Grant Archives

Note: these are grants that have been offered and have expired.

 

Request for Technical Assistance Proposals: Approaches to Reducing Consumption of Sugar
The Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic (FLPC), with support from the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, is launching a new initiative to identify locally-supported policies that will reduce sugar consumption and build capacity for policy change. FLPC is offering pro bono technical assistance to community organizations, food policy councils, and local and state government entities across the United States interested in implementing innovative sugar-reduction policies. A request for proposals application is open until July 31, 2018. Learn more here.

CDC Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health Funding
CDC announces the availability of FY 2018 funds to implement CDC-RFA-DP18-1813: Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH). This five-year program will provide funding to communities to improve health, prevent chronic diseases, and reduce health disparities among racial and ethnic populations with the highest risk, or burden, of chronic disease. Approximately 32 projects will be supported by this funding, with average yearly funding level expected to be approximately $781,250. Applications are due July 16, 2018. Learn more here.

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Sustainable Agricultural Systems
Applications to the FY 2018 Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Request for Applications (RFA) must focus on approaches that promote transformational changes in the U.S. food and agriculture system within the next 25 years. NIFA seeks creative and visionary applications that take a systems approach, and that will significantly improve the supply of abundant, affordable, safe, nutritious, and accessible food, while providing sustainable opportunities for expansion of the bioeconomy through novel animal, crop, and forest products and supporting technologies. These approaches must demonstrate current and future social, behavioral, economic, health, and environmental impacts. Additionally, the outcomes of the work being proposed must result in societal benefits, including promotion of rural prosperity and enhancement of quality of life for those involved in food and agricultural value chains from production to utilization and consumption. See AFRI SAS RFA for details. Letter of Intent due June 27, 2018. Application due October 10, 2018 Learn more here.

 2018 Chefs Collaborative & Niman Ranch Scholarship
This Scholarship is a rare opportunity to attend an exclusive, invite-only farmer celebration with Chefs Collaborative Members, farmers, and food professionals who are committed to responsibly-raised meat. In addition to being a special weekend with like-minded colleagues, previous Scholarship recipients share that this experience has helped them Change Menus, Change Lives. The Scholarship covers travel, lodging and meals and it is open to current Members of Chefs Collaborative. The deadline to apply is July 3, 2018. Learn more here.

HealthierUS School Challenge Qualification
To all NSLP and SBP sponsors: you have a limited time left to get HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) qualified. The HUSSC is a voluntary initiative established in 2004 to recognize schools participating in the NSLP and SBP that have created healthier school environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity. USDA is working towards decreasing the childhood obesity epidemic through new NSLP and SBP meal patterns, increased Wellness Policy Requirements, and by heavily promoting initiatives such as HUSSC. For more information, please follow the link here. This grant will be ending July 1, 2018.

Chef Ann Foundation Recipe Contest
Chef Ann Foundation partnered up with The Dannon Company, LLC to create a recipe contest featuring yogurt! Get your recipe used in schools across the country. Submit your recipe before June 30, 2018. Learn more here

New CDC Funding Opportunity: State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) ProgramCDC has announced the availability of FY 2018 funds to implement CDC-RFA-DP18-1807: State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) Program. The funds will support state investments to improve nutrition and to increase safe and accessible physical activity that benefits the whole state and can be shared with local governmental entities. Application due date: June 14, 2018. Learn more here.

National Education Association Foundation Grants
Offered by the National Education Association Foundation, Student Achievement Grants are for projects that help students learn how to think critically and solve problems in order to improve student learning. Learning & Leadership Grants are for professional development opportunities for individuals or groups. Grants are available to current members of the National Education Association who are educators in public schools or public institutions of higher education. Preference is given to proposals that incorporate STEM and/or global learning into projects, which can include farm to school activities. Two levels of funding are available: $2,000 and $5,000. The next deadline for applications is June 1.

