City of Seattle’s Food Equity Starter Fund Grant Now Accepting Applications

Community-based organizations working to address food access in Seattle are encouraged to apply for the City of Seattle's Food Equity Starter Fund. This fund prioritizes community organizations and groups with an annual budget of less than $500,000 to support smaller, grassroots organizations advancing an equitable and sustainable local food system who have historically had limited access to institutional funding. Projects supported by the Starter Fund prioritize community-led work that contributes to an equitable and sustainable local food system. By 'food system' we mean any activities related to food which can include growing, cooking, distributing food, food education, or food waste management.  

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until July 31, 2025, or until funding runs out which is likely to occur before the deadline. For information on available funding, please reach out to the foodequityfund@seattle.gov.

Eligible proposals must:

• have project activities that occur within Seattle city limits.
• 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 completed within 24 months of contracting.

How to Apply

The Food Equity Starter Fund application and supporting materials can be accessed on the Food Equity Fund website. When complete, please email application and relevant attachments to foodequityfund@seattle.gov with the subject line: FINAL SUBMISSION_ORG NAME.

The review process will include a virtual interview component. Interviews will be scheduled after a Food Equity Fund Project Manager reviews the written portion of the application. Language and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation are available upon request, please allow five business days for planning. Virtual interviews will take place every Wednesday between 2:00-3:30pm, we will work with you to schedule the next available appointment slot. The panel will include at least two Food Equity Fund staff.

Language Support

Currently, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is only able to accept applications in written 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.

Information Sessions

The Food Equity Funds team is hosting three virtual information session for interested applicants to learn more about the application process, qualities of a strong proposal, and ask any questions. Live interpretation is available with one week notice. Register for an information session.

• Starter Fund Info Session #1: Thursday, April 17, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Starter Fund Info Session #2: Tuesday, May 7, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
• Starter Fund Info Session #3: Monday, June 9, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

About the Food Equity Fund

Created in 2021, the Food Equity Fund supports work led by those who experience the most food and health inequities: Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, refugees, people with low incomes, 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.