Open Call for Grassroots Nonprofit Grants (United States)

Nonprofit organizations in the United States can now apply for grants to support general operating costs that advance community-centered change. Funding ranges from $5,000 to $50,000 for one-year projects, prioritizing initiatives in regenerative farming, climate justice, food systems, healthy food access, inclusive outdoor access, and pollution prevention. Applications are accepted March 1 and August 1, with announcements four months after each deadline.

Program Overview

This grant opportunity supports nonprofit organizations implementing grassroots-level initiatives that address systemic issues affecting communities. The program prioritizes projects that:

• Promote regenerative and organic farming practices

• Improve health and safety for food production workers

• Advance climate justice initiatives

• Increase access to healthy and sustainably produced food

• Expand inclusive outdoor and indoor safe spaces

• Reduce exposure to pollutants and environmental toxins

The funding supports general operating costs, enabling organizations to strengthen their capacity and accelerate meaningful community impact.

Priority Areas and Focus

1. Regenerative and Organic Farming

   • Encourage organic, climate-resilient, equitable, and agroecological farming practices.

2. Food Production Workers’ Health and Safety

   • Amplify efforts to secure safe, just, and empowering working conditions.

3. Climate Justice

   • Support community-centered solutions that build resilience for marginalized populations.

4. Healthy Food Access

   • Ensure food is affordable, culturally appropriate, and sustainably produced.

5. Inclusive Outdoor Access

   • Expand access to safe spaces for physical activity, mental health, and community engagement.

6. Indoors and Outdoors Safe from Pollution

   • Promote preventative health by eliminating toxins in air, water, soil, and materials.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or have a fiscal sponsor

• Operate primarily in the U.S. or its unincorporated territories

• Demonstrate strong community ties and grassroots impact

• Operate with a budget under $8 million

• Align with the Foundation’s strategic priorities and values

Organizations Not Eligible

The following are not funded:

• Faith-based or religious organizations

• Individuals, government agencies, or public sector entities

• After-school programs, PTAs, PTOs, school boosters, or summer camps

• Capital construction projects or deficit funding

• Food banks (unless engaged in systemic change)

• Media projects, product donations, or fundraising events

• Endowments or pass-through grant programs

How to Apply / Application Process

1. Prepare Proposal

   • Detail how your organization advances one or more priority areas

   • Include budget, organizational capacity, and community impact

2. Submit Application

   • Deadline: March 1 or August 1

   • Must be submitted through the Foundation’s official application portal

3. Review and Announcement

   • Applications are reviewed by the Foundation

   • Grant recipients are notified approximately four months after the deadline

4. Grant Period

   • Funding is awarded for one year

   • Typical grant size: $5,000–$50,000

Tips for Applicants

• Focus on systemic impact, not just project-level outputs

• Demonstrate alignment with the Foundation’s values

• Highlight local, state, or national grassroots change

• Clearly link priority areas to your organization’s mission

• Ensure compliance with eligibility criteria to avoid disqualification

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?
   Nonprofit organizations registered as 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored by one, working primarily in the U.S.

2. What is the grant amount?
   Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 for a one-year period.

3. When are applications due?
   March 1 and August 1 each year.

4. What types of projects are prioritized?
   Projects addressing regenerative farming, food worker safety, climate justice, healthy food access, inclusive outdoor access, and pollution prevention.

5. Can funds be used for capital construction or endowments?
   No, grants support general operating costs only, not infrastructure or endowments.

6. When are grants announced?
   Approximately four months after the application deadline.

7. Are organizations with large budgets eligible?
   Priority is given to organizations with budgets under $8 million.

Conclusion

This grant opportunity empowers community-centered nonprofits to implement sustainable, equitable, and impactful initiatives across critical areas, from regenerative farming to healthy food access and pollution prevention. By supporting general operating costs, the Foundation enables organizations to focus on long-term systemic change, amplifying their impact on communities across the United States.