2023 Grant Program for Food Pantries
Indy Hunger Network is now accepting applications for the 2023 Grant Program for Food Pantries. Grants are available for food pantries in Marion County that want to improve operations and adopt best practices.
Click the button below to access the grant application. Applications in progress can be saved and completed in multiple sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
Food pantries in Marion County, Indiana are eligible to apply.
Additional details: Applicants must be nonprofit organizations. Food pantries must be currently operational in order to receive funding–grants will not be awarded to start new pantries or to fund pantries that are currently closed. Pantries must be located in Marion County–the only exception is for Pantry Partners distributing TEFAP food in Marion County’s surrounding counties.
When is the application deadline?
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on Monday, October 23, 2022.
What can we request funds for?
This program exists to help food pantries increase capacity and operational effectiveness. We are interested in funding projects that will allow your pantry to adopt best practices (as outlined in the Manual of Best Practices for Food Pantries), serve more clients, distribute more food, increase the number of hours the pantry is open, or more effectively meet the needs of the community. We want to help your pantry make long-term improvements.
How large are the grants?
We recommend applicants make requests up to $10,000. Larger requests will be considered, but are less likely to be fully funded.
When will the funds be distributed?
Funding decisions will be made in November 2023, and checks will be sent out in December 2023.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
If you have questions about your grant project or need technical assistance with the online application, please contact Indy Hunger Network.
Timeline
Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023: Grant Program open
Friday, Sept. 15, 2023: Grant Program Q&A Meeting & Workshop – Register here
Monday, Oct. 23, 2023: Application deadline (11:59 PM)
Mid-November, 2023: Funding decisions finalized
Mid-December, 2023: Grant funds distributed
IHN Grants Committee
Funding decisions will be made by IHN’s Grants Committee, which is made up of representatives from partner organizations, funders, and local agencies that are familiar with the charitable food system. Members include:
- Jose Fuxa, Chair, Elanco
- SJ Benraiss, Indy Hunger Network
- Jill Bryan, Corteva Agriscience
- Marcus Casteel, Grace Care Center
- Patty Cortellini, Second Helpings
- Kate Howe, Indy Hunger Network
- Denise Jones, CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions
- Chase Messersmith, Community Health Network
- Alex Sindorf, Indy Hunger Network
- Shawna Sims-Caldwell, Gleaners Food Bank
- Tikilia Tinker-Martin, City of Indianapolis
Additional Resources
The following documents provide information on best practices, project ideas, and previous grant recipients.
Our Partners
The 2023 Grant Program is made possible by generous support from Corteva Agriscience, the City of Indianapolis, and the Marion County Public Health Department’s REACH Program.
