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Growing Stronger Communities Grant Program

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MOVE FROM LEARNING TO ACTION

Grant Overview

The Growing Stronger Communities Grant Program, presented by Chiesi USA, will provide three (3) $10,000 grants to support practical, community-centered projects that strengthen agriculture, improve health, build trust, and expand resilient local food systems. Grant applications must fall within one of these three pillars:

  • Sustainable Solutions – Initiatives that promote long-term environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and resilience within communities and food systems.
  • Collaborative Efforts – Partnerships that bring together diverse stakeholders to drive shared outcomes, foster innovation, and amplify community impact.
  • Scalable Impact – Programs/approaches with the potential to grow, replicate, or expand to benefit broader populations and create lasting change.

Ready to Apply?

Applications due September 1, 2026!

Start your application by clicking the “Apply for Grant” button below. To ensure you’re ready with all the responses and information you need, we recommend reviewing the application PDF found at this link.

Note: the live application form (accessed through the “Apply for Grant” button) will appear visually different than the linked PDF preview.

Apply for grant

Additional Details

When is the application due?

Applications are due September 1, 2026.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THESE GRANTS?
The Growing Stronger Communities Conference is designed to be more than a gathering. It is a space for learning, connection, and action. Through Chiesi USA’s support, these grants help participants apply what they learn in real communities, farms, food banks, healthcare partnerships, and local food systems. Our goal is for the grants to support initiatives that strengthen communities through agriculture, food systems, and environmental sustainability.
HOW MUCH GRANT FUNDING IS AVAILABLE?
A total of three grants will be awarded and must fall within one of the three pillars: Sustainable Solutions, Collaborative Efforts, or Scalable Impact. All three selected recipients will receive $10,000 each.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants must:

  • Be registered for and in attendance at the Growing Stronger Communities Conference.
  • Plan to use the grant to expand an existing program or launch an innovative approach aligned with one of the three pillar areas (if your request aligns with multiple pillars, please select the one it primarily falls into).
  • Be actively working in agriculture, food access, nutrition security, community health, food systems, or community-based growing.
  • Be able to use funds within 6–12 months.
  • Be willing to share a brief follow-up report, story, or update.
What are the selection criteria or priorities?
  • Alignment with the selected grant opportunity and conference pillar
  • Community impact
  • Feasibility of using the funds within 6–12 months
  • Commitment to community voice, equity, partnership, or culturally responsive approaches
  • Potential for sustainability or growth beyond the grant period
When will grants be awarded?
Grants will be awarded during the Growing Stronger Communities Conference (you must be registered and present to be eligible for award).
What are the three pillar areas that grant requests must fall into?
All grant requests should align with one of the following pillars (if your request aligns with multiple pillars, please select the one it primarily falls into):

  • Sustainable Solutions – Initiatives that promote long-term environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and resilience within communities and food systems.
  • Collaborative Efforts – Partnerships that bring together diverse stakeholders to drive shared outcomes, foster innovation, and amplify community impact.
  • Scalable Impact – Programs/approaches with the potential to grow, replicate, or expand to benefit broader populations and create lasting change.
Still have questions

Contact us via email, events@foodshuttle.org, if you have any additional questions regarding this grant opportunity or the application process.

Ready to Apply?

Applications due September 1, 2026!

Start your application by clicking the “Apply for Grant” button below. To ensure you’re ready with all the responses and information you need, we recommend reviewing the application PDF found at this link.

Note: the live application form (accessed through the “Apply for Grant” button) will appear visually different than the linked PDF preview.

Apply for grant