FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT
The Grotta Fund for Older Adults is seeking proposals to support 4-5 new or expanded innovative initiatives aimed at improving food access and distribution that will benefit older adults in Essex County. This responsive funding aims to address emerging issues such as Federal-related cutbacks, rising food prices, immigration-related fears, insufficient fresh produce, limited numbers of local farmer’s markets, and systemic challenges related to accessing food and social services benefits. The Fund seeks to support initiatives that can be maintained beyond the grant period, encourages collaborative initiatives, and gives preference to participants of the Food, Health and Equity Coalition (FHEC). Max. request: $40,000.
Food Security RFP – Grant period: October 2025–September 2026 Timeline
- RFP Announcement: June 5
- Grantee Informational Call: July 2, 10:00 am (Click here to Register)
- Deadline: July 22, 5:00 pm
- Notification to Grantees: September 25, 2025
Focus Areas:
Proposals must address one or more of the following issues:
- Expanding access to nutritious meals/food that is culturally appropriate for older adults experiencing food insecurity in underserved areas; nutrition support included.
- Expanding numbers of older adults receiving food and services.
- Enhancing assistance programs such as SNAP, Meals on Wheels and other programs to better serve older adult populations.
- Enhancing operations at a food distribution organization leading to greater distribution, engagement of volunteers, lower waste, or the purchase of small equipment.
- Addressing transportation and mobility barriers to gain access to food, especially in low-access areas with limited food retail options.
- Collaboration with other food distributors/pantries, health and/or social service organizations, case management, and housing.
- Improving operations and volunteer coordination using technologies.
Eligibility:
Organizations must operate in Essex County, NJ or serve Essex County residents and have proven experience with older adult services.
Priorities:
- Organizations associated with the Food Health and Equity Coalition (FHEC).
- Organizations that demonstrate trust-building and close relationships with local residents and promote equitable access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food.
- Organizations proposing initiatives that will be collaborative with other organizations.
- Organizations that leverage federal, state, or private funding for the initiative/project.
- Organizations that share their plan for financial sustainability of the initiative/project.
Funding Period:
Grants will be awarded for a 12-month period. Successful projects may be considered for inclusion in a multi-year initiative.
Maximum Funding Request: $40,000
Application Deadline: July 22, 2025
How to Apply:
Click here to access the Grotta Fund Foundant application portal.
Resources:
To assist you in preparing your application, please review the following resources developed by the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate:
- The Six Dimensions of Food Security – the conceptual framework used to evaluate proposals and determine potential impact on food security in the state.
- Public Data Catalog – includes data resource links that may be useful as you complete your application.