Alaska Farm Bureau Agriculture Education Mini-Grant
The Alaska Farm Bureau is accepting applications for small agriculture education projects to increase awareness, knowledge and appreciation of Alaska agriculture in our youth.  The Alaska Farm Bureau intends to award up to $20,000.00 in grants to individuals or organizations across the state. Learn more here. Applications are due by May 15, 2018.

NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Funds
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is taking a second round of applications for the 2018 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) that funds conservation practices associated with soil health, manure management, high tunnels and more. Complete applications must be submitted by May 11. Learn more here.

Aetna 2018 Cultivating Healthy Communities Grant Program
Aetna Foundation is inviting projects that address issues in the following domains to apply for the 2018 Cultivating Healthy Communities Grant: Built Environment, Community Safety, Environmental Exposures, Healthy Behaviors, and Social/Economic Factors. These grants are expected to award up to $2 million to organizations in the contiguous United States through this program. This will be a highly competitive funding opportunity with a two-stage application process. All Stage 1 applications must be received by April 18, 2018 at 3PM ET. Learn more here.

Action for Healthy Kids Grants
Action for Healthy Kids is now accepting applications for school grants for the 2018-2019 school year. Schools may apply for School Breakfast grants to pilot or expand their school breakfast programs or Game On grants to fund physical activity and nutrition initiatives. Parents and parent groups can apply for Parents for Healthy Kids grants to bring health programs to their children’s schools through parent engagement. Visit ActionforHealthyKids.org/Grants for more information. The application deadline is April 6, 2018.

2018 United Fresh Start Foundation Community Grants Program
The program supports organizations that provide children with access to fresh fruit and vegetables after school, on weekends, and during summer, extending the impact of our Foundation beyond the school day. We are offering Community Grants of up to $2,500 to eligible non-profit organizations. Applications must be submitted through the online portal. You can learn more about the grant and access the online portal here. Applications are due by Friday, March 30, 2018.

Native American Language Grants
First Nations Development Institute (First Nations) today launched a request for proposals (RFP) process for its newest effort, the Native Language Immersion Initiative (NLII). First Nations will award about 12 grants of up to $90,000 each to build the capacity of and directly support Native language-immersion and culture-retention programs. The full RFP can be found here. It contains information on eligibility, the application process, grant requirements, selection criteria, allowable activities and more.  The application deadline is March 23, 2018.  Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based tribal government programs, tribal 7871 entities, Native-controlled nonprofit organizations, and Native-controlled community organizations with a fiscal sponsor.

Get Out and Grow: School Garden Sweepstakes
Your school could win $15,000 toward a garden—plus a visit from a Team USA Athlete! Smucker Away From Home wants to help schools across the country develop gardens that help cultivate hard work and healthy eating habits. The Get Out and Grow School Garden Sweepstakes is open to School Administrators or Foodservice Directors of K-12 schools. Entries are due by March 11, 2018.  Learn more and apply here

Center for Disease Control (CDC) Grant
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced the availability of fiscal year 2018 funds to implement initiatives to improve student health and academic achievement through nutrition, physical activity, and the management of chronic conditions in schools. This grant is available to state education agencies (SEAs). Deadline: March 5, 2018.

Wallace Center Mini-Grants and Scholarships
The Food Systems Leadership Network, an initiative of the Wallace Center, is currently accepting application for Organizational Capacity Building Mini-Grants (up to $1,000 per organization) and Professional Development Scholarships (up to $500 per individual). The deadline to apply is Thursday, March 1. Learn more here

Get Schools Cooking
Chef Ann Foundation has opened applications for Get Schools Cooking, a comprehensive three-year program that includes on-site assessment, strategic planning, and continued technical support for school districts transitioning to scratch-cooked operations. Learn more and apply here. Deadline for this grant is March 1, 2018.

