Funds available to support community-initiated projects working to advance food equity.

Community-based organizations working to address food education, access, and security in Seattle are encouraged to apply for the City of Seattle’s Food Equity Fund Grant by March 17. This Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) program invests in activities related to food and prioritizes projects led by those who experience the most health disparities including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, immigrants, refugees, low-income individuals, families with young children, youth, and/or elders. Funding is provided by revenue from Seattle’s Sweetened Beverage Tax.  

In 2025, approximately $2.2 million is available in funding through two grant cycles: The Food Equity Fund Grant and the Starter Fund which will launch in April. 

Food Equity Fund Grant Overview   

Award Amount:  $25,000 to $100,000    
Project Length: Up to 24 months    
Application Open:  Thursday, January 16, 2025  
Application Due Date: Monday, March 17, 2025, at 11:59pm  
Notice of Decision: By June 30, 2025  

Eligible Applicants  

• Organizations that have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, or  
• Community groups that have a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status,   
• Tribes and tribal organizations  

Eligible proposals must:  

• Have project activities occur within Seattle.   
• Be accessible and benefit people who live, learn, work, and/or worship in Seattle  
• Focus on contributing to an equitable and sustainable local food system  
• Be complete within 24 months of contracting  

 For more information or to begin an application visit seattle.gov/food-equity-fund. 

Applicant Support  

Language Assistance 

Currently, DON is only able to accept applications in English. However, if you want one-on-one support in a language other than English, we can set up a virtual meeting with an interpreter free of cost. Please send an email to foodequityfund@seattle.gov or call us at 206-727-3663 to request an interpreter.   

Feedback and Information 

A Food Equity Fund project manager is available to provide feedback on a draft application (English only) if materials are emailed to foodequityfund@seattle.gov by March 5.  After this date, project managers will be unable to provide feedback but can answer questions and check for eligibility.   

DON is offering three online informational workshops where community members can learn more about the application and project review process. To register please RSVP here. 

Monday, February 3, 10-11:00 a.m. 
Join Online: Food Equity Fund Info Session #1  
Join by phone: +1-206-207-1700  
Access code: 2486 387 1573   Password 2025  

Wednesday, February 12, 12-1:00 p.m. 
Join Online: Food Equity Fund Info Session #2   
Join by phone: (206) 207-1700   
Access code: 2499 720 7174   Password 2025   

 
Thursday, February 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m. 
Join Online: Food Equity Fund Info Session #3   
Join by phone: (206) 207-1700   
Access code: 2481 126 4256 Password: 2025   

 There will also be an open office hour to serve as an informal space to ask questions   

Thursday, March 6, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.   
Link: Food Equity Fund Virtual Open Office Hour  
Join by phone: (206) 207-1700   
Access code: 2481 150 9111 Password: 2025   

To set up a time to meet one-on-one with a project manager, please contact us at (206) 727-3663 or foodequityfund@seattle.gov