Best Food Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

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. 

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.

RRCU Gives Foundation Grant

Mission Statement:

RRCU Gives strengthens our region by providing meaningful financial support to nonprofits addressing hunger, housing, and financial education. Through our annual grant awards and major funding initiatives, we help local organizations grow, thrive, and create lasting change.

 We award grants annually, with applications in June and awards in August.

Focus Areas

• Hunger
• Housing
• Financial Education

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The Middle Run Foundation is a family-governed foundation based in Newark, Delaware. The Board of the foundation is chaired by Sarah Ives Gore, its founder, and includes her children, grandchildren, and non-family members who bring experience and expertise to our work.

About

Purpose:

The purpose of the foundation is to fund and support non-profit programs which focus on building healthy, self-sufficient families.

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The Middle Run Foundation makes grants up to $500,000 annually with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.

The Dale Jr. Foundation is dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth through targeted support in five key areas: Empowerment, Education, Wellness, Hunger, and Hope. By providing safe homes, educational resources, and healthy food, the foundation helps children overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. Their commitment extends to various charities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. The foundation emphasizes community support and holistic care, making a significant impact in the lives of many young people.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The Herbert Family Foundation Grant focuses on philanthropic efforts that promote healing and fight hunger. Founded by Jim and Judi Herbert, both Distinguished Alumni of the University of Tennessee, the foundation supports health and food charities. It aims to advance medical research, education, and hunger relief initiatives, emphasizing sustainable practices and nutritional assistance. The foundation's mission reflects its commitment to impactful charitable causes that resonate personally with the founders.

The Oregon Food Bank's Capacity Building Grants aim to empower organizations addressing food insecurity, particularly among underserved populations such as BIPOC, immigrants, and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. These grants support projects that enhance advocacy efforts, expand access to food programs, and improve infrastructure. By prioritizing equity and community engagement, the initiative seeks to dismantle systemic barriers to food security and promote lasting change across Oregon.

The OFB Rapid Response Grant provides up to $5,000 for organizations to address food insecurity and inequities faced by marginalized communities. Eligible applicants include organizations working to become Partner Agencies with the Oregon Food Bank, as well as existing Partner Agencies. The grant prioritizes projects expanding access to food services, particularly for BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQIA2S+, and single caregivers. This funding aims to enhance operations, improve accessibility, and support urgent needs in food distribution.

The Daily Bread Grants, offered by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, aim to support congregations with feeding ministries. Starting from November 1st, organizations can apply for $500 grants to help alleviate hunger in their communities. Priority is given to rural ministries, and applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted or until November 15th. This initiative not only provides immediate assistance but also encourages further financial support for food-based services.

The ENF Community Investments Program offers Spotlight Grants to Lodges, empowering them to tackle pressing community issues such as family literacy, veteran homelessness, and hunger. Each Lodge can apply for a $2,000 grant without needing to meet the GER's per-member-giving goal. Funds can be used for one of the designated project plans or combined with the Beacon Grant, enabling flexible support for local initiatives.

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund offers Scholarships for Conferences and Professional Development to support health-related events. These scholarships, up to $2,500 per person and $5,000 per organization, are available for current or past grantees and partners. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a requirement to submit at least four weeks before the event. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received funding in the previous year, ensuring equitable access to professional development opportunities.

The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF) is a youth-led initiative by Native Americans in Philanthropy aimed at supporting Indigenous youth leadership and community-driven solutions. In its 2025 pilot year, ITF will award up to 24 grants of $30,000 each to projects that enhance cultural continuity and sustainable futures. Priorities include promoting food justice, advancing community health, and strengthening cultural connections, particularly those addressing inequity and fostering long-term healing.

The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation, established in 2015 in Rye Brook, New York, is committed to enhancing the human condition through grants to 501(c)(3) public charities. Focusing primarily on the greater Bridgeport, Connecticut area, it supports initiatives in education, healthcare, food security, and housing. The foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating fiscal responsibility and innovative programs with significant impact potential, ensuring sustainable support for vulnerable populations, especially children and families in need.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The Hunger to Health Collaboratory (H2HC) 2025 Prizes for Innovation aim to enhance health equity for youth through innovative funding in three categories: Food and Nutrition Policy, Nutrition Education & School Food, and Indigenous Food Justice. Supported by Newman’s Own Foundation, these prizes include $100K grants for policy work and $25K grants for education and justice initiatives. Winners will participate in the H2HC Fall Summit in Boston, fostering collaborative solutions to food challenges.

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 Nourishing Neighbors Innovation Incubation Fund RFP invites organizations to submit innovative proposals aimed at ending hunger. With flexible funding ranging from $50,000 to $300,000, this initiative encourages diverse ideas, whether small or large-scale. Organizations are required to have a panel of advisors with lived experience and must operate within the U.S. This grant focuses on creating sustainable solutions, ensuring communities can achieve self-sufficiency in food access.

OnPoint Community Credit Union offers grants and sponsorships to nonprofit organizations that align with their focus areas of Economic Opportunity and Community Vitality. They support various initiatives including financial education, workforce development, and community development. Funding ranges from $100 to $10,000, with a priority on organizations demonstrating diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to events and organizations must have a 501c3 status or an active fiscal sponsor.

The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Youth Grants empower young changemakers aged 5 to 25 to create impactful projects addressing childhood hunger. Grants of $500 are available to projects engaging at least 50 youth volunteers. Activities must occur during the Sodexo Servathon (April 1 – May 31, 2025) and should focus on sustainable solutions to combat hunger in local communities, encouraging participation from underserved youth.

New Seasons Market offers donation requests to 501c3 nonprofit organizations addressing food insecurity through equitable systems and immediate relief. Please allow 4 weeks for processing, as only approved requests will receive responses. Donations are typically provided in the form of gift cards to support community efforts. This initiative emphasizes collaboration with partners focused on policy advocacy and the underlying causes of hunger.

The Fred J. Brunner Foundation Grant supports organizations that aid vulnerable populations, particularly the young and elderly, through education, shelter, and hunger initiatives. Established in 1956 by Fred J., the foundation distributes grants annually in the fall, focusing primarily on recipients in the greater Chicago area, although exceptions are made. The foundation operates without regard to race, creed, or ethnicity, allowing all recipients to reapply each year.

The Rauch Foundation Grant focuses on promoting systemic change through innovative approaches in global food systems and financial literacy for students. By partnering with various organizations, including nonprofits and educational institutions, the foundation aims to create significant impacts on community health and economic preparedness. Their work emphasizes evidence-based research and collaboration, particularly in addressing environmental concerns and enhancing financial education among the youth.

The Parkinson Family Foundation Grant supports organizations focusing on Food & Water, Faith & Evangelism, and Health & Humanitarian Efforts. Applications are open year-round, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000; larger requests are typically declined. Eligible applicants include schools, state governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The Foundation emphasizes selectivity and prioritizes organizations with established relationships and those promoting American ideals like freedom and justice.

The Safeway Foundation, part of the Albertsons Companies Foundation, focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations in Portland, OR, and SW Washington that align with their mission to improve community quality of life. Priorities include health services, hunger relief, education, and supporting diversity. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, aimed at organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful programs and community initiatives.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The United Company Foundation, established in 1986, provides grants to support charitable organizations in Bristol, VA, Bristol, TN, and Southwest Virginia. This private non-profit focuses on areas such as food, shelter, education, the arts, health, and youth services, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and innovative approaches. By prioritizing accountability and measurable outcomes, the Foundation aims to foster long-term improvements in the community it serves.