Deadline: 14-Apr-25
The City of Pittsburgh is accepting applications for the Food Justice Fund Grassroots Grants Program to increase public investment in a just, equitable, and sustainable food system that supports our neighborhoods, local economy, and the environment.
This grants program seeks to empower grassroots groups rooted in community to serve city residents by increasing food security and strengthening the local food system.
The FJF was established by City Council in July 2023 in response to community advocates with the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council organizing to build food sovereignty and end food apartheid in their neighborhoods. All funding for the FJF came from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Funding Information
- The program will be distributing a total of $1.5 Million in grants up to $75,000 each.
Eligible Projects
- Projects must provide one or more of these services:
- Distributing free food/meals
- Supporting community gardens and non-profit urban agriculture
- Enrolling residents in public benefits (Ex. SNAP, WIC, Allegheny Go)
- Operating farmers markets (indoors or outdoors) or farm stands
- Offering educational programming about growing, cooking, or preserving food, nutrition, healthy living, or composting
- Addressing issues in food waste through composting or other environmental efforts
- Job training or youth employment in fields related to the food system
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must:
- Have an annual operating budget of $500,000 or less
- Be one of the following entity types:
- a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization,
- an organization or project with a fiscal sponsor, or
- an organization or project requesting to be fiscally sponsored by New Sun Rising. This funding is not available to for-profit businesses.
- Ensure their expenses are clearly connected to serving City of Pittsburgh residents.
- Have all project activities located within Pittsburgh city limits. Applicant organizations do not need to be located within the City of Pittsburgh, but all project activities and services must be located within city limits.
- Be prepared to submit documentation of all expenses
For more information, visit City of Pittsburgh.