The Growing Justice Fund is accepting applications for its 2024 grant cycle, with funding ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. This grant program focuses on advancing equity in the U.S. food system by supporting Tribal, Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant (BIPOC+) communities involved in food production, distribution, and procurement. Through community-driven projects, the fund aims to foster economic opportunities for these communities by connecting them with high-volume purchasers like schools, hospitals, and elder care facilities, which act as anchor markets for locally produced, sustainable food.

The Fund offers two types of grants: Planning Grants (up to $25,000) and Implementation Grants ($50,000 to $250,000). Planning Grants are designed for early-stage projects to support research, stakeholder engagement, partnership building, and project planning, setting the groundwork for successful long-term initiatives. Implementation Grants are intended for fully developed projects, helping organizations scale operations and secure institutional food contracts through investments in infrastructure, certification, food hubs, and collaborative networks.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, Tribal Nations, or their instrumentalities, and community-led groups dedicated to transforming food systems and enhancing equitable food procurement. Organizations must be led by people of color from historically disinvested communities, be active in the food value chain, and have at least two years of experience in this area (though this is not mandatory for Planning Grant applicants). Projects should focus on building good food procurement infrastructures, advancing policy through grassroots organizing, or preserving traditional food pathways within Tribal communities. Partnerships with community-serving institutions and other organizations are encouraged to ensure sustainable impact.

To apply, organizations must first complete an online Eligibility Quiz by November 7, 2024, to receive an invitation to the application process. Completed applications are due by November 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. PT/8:00 p.m. ET. Funding decisions are based on the project's alignment with Growing Justice's mission of transforming institutional food procurement to support BIPOC+ communities.

Growing Justice does not fund school or community gardens, food pantries, projects outside the U.S., or mini-grant distribution programs, as the focus remains on systemic change within the institutional food procurement network. Applicants can learn more or ask specific eligibility questions during the quiz process, with responses provided within 1-2 business days. This fund offers a unique opportunity for organizations to drive significant, sustainable changes in food equity for marginalized communities.