Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program

Background
The Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP) is administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program aims to enhance food security and nutrition in communities, particularly those that are underserved.

The CFPCGP is designed to provide federal assistance that encourages self-sustaining projects addressing food and nutrition security issues. It seeks to fund innovative solutions that engage community members in the planning and implementation of projects aimed at improving access to nutritious food.

Grant Details
The CFPCGP will fund two types of grants: Planning Projects (PP) and Community Food Projects (CFP).

Planning Projects are intended for early-stage investments in new or startup projects focused on improving community food security. They require a detailed plan for a successful Community Food Project.

Community Food Projects aim for long-term solutions rather than short-term relief, promoting sustainable practices across the food system. Both grant types require a dollar-for-dollar matching contribution from applicants, with specific funding limits: PP grants range from $25,000 to $50,000, while CFP grants can request between $125,000 and $400,000 over a maximum of four years.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include public food program service providers, tribal organizations, or private nonprofit entities with experience in community food work, job training related to food activities, or efforts to reduce food insecurity.

Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible. Applicants must demonstrate competency in project implementation and fiscal accountability, as well as a willingness to collaborate with local partners.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for Planning Projects can last from 12 to 36 months (up to 3 years), while Community Food Projects may have a duration not exceeding 48 months.

Applicants may request funding for one to four years but must adhere to the specified maximum durations.

Grant Value
The anticipated total funding available for FY 2025 and FY 2026 is approximately $4,800,000 each year. Individual awards range from $25,000 to $400,000 depending on the project type.

Place of Performance
The grant projects are expected to be implemented within communities across the United States that are experiencing food insecurity.