Make Hunger History
Make Hunger History

Community Power Grants

Project Bread’s Community Power Grants support community-led advocacy, leadership, and movement building to end hunger in Massachusetts. Rooted in the belief that hunger requires systemic change - not charity- these grants will invest in communities most impacted by food insecurity to build the power, capacity, infrastructure, and leadership needed to drive long-term policy and systems change.

Download Grant Overview PDF
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Who Should Apply

The deadline to apply has passed.

We are seeking proposals from community-based, grassroots organizations with annual operating budgets that do not exceed $250,000. Collaborative applications are encouraged. Applicants must either be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit or have a fiscal sponsor.

Priority will be given to applicants that:

  • Are led by individuals with lived experience of poverty, food insecurity, or who belong to disproportionately impacted communities.
  • Have a strong track record of working within communities most affected by hunger.
  • Propose initiatives that build long-term infrastructure for sustained advocacy and engagement.
  • Include cross-sector or cross-organizational collaboration to strengthen impact.

Funding Parameters

  • Each grantee will receive $20,000 to launch a new, dedicated project that aligns with the Make Hunger History vision and strategy.

  • Funds may be used for personnel/stipends, training, events, outreach, communications, materials, technical assistance, and evaluation in support of the identified dedicated project. Grants may be applied to areas of greatest need within the scope of the project. Please note that funding cannot be used for food distribution or emergency food assistance.

How to Apply

Step 1: Submit a letter of interest by July 21

  • Before submitting a full proposal, interested organizations are required to submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) by July 21
  • The LOI serves as an initial step to help Project Bread better understand the scope of potential projects, ensure alignment, and gauge applicant readiness and interest. This stage allows us to engage with applicants early in the process and offer guidance to support strong, strategic proposals. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application based on the strength and fit of their LOI.

Letter of Interest Questions:

  1. Tell us about your organization or group’s mission and history. How do its values and approach reflect a commitment to equity? If applicable, please include any experience with advocacy, movement building, or community organizing. (250 words max).
  2. Who does your organization or group serve, and how does it support those most impacted by hunger and injustice? (250 words max).
  3. What is the core idea or focus of your proposed project? Please include what issue it will address, the number of people from your organization who will be involved in the project, who will be impacted, and the change you hope to create? (250 words max).
  4. How will your project contribute to building community power and leadership, shifting narratives, and align with the goals of Make Hunger History to address hunger at a systemic level? (250 words max).
  5. Grantees will participate in two individualized technical assistance sessions with Project Bread’s Research & Evaluation Team. These sessions will guide grantees in developing a project-specific logic model, identifying key impact metrics, and exploring ways to capture qualitative data and stories. With that support in mind, how do you envision success at the end of the year? (250 words max).
  6. What is your annual operating budget? How many people work at your organization? Please specify the number of paid staff and volunteers.
  7. If your organization is selected for funding, how much are you requesting from Project Bread (up to $20,000)? (Note: Budget requests should not exceed 20% of the organizational average annual revenue and the amount requested should encompass the planned expenses for the project.)

How to Apply

Step 2: Selected applicants invited to advance from Letter of Interest Phase, Submit full grant application by September 1st

Project Bread will select organizations to advance from the Letter of Interest phase by August 6 and invite them to submit the full grant application for funding including a detailed budget for the proposed use of funds. The deadline to submit the full grant application is September 1st.

Community Power Grant

$20,000

to launch a new, dedicated project that aligns with MHH

Participation Requirements

Once funded, all grantees must:

  • Be active members of the Make Hunger History Coalition, including participation in coalition meetings and at least one working group (e.g., attending meetings, taking action on shared priorities, and contributing to collaborative efforts).
  • Participate in Project Bread’s Community of Practice for peer learning and sharing
  • Agree to site visits throughout the grant period. These visits may include members from the Project Bread team, the press, elected officials, and or funders.
  • Meet with our Research and Evaluation team to for technical assistance on metrics and project evaluation
  • Collect qualitative data telling stories about the project and how it has impacted individuals and the community.
  • Provide two points of contact, first and secondary, for communication with Project Bread.
  • Recognize and promote Project Bread partnerships and Make Hunger Coalition work.
  • Share data and information with Project Bread that is produced as part of the project during the funding period.
  • Participate in training focused on foundational concepts of movement building.
  • Serve as an ambassador in their community on behalf of the Make Hunger History Coalition

Technical Assistance & Support

To promote equitable access and success:

  • Project Bread's Community Engagement Team will offer office hours and application support.
  • Grantees will join quarterly check-ins with the Director of Community Partnerships and the Director of Make Hunger History.
  • Grantees will take part in two individualized technical assistance sessions with Project Bread’s Research & Evaluation Team (R&E). These meetings will focus on developing a project-specific logic model and identifying key data to collect in order to measure impact.
  • By the end of the sessions, each grantee will have created a customized logic model with measurable impact metrics to support outcome reporting throughout the grant period.
  • In addition, the R&E Team will discuss with grantees best practices in capturing qualitative data and stories.

Reporting Requirements

  • Quarterly progress updates and check-in meetings
  • Submit a mid-year progress narrative on the logic model created with the assistance of the Research & Evaluation team. Project Bread will provide the format for these reports.
  • Present annual evaluation. Project Bread will provide the format for this report.

Final Deliverable:

  • Present an overview and impact of the project at a Make Hunger History (MHH) Coalition meeting; OR prepare a brief case study to support potential statewide replication. Project Bread will support this final output.