OFB Rapid Response Grant

The OFB Rapid Response Grant provides up to $5,000 for organizations to address food insecurity and inequities faced by marginalized communities. Eligible applicants include organizations working to become Partner Agencies with the Oregon Food Bank, as well as existing Partner Agencies. The grant prioritizes projects expanding access to food services, particularly for BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQIA2S+, and single caregivers. This funding aims to enhance operations, improve accessibility, and support urgent needs in food distribution.

Note: Oregon Food Bank offers two types of NSF grants to Regional Food Banks and Partner Agencies who are part of the Oregon Food Bank (OFB) Network of Regional Food Banks.
Organizations are eligible for up to $5,000 in rapid Response funding per fiscal year for project costs that support operations and programming working to intentionally address inequities faced by people most impacted by food insecurity. This could include areas such as:

• Expanding Access

Increased language accessibility (e.g. signage in multiple languages/using images, interpretation services).Supporting client choice by redesigning a space (e.g., produce stands, signage, shelving, tables, etc.).Expanding hours of operations and locations, such as evening or weekend hours, to meet the needs of the community.Client-centered improvements to increase access and create a more welcoming, accessible and accommodating environment (e.g., seating area, single-user restroom, child-friendly space, air conditioning, improved lighting).
Investing in Resources
Equipment purchases/replacements and supplies to maintain or expand service, increase individuals served, expand food/product offerings, prepared or delivered meals (e.g., refrigerators, freezers, coolbots, stoves, food packaging, etc.).Technology investments for client intake, online ordering / order ahead, inventory management, data analytics, reporting (e.g. laptops, tablets, software, web design, etc.).Training for staff, volunteers, board members (e.g., trauma-informed care, equity, inventory management, etc).Improving disaster preparedness (e.g, generators).
Urgent Need
Replacement or repair of equipment critical to food distribution efforts (e.g. replacement/repair of refrigerators or freezers, repair of damage to distribution facilities, etc.).

Eligibility

Organizations working towards becoming a Partner Agency (PA) with support from your local Regional Food Bank (RFB) may apply for funding to use towards becoming a Partner Agency in OFB’s Network.Partner Agencies are eligible for both Rapid Response and Capacity Building Grants.
Regional Food Banks may apply for multiple Rapid Response and Capacity Building Grants.