Scholarships Open for 9th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
The National Farm to School Network is now accepting applications for scholarships to the 9th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference, which will take place in Cincinnati, Ohio, April 25-27, 2018. This event is the top national training and networking event for farm to cafeteria professionals working to improve community health, build economic opportunities for farmers and producers, and ensure long-term sustainability for local food efforts nationwide. To ensure the conference reflects the full diversity of the movement, scholarships are prioritized for farmers and farm support organizations, farm to college / hospital practitioners, early care and education providers, food service professionals, persons of color, and youth (through age 22). Learn more and submit your application at farmtocafeteriaconference.org now until the deadline of Feb. 12 at 8pm ET.

Division of Agriculture Opens the Specialty Crop Block Grant Funding Opportunity
The Division of Agriculture announces its Specialty Crop Block Grant funding opportunity open now. The purpose of the grant is to fund projects that will benefit and promote the specialty crop industry in the state of Alaska. We encourage projects that demonstrate innovative partnerships and benefit a variety of specialty crop industry members. Projects are expected to produce a measurable result that impacts the industry in the state of Alaska. Projects that enhance the knowledge or benefit residents are also encouraged. Past project examples include: market access studies, vegetable variety trials, increasing local foods in university meals, connecting farmers and restaurants owners, and increasing peony harvesting. To read the RFP and see who to contact if you have questions please go here. The Letter of Intent is due by 5:00pm (AST) on February 9, 2018.

Project Orange Thumb Grant
The Fiskars Project Orange Thumb Grant Program will grant 30 recipients $3,500 in gift cards and tools to help support their goals of neighborhood beautification and horticulture education. The garden initiative must be for a not-for-profit or 501(c)(3) organization within North America that has not received a Project Orange Thumb grant in the past. The Project Orange Thumb team looks for organizations committed to the long-term success of gardens that will promote healthy and sustainable food sources, community collaboration and neighborhood beautification. Applications are due by 11:59pm CST on February 2, 2018. Please review the terms and conditions before proceeding.

Anchorage Mayor’s Office Local Food Mini-Grants (Anchorage School District Only)
Looking for a way to start or expand a school garden, indoor growing system, or any other project that empowers students to increase their community’s access to fresh, locally-grown produce?  The Office of Mayor Ethan Berkowitz is pleased to offer the Local Food Mini-Grant Program in conjunction with Cities of Service and the Alaska Food Policy Council. Anchorage schools, residents, and community groups can apply for mini-grants of up to $1000 for projects that will improve food security and community resilience. Priority will be given to initiatives that serve low-income neighborhoods. The grant guidelines and online application can be found here.  Applications are due January 31, 2018. Please contact Catherine Kemp (KempCJ@muni.org or 907-312-9127) if you have questions or need help with your application.

Value Added Producer Resource Grants
The Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of new products. The goals of this program are to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. For more information, follow the link here. Deadline for this application is January 31, 2018.

America's Promise Grant
As many as five two-year grants of up to $300,000 are available for school districts and organizations working toward creating healthier school environments. This exciting new funding opportunity is brought to you by America's Promise Alliance in partnership with FoodCorps and four other core partners. Deadline to apply is January 22, 2018. Watch the informational webinar and learn more here

Fertile Ground Grant Program
Seeds of Native Health helps launch a new grant program for health-focused advocacy. The new Fertile Ground Grant Program funds tribes, Native advocates, Native youth, and Native-led organizations to create sustainable community health improvements through nutrition and food sovereignty efforts. The grants of up to $35,000 will provide support for:

• Native-led convenings to identify community health priorities
• Advocacy and policy strategies that address improving health outcomes
• Access to healthy food
• Food sovereignty work rooted in tradition, culture, and Indigenous knowledge
• The program is funded by $100,000 from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community through its Seeds of Native Health philanthropic campaign and $100,000 from the AHA through its Voices for Healthy Kids campaign. AICAF will serve as the intermediary partner and administer the program. Applications for grants are due December 19, 2017. Learn more and apply.

