[Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley](https://cfov.org)

March 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)

Up to $5,000 per grant; typical awards are one-time and project-based.

Supports nonprofits in the Upper Ohio Valley to increase access to healthy food, prioritizing food pantries and critical food distribution gaps.

Forecasted cycle; eligibility limited to food pantries in specific WV and OH counties.

--- ## Description The Food Security Fund, established by the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV), is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations working to ensure consistent access to healthy, adequate food for individuals and families in the Upper Ohio Valley. The fund prioritizes local food pantries and projects that address gaps in cold storage, food distribution, sourcing, and outreach—improving the frequency and reliability of access to fresh, nutritious foods for those experiencing food insecurity. Grants are targeted to organizations serving one or more of the foundation’s eight-county service area in West Virginia and Ohio. --- ## Due Dates - March 2027 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant request: $5,000 per application. - Grants are typically one-time awards for specific projects. - The fund was launched with an initial commitment of $100,000, but individual award amounts remain capped at $5,000. --- ## Eligibility - Organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or be a similarly exempt faith-based organization or government entity (such as libraries or schools). - Must operate as a food pantry (distributing free groceries directly to individuals/families in need on a regular basis). - Must serve one or more of the following counties: - West Virginia: Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Tyler, Wetzel - Ohio: Belmont, Jefferson - Only one application per organization may be submitted per 12-month period. - Organizations that have received a grant from another CFOV program for food security within a similar timeframe are not eligible. - The fund does not support congregate dining, hot, or prepared meal programs. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online through the [CFOV grant portal](http://www.grantinterface.com/Process/Apply?urlkey=cfov). - Applicants must provide: - EIN and proof of charitable status - Organization’s annual operating budget and board of directors list - Detailed project description, goals, and expected impact - Project budget (sources and uses) and narrative justification - Description of project alignment with Food Security Fund goals - Information on collaboration, sustainability, and non-discrimination compliance - Only one application per organization per cycle is permitted. - If awarded, funds are typically disbursed within 30 days of the grant deadline. - Grant reports are required within 12 months of award. --- ## Additional Information - Priority is given to projects addressing infrastructure and operational gaps (cold storage, distribution, sourcing, outreach) that enable more frequent or reliable access to healthy food. - The fund is not intended to support ongoing operational expenses unrelated to food access or pantries outside the specified counties. - Applicants are encouraged to review the [grant application preview (PDF)](https://cfov.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Food-Security-Fund-Grant-Application-Spring-2026.pdf) before applying. --- ## External Links - [CFOV Food Security Fund Program Page](https://cfov.org/food-security-fund) - [CFOV Grant Portal (Application)](http://www.grantinterface.com/Process/Apply?urlkey=cfov) - [Application Preview (PDF)](https://cfov.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Food-Security-Fund-Grant-Application-Spring-2026.pdf) - [CFOV News: Fund Launch](https://cfov.org/news/community-foundation-for-the-ohio-valley-launches-food-security-fund-with-100000-commitment/) - [CFOV Contact Page](https://cfov.org/contact-us/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |-------------------------------------------------|------------------------------|---------------| | General Inquiries | info@cfov.org | 304-242-3144 | | Grants/Program Contact (Debbie) | debbie@cfov.org | 304-242-3144 | | Director of Development & Donor Services (Liz Paulhus) | liz@cfov.org | 304-242-3144 |

Food Security Fund

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