

Newman’s Own Foundation is offering the Food Justice for Kids Prize, providing up to $100,000 in grant funding over two years for organizations promoting food justice for children in the U.S. This initiative focuses on Indigenous Food Justice and Nutrition Education, addressing the high rates of food insecurity among children, particularly in marginalized communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, public schools, and tribes that serve children under 18. The foundation aims to ensure all kids have access to nutritious food and education on sustainable food systems.

The Food Access and Retail Expansion (FARE) Fund Grant, part of America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative, aims to enhance access to nutritious food in underserved regions. With a budget of $60 million over five years, the initiative supports innovative fresh food retail projects, offering grants and loans to address barriers in food access. This funding is crucial for catalyzing sustainable food enterprises and improving local food systems, ultimately fostering healthier communities.

The Small Community Grants Trust Program, funded by the City of Boston, supports 501c3 organizations that positively impact local communities. Grants are available for various initiatives, such as humanitarian aid, enhancing recreational areas for children, and beautifying public spaces. Eligible organizations must be operational for over a year, while individuals and for-profit businesses are ineligible. The program aims to foster community engagement and provide immediate support to improve the lives of Bostonians.

The Whole Foods Market Store Giving Program supports local communities by providing financial assistance to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that focus on food access and environmental stewardship. This biannual program allows eligible organizations to apply via the Community Engagement Portal, although not all requests can be fulfilled due to high demand. Priority is given to those without recent funding, promoting sustainable community engagement.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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.

The purpose of America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) is to improve access to healthy food in underserved areas, to support food supply chain resiliency, to create and preserve quality jobs, and torevitalize low-income communities by providing financial and technical assistance, either directly orthrough other partners and intermediaries, to eligible fresh, healthy food retailers and enterprises toovercome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved areas. HFFI offers fundingopportunities and technical assistance to eligible applicants.