Food Systems Grants

Food Systems Grants is sponsored by Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. The Food Systems program funds efforts to create a thriving, healthy, and just food system in Maine, with a priority on equity-driven, grassroots initiatives led by or serving Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), rural Mainers, and women.

Supported areas include food justice, food sovereignty, land and water access, nutrition equity, food networks, and food policy.

Food Systems — Elmina B. Sewall Foundation The Sewall Foundation is committed to co-creating a thriving, healthy, and just food system where local communities are guiding decisions about, and have abundant access to, the resources needed for collective well-being and the foods that remind us we belong. 2026 available funding: $180,000 A substantial portion of the Food Systems budget is dedicated to multi-year commitments.

Our flexibility for new funding in 2026 is limited. As a result, grants will be offered by invitation only. We may invite new applications, including from organizations not currently funded, or work with existing partners to amend their current grants.

Program Contact: foodsystems@sewallfoundation.

org Photo courtesy of Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association The Food Systems program will support efforts that are working in one or more of the follow areas in Maine: Land and water sovereignty and access Please see this document for more details on Sewall’s approach to these efforts Funding will be prioritized for efforts that: Are led by, and/or serving, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, rural Mainers, and women that strengthen Maine’s local food system Are equity-driven, grassroots efforts guided by the expertise of those closest to the injustices of our current food system Contribute to the viability of healthy and just food systems (this may be through resourcing, technical assistance, capacity building, partnerships, etc.) Resource communities most affected by racial and socioeconomic inequity to build collective power and wealth Support both the immediate material conditions of those in need and the emergence of sovereign and just food systems Are smaller and have barriers to accessing resources (e.g., historically marginalized groups, fiscally sponsored work, etc.) 2026 Available Funding: $180,000 Generally, grant funding levels in this program area are: Individual organizations/efforts: $10,000 to $60,000 (per year) Increased funding amounts may be available to organizations that meet multiple program priority areas.

1-4 year proposals will be considered. Collaborations/efforts involving multiple organizations/groups: up to $200,000 (per year) Occasionally, organizations may apply for both organizational and collaborative funds. 1-4 year proposals will be considered.

2026 Application Information Applications were due by February 25, at 5pm. Grant decisions will be announced by early May, 2026. Because of the limited funding available this year, our grantmaking will be by invitation only.

We may invite new applications, including from organizations not currently funded, or work with existing partners to amend their current grants. We’re pleased to present this series of articles on our inspiring grant partners . Presente!

Maine has received six Sewall grants since its inception in 2020: three Rapid Response grants, and three Healthy People Healthy Places Food Systems grants. Read to learn how Presente! is meeting the complex needs of Maine’s Afro/Indigenous and Latinx communities.