Food Systems Grant Program

Food Systems Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Elmina B. Sewall Foundation
Amount: US $10,000 - US $1,000,000
Last Updated: November 19, 2025

Summary

The Food Systems Grant Program, funded by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, aims to support initiatives in Maine that promote food justice, sovereignty, and nutrition equity. With available funding of $1,870,000, the program prioritizes grassroots efforts led by marginalized communities. Grants range from $10,000 to $200,000, depending on the scope and collaboration of the projects. The foundation encourages applications from organizations that address systemic inequities within the food system.

Overview

Food Systems Grant Program The Sewall Foundation is committed to working with our grantee and philanthropic partners to co-create a thriving, healthy, and just food system where local communities are guiding decisions about, and have abundant access to, the resources needed for collective well-being and the foods that remind us we belong. Priorities The Food Systems program will support efforts that are working in one or more of the follow areas in Maine: Food justiceFood sovereigntyLand and water sovereignty and accessNutrition equity Food networksFood policy Funding will be prioritized for efforts that: Are led by, and/or serving, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, rural Mainers, and women that strengthen Maine’s local food systemAre equity-driven, grassroots efforts guided by the expertise of those closest to the injustices of our current food systemContribute to the viability of healthy and just food systems (this may be through resourcing, technical assistance, capacity building, partnerships, etc.)Resource communities most affected by racial and socioeconomic inequity to build collective power and wealthSupport both the immediate material conditions of those in need and the emergence of sovereign and just food systems Are smaller and have barriers to accessing resources (e.g., historically marginalized groups, fiscally sponsored work, etc.) Funding Available Funding: $1,870,000Generally, grant funding levels in this program area are: Individual organizations/efforts: $10,000 to $60,000 (per year)Increased funding amounts may be available to organizations that meet multiple program priority areas.1-5 year proposals will be considered.Collaborations/efforts involving multiple organizations/groups: up to $200,000 (per year)Occasionally, organizations may apply for both organizational and collaborative funds.1-5 year proposals will be considered.Transformational opportunities: variable funding levelsThe purpose of transformational opportunities is to address critical community priorities and create sustainable, systemic changes. These efforts should advance processes and approaches that heal, correct unjust conditions and structures, and create conditions for fair access to power, resources, and opportunities.Generally, 1-2 year proposals will be considered.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must be eligible to receive tax-deductible donations as outlined in Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. This includes: 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organizations; public schools; public agencies working for the State of Maine; Indian tribal governments (and their political subdivisions) recognized by the Department of the Interior.We accept applications from organizations and groups who work through a fiscal sponsor. A fiscally sponsored organization does not need to be a legal entity, but it must have a signed fiscal sponsorship agreement with a 501c3 nonprofit organization.The Sewall Foundation has funded 501(C)(4) organizations in the past for specific nonpartisan and charitable work, however it requires additional considerations and expenditure responsibility. We ask that any 501(c)(4) organization contact program staff to explore potential grant support. Organizations with 501(C)(4) status should not start or submit a grant application before speaking with program staff.Eligible organizations may apply regardless of their funding history with Sewall Foundation.

Ineligibility

The Sewall Foundation does not provide grant funding to private for-profit enterprises, cooperatives, or individuals.