The Newark Fresh, Healthy Food Access Grant, launched in 2017 by Whole Cities Foundation with the support of its founder Whole Foods Market, aims to enhance the local food system and improve community health across all five wards of Newark, New Jersey. The grant provides funding to Newark-led organizations working to broaden access to fresh, healthy food and nutrition education. Over the years, Whole Cities has awarded more than $1 million to 34 organizations that support community gardens, urban farms, farmers’ markets, mobile markets, healthy cooking classes, and agriculture skills development programs.

Eligible organizations can apply for funding ranging between $5,000 and $20,000. The application process includes a review by the Newark Community Advisory Council, a panel of rotating Newark leaders. Grantees are selected based on the sustainability of their projects and how well they align with Whole Cities’ mission. The program prioritizes nonprofits that are locally driven, actively reflect the Newark community, and engage residents in meaningful ways.

For the 2025 grant cycle, applications will be accepted from January 22, 2025, through February 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Applications can be submitted through Submittable, and applicants must provide required documents, including an IRS 501(c)(3) Letter of Determination and 5-10 high-resolution, media-released photos. The Newark Community Advisory Council will review applications in March, and selected grantees will be announced in late April 2025.

As this is the final year of the grant program, Whole Cities Foundation is offering additional support to grantees by providing grant writing, business development, and bookkeeping training. Applicants will also have the opportunity to share feedback on how Whole Cities can best support them through this transition. The foundation encourages organizations to reach out directly for discussions on potential support.

Individuals who are interested in contributing to the grant process but are not applying for funding can join the Newark Community Advisory Council as application reviewers. Those interested must submit a Reviewer Interest Form by February 19, 2025. Any questions regarding the grant program or eligibility requirements can be directed to grants@wholecitiesfoundation.org, while technical assistance for the application platform is available at support@submittable.com.