KidsGardening 2018 Youth Garden Grants
The 2018 Youth Garden Grant is an award designed to support school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for students and their communities. Any nonprofit organization, public or private school, or youth program in the United States planning a new garden program or expanding an established one that serves at least 15 youth between the ages of 3 and 18 is eligible to apply. Applications are due December 8, 2017. Learn more and apply

2018 USDA Farm to School Grant Application
The purpose of the USDA Farm to School Grant Program is to assist eligible entities in implementing farm to school programs that improve access to local foods in eligible schools. On an annual basis, USDA awards up to $5 million in competitive grants for training, supporting operations, planning, purchasing equipment, developing school gardens, developing partnerships, and implementing farm to school programs. The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 tasked USDA with supporting farm to school efforts through grants, training, technical assistance, and research. For FY 2018, we offer the following grants:

• Implementation grants are intended to help schools, school districts, state and local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, small- and medium-sized agricultural producers or groups of small- and medium-sized agricultural producers, and non-profit entities working with schools or school districts to scale or further develop existing farm to school initiatives. Implementation awards range from $50,000 - $100,000.
• Planning grants are for schools or school districts, state and local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, small- and medium-sized agricultural producers or groups of small- and medium-sized agricultural producers, and non-profit entities working with schools or school districts that are just getting started on farm to school activities. These funds are intended to help these entities organize and structure their efforts for maximum impact by embedding known best practices into early design considerations. Planning awards range from $20,000 - $50,000.
• Training grants are intended for state and local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, small- and medium-sized agricultural producers or groups of small- and medium-sized agricultural producers, and non-profit entities to support trainings that strengthen farm to school supply chains, or trainings that provide technical assistance in the area of local procurement, food safety, culinary education, and/or integration of agriculture‐based curriculum. Training awards range from $20,000 - $50,000.
• Interested in applying? Complete applications must be submitted on grants.gov by 11:59pm ET on December 8, 2017. Check out our resources for applicants and see a list of awardees since the release of our first RFA in 2013!

Natural Resources Conservation Service
The organization has just announced its 2018 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) that funds conservation practices associated with soil health, manure management, high tunnels, organic transition and more. All applications for FY18 funding are due Nov. 30.  See the attached timeline and this link for more information: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ak/programs/financial/eqip/

Extended Learning Garden Grants – Honey Bees
In partnership with the Bee Cause Project, the Honey Bee Grant program allows for a K-12 school or non-profit organization to receive support for an educational honey bee hive. They will offer three grant options. For more information on each grant option, please read the Honey Bee Grant application. The Letter of Intent period is from September 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017 and the full application closes on November 15, 2017. Email grants@wholekidsfoundation.org with any questions.

Local Foods, Local Places
Local Foods, Local Places supports locally led, community-driven efforts to protect air and water quality, preserve open space and farmland, boost economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses, improve access to healthy local food, and promote childhood wellness. Communities are invited to apply for a new round of planning assistance from Local Foods, Local Places. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on October 25, 2017.

NIFA Announcement
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced $945,400 in available funding to help foster the next generation of multicultural scholars in agricultural sciences.  Funding is made through NIFA’s Higher Education Multicultural Scholars Program (MSP). The deadline for applications is October 31, 2017. See the request for applications for details.

U.S. School Gardens Grant
Created in partnership with FoodCorps, the School Garden Grant program provides a $2,000 monetary grant to a K-12 school, or a non-profit working in partnership with a K-12 school, to support a new or existing edible garden on school grounds. The application period is from September 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017. Stay tuned for a copy of the grant application. Email grants@wholekidsfoundation.org with any questions.

School Garden Grant from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Alaska Organic Fertilizer Company
This grant opportunity supports school gardens in the United States, excluding its territories. BirdSleuth, Cornell Lab’s K-12 education program, will distribute $25,000 in grants to 20 schools that create or revitalize a garden that supports local wildlife, healthy living, environmental education, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning. Grants range from $500 to $2,000. The deadline for submitting grant applications is October 8.  Read more and apply.

Carrs Safeway and the Alaska Council of School Administrators Innovation Grants
Carrs Safeway and the Alaska Council of School Administrators are proud to support innovative Alaskan teachers by awarding grants to educators looking to solve a problem in their classroom, school, or district and improve student outcomes. 50 grants of $5,000 will be awarded starting in October!! Connect to the application here. Applications due October 1, 2017.

