Since 2008, the Kresge Foundation has supported the growth of regional food systems intended to serve low-income urban communities. The foundation also has encouraged policy change at the federal level as well as innovative place-based efforts to increase access to healthy food in cities and regional supply chains serving urban markets.
As part of this commitment, the foundation is inviting grant proposals from nonprofit organizations for food-oriented initiatives that contribute to economic revitalization, cultural expression, and health in low-income communities. Through its Fresh, Local & Equitable: Food as a Creative Platform for Neighborhood Revitalization initiative, a collaboration between Kresge’s Arts & Culture and Health programs, the foundation will award up to twenty one-year planning grants of up to $75,000 each in the first quarter of 2016. Grants may support project management, partnership development, community engagement, strategic communications, evaluation, policy development, and other activities directly related to successful outcomes. Recipients will participate in a national learning network and also have the opportunity to apply for implementation grants.
The foundation is especially interested in neighborhood-scale projects that have been developed with strong community engagement and leadership, prioritize equity, involve multiple sectors and disciplines, and demonstrate a high degree of readiness to implement an integrated, cross-sectoral vision of food-oriented development.
Funds may not be used for capital construction costs, real estate acquisition, or the purchase of major equipment.
Kresge welcomes proposals from nonprofit organizations and local government agencies that are leading multi-sector, mission-driven food enterprises in economically distressed urban neighborhoods. Lead applicants could range from a community development corporation, to a food hub, to a local economic development department, community action agency, or arts group.
The foundation will host a webinar on December 7 at 1:00 P.M. (EST) to explain the grant opportunity and answer questions.
Visit kresge.org for complete program guidelines, an FAQ, and application instructions.
