The Basic Needs Grant Cycle provides funding to organizations addressing urgent and foundational needs within local communities. This grant is designed to strengthen the safety net for individuals and families experiencing hardship by supporting programs that deliver food, clothing, essential items, and safe shelter.
Applicants may request up to $10,000 in funding. Partial awards may be granted based on project need, available funds, and proposal strength.
Funding Priorities
Priority will be given to projects and programs that:
Address Immediate or Chronic Food Insecurity: Including food pantries, meal programs, weekend backpack programs, or other efforts ensuring access to nutritious food.
Provide Essential Clothing: Programs supplying seasonal clothing, winter gear, or everyday clothing in emergency situations for individuals and families.
Meet Critical Essential Needs: Initiatives providing hygiene products, household essentials, baby items, transportation assistance, or other core necessities.
Support Access to Safe Shelter: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, homelessness prevention, and programs improving safety or stability for people without housing.
Eligible Project Areas
Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:
- Food pantries and food distribution programs
- Mobile food delivery or outreach programs
- Clothing closets or community clothing distribution
- Hygiene product distribution initiatives
- Emergency shelter services
- Homelessness prevention services
- Warming centers, shelter upgrades, or safety improvements
- Programs offering essential household goods to families in crisis
Use of Funds
Allowable costs may include, but not limited to:
- Food purchases or meal program costs
- Clothing purchases, supplies, or storage needs
- Hygiene kits, diapers, and essential household items
- Emergency shelter operations or upgrades
- Outreach and distribution costs
- Personnel time directly tied to program implementation
Timeline
- Application release: September 1
- Deadline: September 30
- Review/decision period: October
- Award announcements: November