Target Field Trip Grants
The Target Field Trip Grants program provides funds for K-12 field trips to give students throughout the country the opportunity to explore more of the world outside the classroom. Online applications will be accepted between August 1 and October 1, 2017. Learn more and apply.

Samull Classroom Herb Garden Grant
The Herb Society of America will select ten (10) schools/classrooms to receive $200 "Seed Money" to establish an indoor or outdoor herb garden. The funds may be used for supplies such as soil, plant trays, containers, child or youth sized tools, etc. Apply by Oct. 1. Learn more and apply here.

GreenWorks Grant
Project Learning Tree offers GreenWorks! grants up to $1,000 to schools and youth organizations for environmental service-learning projects that link classroom learning to the real world. Students implement an action project they help design to green their school or to improve an aspect of their neighborhood’s environment. Apply by Sept. 30. Learn more and apply here

Lowe’s Toolbox for Education® Grants
Each year, the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grants program contributes more than $5 million to fund improvements at public schools in the United States. Projects should fall into one of the following categories: technology upgrades, tools for STEM programs, facility renovations and safety improvements. Toolbox grant requests can range from $2,000 to $100,000. The Fall Grant Cycle is open through September 29, 2017. Learn more here.

Health Impact Project Funding
The Health Impact Project offers up to $100,000 funding to communities and organizations seeking to promote the consideration of health in policy and decision-making. Eligibility varies based on the specific call for proposals (CFP).  Deadline: Sept. 15.

Voice for Healthy Kids
The American Heart Association and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation are working to create a culture of health through Voices for Healthy Kids. The goal of the grant opportunities within this initiative is to make effective strategic investments in ongoing state, local, and tribal public policy issue campaigns to increase public policy impact on healthy weight and living among children. Learn more. Applications are due September 6.

Target Field Trip Grants
The Target Field Trip Grants program provides funds for K-12 field trips in order to give students throughout the country the opportunity to explore more of the world outside the classroom. Online applications will be accepted between August 1 and October 1, 2017. Learn more and apply.

Project Produce: Fruit and Veggie Grants for Schools
The Chef Ann Foundation presents Project Produce: Fruit and Veggie Grants for Schools. This grant is designed to help increase kids’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables and create experiential nutrition education when and where students make their food choices: in the cafeteria. The $2,500 one-year grants support food costs to incorporate school-wide fruit and vegetable tastings into the school's nutrition program. Grants will be determined on an ongoing basis depending on available funding. Learn more and apply.

 2017 Alaska Equipment Grant
Elizabeth Seitz, the Alaska National School Lunch Program Coordinator, sent out the new 2017 Equipment Grant Application last week. For qualifications and information, please head here.

Whole Kids Foundation Grants
Yes, it is early, but start getting your creative juices flowing with these two grants from Whole Kids Foundation.

US School Gardens Grant
Created in partnership with FoodCorps, the School Garden Grant program provides a $2,000 monetary grant to a K-12 school, or a non-profit working in partnership with a K-12 school, to support a new or existing edible garden on school grounds. The application period is from September 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017. Stay tuned for a copy of the grant application. Email grants@wholekidsfoundation.org with any questions.

Extended Learning Garden Grants – Honey Bees
In partnership with the Bee Cause Project, the Honey Bee Grant program allows for a K-12 school or non-profit organization to receive support for an educational honey bee hive. We offer three grant options:

Monetary grant of $1,500 to support the success of a honey bee hive educational program.

Observation hive: equipment grant of a custom made indoor observation hive from The Bee Cause Project

Traditional hive: equipment grant of an outdoor top bar hive with Starter Kit from Bee Thinking *All equipment grants include a small monetary grant, covering the first year of expenses. Grant recipients also receive remote consultation and assistance with Beekeeper partnership from The Bee Cause Project.

