The Food Equity Fund is a program administered by the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON), aimed at fostering equitable and sustainable food systems in the city of Seattle. The Fund, created in 2021, focuses on supporting projects that address food and health inequities, particularly for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, refugees, people with low incomes, youth, and elders. The funding is derived from Seattle's Sweetened Beverage Tax and is designed to fund community-led work related to food activities, including growing, cooking, distributing, and managing food waste.

The 2025 cycle of the Food Equity Fund will offer approximately $2.2 million in funding across two grant categories: the Food Equity Fund Grant and the Starter Fund. The goal is to invest in organizations and projects that benefit Seattle residents, particularly those who are directly impacted by food insecurity. The projects funded through this initiative are expected to be completed within 24 months, with a particular emphasis on ensuring accessibility and engagement from diverse communities. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, community food programs, gardening or farming projects, food-related job training, coalition-building for food justice, and food justice leadership development.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, community groups with a fiscal sponsor, or tribal organizations. Fiscal sponsors must be organizations with 501(c)(3) status and will charge a fee of 5%-10% of the total grant amount for their services. The grant specifically funds projects located within Seattle, and applicants must demonstrate how their activities will benefit Seattle residents who live, learn, work, and/or worship in the city.

The application process requires the submission of several materials, including a completed application form, a detailed grant request budget, proof of nonprofit status (or fiscal sponsorship), and, if applicable, property owner permission for any physical improvements. Applications must be submitted via email to FoodEquityFund@seattle.gov by 11:59 p.m. PDT on March 17, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

The evaluation of proposals will be based on several criteria, including the alignment of the project with the Food Equity Fund's mission, the clarity of the project description, the project's potential impact on community benefits, and the strength of the proposed budget and work plan. A community review panel will assess each proposal, with final funding decisions made by the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods.

Applicants who are awarded funding will be required to attend an orientation, sign contracts by October 1, 2025, and complete their projects by September 30, 2027. They will also be required to obtain a City of Seattle business license, secure commercial general liability insurance, and ensure compliance with ADA requirements for capital projects. The fund uses an outcome-based reimbursement model, with payments made based on agreed-upon milestones.