Food Systems Grants
Supports equity-driven, community-led research and initiatives to build a just, healthy, and resilient food system in Maine, prioritizing BIPOC, rural, and women-led efforts.
Funder: Elmina B. Sewall Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026 (Rapid Response Grants) | February 2027 (Food Systems Grants)
Funding Amounts: $10,000–$60,000/year (individual orgs); up to $100,000–$200,000/year (collaborations); 1–4 year proposals; 2026 total available funding: $180,000 (limited, by invitation only)
Summary: Supports grassroots, equity-driven efforts to build a just, healthy, and community-led food system in Maine, prioritizing marginalized and underserved groups.
Key Information: 2026 grants are by invitation only due to limited new funding; priority for BIPOC, rural, and women-led efforts.
Description
The Food Systems program at the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation funds efforts to co-create a thriving, healthy, and just food system in Maine. The program prioritizes equity-driven, grassroots initiatives led by or serving Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), rural Mainers, and women—especially those that strengthen Maine’s local food system and are guided by those most affected by food system injustices. Supported areas include food justice, food sovereignty, land and water access, nutrition equity, food networks, and food policy. The foundation emphasizes supporting smaller organizations and those facing barriers to accessing other resources.