For more information on each grant option, please read the Honey Bee Grant application. The Letter of Intent period is from September 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017 and the full application closes on November 15, 2017. Email grants@wholekidsfoundation.org with any questions.

ALDI Smart Kids Program
This program makes $100-$5K grants to organizations that promote kids being healthy and active in the geographical areas where ALDI stores are located. Applications are open Feb. 1 - Dec. 15 of each year on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply.

Rural Seed Grant
Food Coop Initiative’s Rural Seed Grant program is designed to provide financial support during a new food co-op’s early development, backed by the advice and guidance of their development specialists, with the goal of helping co-ops move through the startup process effectively and efficiently. Learn more and apply.

Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Grant Program
Applications are being solicited through the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Grant Program (also known as the “2501 Program”) from community-based and non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and Tribal entities to provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers.  The deadline for applications is August 7, 2017. Learn more.

Farm to School Grant Opportunities from USDA
Key Dates

• June 2017 - Award Announcement for FY 2017 Farm to School Grant
• September/October 2017 - Release of FY 2018 Farm to School Grant RFA
• December 2017 - Applications Due for FY 2018 RFA
• May/June 2018 - Award Announcement for FY 2018 Farm to School Grant

If you are interested in applying for a Farm to School Grant, the FY 2018 Request for Applications (RFA) will be released in the fall of 2017. There are additional funding opportunities for farm to school activities, take a look at the USDA Grants and Loans that Support Farm to School Activities for more details. For more information about the Farm to School Grant program, visit the grant program page for an overview of past grantees, program summary reports, and more.

Slow Food USA
Through support of the Whole Kids Foundation, has created a Toolkit to help establish Garden to Cafeteria programs.  They are looking for school districts who already have gardens established—ideally 5-10 gardens in the district at minimum—to test the toolkit. The opportunity is open to both public and private schools. Gardens must already be established and have been producing food for at least two years.

• Applications are due June 1, 2017.
• Several schools will receive intensive on-site technical assistance, while several others will receive remote technical assistance.
• To learn more, visit: http://gardens.slowfoodusa.org/garden-to-cafeteria

Rural Community Grant Program
Northwest Farm Credit Services is committed to improving the economic and social well-being of rural communities within the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Our Rural Community Grant Program provides money for projects such as building or improving facilities; purchasing necessary equipment to facilitate a program; and funding capital improvements that improve a community’s infrastructure, viability and/or prosperity.

Deadlines to submit grant applications are February 1, June 1, and October 1 each year. Grant applications are currently being accepted until Thursday, June 1, 2017. Apply now.

Program Flyer

Application Form

2016 Rural Community Grant Award Winners

More info here: https://www.northwestfcs.com/en/Stewardship/rural-communities/rural-community-grant-program

United Fresh Start Foundation Community Grants Program
The United Fresh Start Foundation is now accepting applications for its new Community Grants Program, established to help advance the organization’s mission to increase children’s access to fresh fruit and vegetables. Not-for-profit organizations focused on child nutrition, food access and creating healthy communities through increased access to fresh produce, can download the grant application here. Applications are due by April 20, 2017.

Seed Change in Native Communities with Farm to School
The Seed Change in Native Communities with Farm to School project aims to expand farm to school activities (procurement of local and traditional foods, school gardens, and food and agriculture education) in Native communities as a strategy to leverage community-wide initiatives towards building food security and food sovereignty and towards revitalizing use of traditional foods. The project will provide five Native schools a mini- grant in the amount of $5,900 to expand and promote farm to school. Applications due March 22, 2017. Learn more and apply here. 

Seed Savers Exchange Seed Donations
Each year, Seed Savers Exchange donates the previous year's unsold seeds to charitable organizations. To qualify for a seed donation, an organization must be a nonprofit or have a nonprofit umbrella sponsorship and have a shipping address within the United States. Volunteers pre-pack donation boxes with 100 seed packets, each a different variety. Recipients do not choose specific varieties, but will receive a wide selection of seed varieties. Learn more and apply here.

