Food Distribution Assistance Programs

Golden LEAF Foundation

Next deadline: Apr 14, 2023 9:00am PDT (Full proposal)

Later deadlines: Apr 28, 2023 9:00am PDT (Full proposal), Feb 7, 2024 9:00am PST (Pre proposal), Mar 3, 2024 9:00am PST (Letter of inquiry), Mar 7, 2024 9:00am PST (Full proposal), Apr 14, 2024 9:00am PDT (Full proposal), Apr 28, 2024 9:00am PDT (Full proposal)

Grant amount: Up to US $250,000

Funding uses: Project / Program, Training / Capacity Building

Location of project: North Carolina

Location of residency: North Carolina

Overview:

NOTE: Golden LEAF has developed a multi-stage process for organizations interested in funding through the Food Distribution Assistance Program. Only organizations that successfully complete each phase will be invited to participate in the next. 

The N.C. General Assembly appropriated $10 million to Golden LEAF for the food distribution assistance program. This program is funded by federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Funds may be used for the following: 

• Grants to nonprofit organizations to assist those organizations in (i) becoming eligible to be partner agencies of a North Carolina food bank or (ii) enhancing or expanding the capacity of current partner agencies of North Carolina food banks.
• Grants to nonprofit organizations to assist those organizations in (i) establishing a school-based weekend food assistance program or (ii) enhancing or expanding the capacity of current school-based weekend food assistance programs.

Golden LEAF Foundation expects that applications will exceed funds available for this program.

• Funds will be used to address a clearly defined gap in existing food assistance networks.
• Outcomes will be clear, measurable, and reportable. (Evaluation may continue after project completion.)

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.

Eligibility:

• Only charitable nonprofit organizations based in North Carolina are eligible to apply for this grant program. A charitable nonprofit organization is an organization that has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a tax-exempt organization formed and operated exclusively for charitable purposes and described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 
• Applicants must be able to meet compliance requirements set by the State of North Carolina through N.C.G.S.143C-6-23, including not appearing on the state Suspension of Funding List, and applicable federal requirements. Funds may only be used to support food distribution programs aligned with the criteria set by Feeding Americas and Feeding the Carolinas, including that food must be distributed without cost and without bias.
• Organizations must have an operating history of at least two full years (not necessarily providing food assistance) or must be formally affiliated with an organization with an operating history of at least two years.
• Specific Uses of Funds
  • Building renovation or expansion expenses (Golden LEAF does not allow use of funds for acquisition of interests in real property)
  • Large equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks)
  • Small equipment
  • Dry good storage shelves
  • Freezers/Coolers
  • Vehicles to transport food
  • Freezer blankets
  • Tents or other equipment for drive-thru or outdoor distribution
  • ServSafe Certification classes
  • Computers or tablets
  • Project-related staffing including grant and construction administration

Ineligibility:

• Churches and other religious organizations, and organizations whose financial statements are consolidated with the financial statements of a church or other religious organization, are not eligible to apply.
• Ineligible Uses of Funds
  • Purchase of food
  • Acquisition of interests in real property
  • General operating support (gas, utility, overhead, rent, etc.)
  • Supplies