UNFI Foundation Annual Grant Program

UNFI Foundation Annual Grant Program

Program Type: Invitation-only grant program

Geographic Scope: United States and Canada

Mission: The UNFI Foundation awards grants annually to support organizations driving meaningful change in food system sustainability and equity.

Funding Priorities

The Foundation partners with nonprofits supporting initiatives that create a more sustainable and equitable food system:

• Climate Smart Agriculture: Supporting regenerative producers through technical assistance, certification support, land access and restoration, capital access, market access, and research initiatives to advance regenerative agricultural practices

• Food Access Innovations: Improving food access in underserved areas through innovative programming and systems change, with emphasis on wasted food prevention, alternative distribution models, nutrition incentive programs, and food as medicine approaches

• Food Equity: Nourishing equity, inclusion, and justice in the food system through equitable food business development, including support for BIPOC and women-owned food entrepreneurs and equitable food procurement

• Local Food Economies: Empowering local food economies for inclusive and resilient food systems through institutional procurement shifts and critical infrastructure such as food hubs and aggregators

Eligibility

• Must be a nonprofit organization
• Must have a presence and influence positive change within communities in the United States or Canada
• Selected by invitation only following nomination process

What the Foundation Does NOT Fund

• Conferences
• Direct grants to individuals
• International organizations or projects
• Political campaigns and legislative lobbying efforts
• Endowments
• Private foundations
• Projects that exclusively serve religious purposes
• Governmental agencies
• Sponsorships, advertising, or fundraising

Grant Process

1. Associate Nominations: UNFI associates identify and nominate causes in their local communities
2. Invitation to Apply: Foundation Ambassadors review nominations and extend invitations to apply to organizations meeting funding priorities
3. Review: Foundation Grant Reviewers carefully evaluate and score all applications for alignment with mission
4. Annual Awards: Grants awarded annually for a one-year grant period

Contact Information

Prior to October 1, 2025:
UNFI Foundation
313 Iron Horse Way
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-528-8634

On or after October 1, 2025:
UNFI Foundation
15 Park Row West – 3rd Floor
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-528-8634