Smart from the Start Awards for Preschool Teachers
The Smart from the Start Awards are designed to encourage preschool teachers to create practical, long-term improvements in nutrition and physical activity at their preschool. By the end of this school year, Smart from the Start will have awarded almost 50 grants helping families, community members, students, and faculty make life-changing decisions for a healthier lifestyle. Applications due March 2, 2017. Learn more and apply here.

Prizes: Grand Prize - $20,000 grant for the preschool and a prize pack of books    10 Runners-Up - $2,500 grant a prize pack of books

Carton 2 Garden 2017 Contest
Evergreen Packaging and KidsGardening.org are proud to present its third annual national Carton 2 Garden Contest. Open to public and private schools, contest winners will be selected based on their implementation of an innovative garden creation featuring creative and sustainable uses for repurposed milk and juice cartons. Fourteen entries will be selected to receive award packages for their efforts. Submissions are due April 12, 2017. Learn more here. 

School Grants for Healthy Kids
Action for Healthy Kids is accepting applications for school grants for the 2017-2018 school year. Schools may apply for School Breakfast grants (up to $3,000) to pilot or expand their School Breakfast programs or Game On grants (up to $1,000) to fund physical activity/nutrition initiatives. Deadline to apply is April 7. Visit ActionforHealthyKids.org/Grants for more information and register for informational webinars: School Breakfast (February 22) and Game On (February 21).

Slow Food USA: Ark of Taste Garden Challenge
The Ark of Taste is a living catalog of delicious and distinctive foods facing extinction. By identifying and championing these foods, we keep them in production and on our plates. The Ark of Taste Garden Challenge will engage classrooms in growing these special seeds to taste the wonderful food they produce. Slow Food USA is putting together kits for school gardens, individuals, and Slow Food chapters. Each kit will include Ark of Taste seed packets, garden signs, a poster, recipes, and more. Please request your school garden kit by February 17. Learn more here.

Growing Healthy Alaska Kids: Farm to Summer Meal Site Sub-Grants for Child Nutrition Programs
The Farm to Summer Meal Site Initiative is a Team Nutrition Program of Child Nutrition Programs

Alaska State Department of Education and Early Development.
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) strongly encourages gardening projects and incorporation of local foods into meal programs. The Farm to Summer Meal Sites Program will be actively building healthier nutrition environments by engaging children in fun and interactive nutrition education that is specific to their local food system, such as growing, harvesting, and/or cooking local foods.  This project will be accessible to an array of participating programs including:

• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
• Child Care Centers
• Sponsor of Family Day Care Homes
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP)

• Resident Child Care Institutions
• Summer School
• Seamless Summer Program

• • Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
  • It is our intent to provide funding, up to $750 per summer meal site or $150 per family day care homes, to help purchase gardening supplies, containers, and other materials. USDA nutrition education gardening curriculum will be provided to selected sites. If you are interested in applying or have any questions, please email Jodie Anderson or call 907.761.3854. Application deadline is February 17, 2017. Learn more here.

USDA Announces $27 Million in Grants Available to Support the Local Food Sector
On January 11, USDA announced requests for applications for the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP), which offer $27 million in grants to fund innovative projects designed to strengthen market opportunities for local and regional food producers and businesses. These grants can be used to support farm to school activities. For example, in 2014 Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation received a LFPP grant to expand a pilot Farm to Early Care Project in Central Brooklyn by increasing access to farm fresh, healthy food for 1,500 children while generating increased revenue for participating farmers. Learn more here. 

Lowe's Charitable and Education Foundation Accepting Applications for Toolbox for Education Grants
The Lowe's Charitable and Education Foundation has announced the opening of its Spring 2017 Toolbox for Education, which supports projects that encourage parent involvement in local schools and build stronger community spirit.

One-year grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to projects with the potential to have a permanent impact on a school community, such as facility enhancement (indoor or outdoor) or landscaping/clean-up projects. In addition, Toolbox grants can be used as part of a large-scale project like a playground, as long as the grant will be used to complete a phase of the project that can be completed within twelve months of the award. Learn more and apply here. Application deadline is Feb. 9, 2017. Learn more here. 

