2021 Grant Program for Food Pantries
Indy Hunger Network is now accepting applications for the 2021 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 apply for funding. Progress on the online application form cannot be saved, so we recommend preparing your answers before completing the form. See the application questions to begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for grant funding, applicants must be nonprofit organizations that have existing food pantry programs in Marion County, Indiana.
When is the application deadline?
Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Monday, October 25, 2021.
What can we request funds for?
This program exists to help food pantries increase capacity and increase 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. More information on project ideas that are eligible for funding is here.
How large are the grants?
We have $103,000 to distribute in this cycle. 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 2021, and checks will be sent out in December 2021.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
For general questions about the grant program or technical assistance with the online application, please contact Indy Hunger Network. If you need help responding to the questions in the application or thinking about your project idea, please contact Cynthia Oda.
Timeline & Events
Monday, Aug. 30, 2021: Grant Program open
Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021: Virtual Pantry Summit Session, “Overview of Best Practices and Grant Program Q&A” via Zoom, 12-1pm. View the recording here.
Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021: Grant Writing Workshop, via Zoom, 2:30-4pm. Led by grant writing professional, Cynthia Oda. View the recording here.
Monday, Oct. 25, 2021: Application deadline
Mid-November, 2021: Funding decisions made
December, 2021: 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 emergency hunger relief system. Members include:
- Stephen Smith (chair), Corteva Agriscience
- Jill Bryan, Corteva Agriscience
- Marcus Casteel, Grace Care Center
- Patty Cortellini, Second Helpings
- Kathy Hahn-Keiner, Gleaners Food Bank
- Kate Howe, Indy Hunger Network
- Denise Jones, CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions
- Milele Kennedy, City of Indianapolis
- Chase Messersmith, Community Health Network
- Angela Richie, Indy Hunger Network
- Alex Sindorf, Indy Hunger Network
Need Help?
We are available to help you apply for a grant and to answer any questions you might have.
Please contact one of the people below, based on the type of assistance you need.
If you need technical assistance with the application, or if you have general questions about the grant program, please contact Angela Richie.
If you need free assistance from a grant writing consultant to help you complete your application, please contact Cynthia Oda.
Additional Resources
The following documents provide information on best practices, project ideas, and previous grant recipients.
Our Partners
The 2021 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.