Annie's Sustainable Agriculture Scholarships
Annie’s scholarship program assists undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies in sustainable and organic agriculture. This year, 15 winners will each be eligible to receive $10,000. The program is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students studying at an accredited two- or four-year college or graduate school in the United States for the 2017/2018 school year. Applications must be postmarked by January 6, 2017. Learn more here.

NEA Foundation: Grants to Educators
The NEA Foundation is providing mini-grants for projects and programs that can support STEM learning, such as urban farming and other farm to school activities. Deadlines for applications are due Feb. 1, June 1, and Oct. 15. Learn more here. 

MyPlate, MyState Healthy Holiday Challenge

Voice for Healthy Kids Grant
The American Heart Association and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation are working to create a culture of health through Voices for Healthy Kids. The goal of the grant opportunities within this initiative is to make effective strategic investments in ongoing state, local, and tribal public policy issue campaigns in order to increase public policy impact on healthy weight and living among children. Voices for Healthy Kids is focusing efforts in schools, community, and out-of-school time/early care and education. The deadline for application submission is Thursday, December 15, 2016. Learn more here. 

Lead2Feed Leadership Challenge Accepting Student Entries for Service Learning Projects
The Lead2Feed Challenge was created by the Foundation for Impact on Literacy and Learning and the Lift a Life Foundation, with assistance from the Yum! Foundation, to encourage middle and high school students to hone their leadership skills by completing a service-learning project that addresses a community need. Teams of students in 6th - 12th grades are invited to enter the challenge. Each team must complete the Lead2Feed lessons and create and execute a service-learning project designed to find and fill a need in their community. First-, second-, third- and honorable mention prizes of $20,000, $10,000, $5,000 and $1,000, respectively, will be awarded, for a total of up to $275,000.  Up to 50 teams will be recognized as winners. Learn more here. 

KidsGardening 2017 Youth Garden Grants
The 2017 Youth Garden Grant is an award designed to support school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for students and their communities. Any nonprofit, school, or youth program in the United States planning a new garden program or expanding an established one that serves at least 15 youth between the ages of 3 and 18 is eligible to apply. A total of 20 programs will be awarded. Applications are due December 15, 2016. Learn more here.

USDA Seeks Grant Applications for Projects to Test Fruit and Vegetable Incentives
In recent weeks, USDA requested a new round of applications for grants provided under the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grant program. The FINI grant program provides grants to test incentive strategies and technologies designed to help SNAP participants better afford fruits and vegetables. Projects funded range from small pilot projects to multi-year community-based projects and larger scale multi-year projects, designed to help make the healthy choice an affordable choice for SNAP participants. The deadline to apply for the latest round of FINI grants is December 12, 2016. Learn more here.

USDA Farm to School Grant RFA
USDA has announced the release of the FY 2017 Farm to School Grant Program Request for Applications. Up to $5 million in grant funds is available to help schools create or strengthen farm to school programs this school year. Awards ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 will be distributed in four different grant categories: Planning, Implementation, Support Service, and Training.  Applications are due by December 8, 2016. Learn more here. 

Youth Garden Grants, Katie's Krops
Katie's Krops is accepting applications from youth between the ages of 9 and 16 for grants to start a Katie's Krops vegetable garden in their community with the purpose of donating the harvest to people in need. Selected applicants will be awarded a gift card to a garden center in their area (of up to $500), support from Katie’s Krops, and a digital camera to document the garden and the harvest. Applications are due December 31. Learn more here.

Environmental Education Grants, Captain Planet Foundation
The mission of the Captain Planet Foundation is to give the next generation of environmental stewards an active understanding and love for the natural world in which they live. The Captain Planet Foundation primarily makes grants to U.S.-based schools and organizations with an annual operating budget of less than $3 million. Funding ranges from $500 - $2,500. Applications are due by January 31, 2017. Learn more here.