Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP)

1. Meet the food needs of food-insecure individuals through food distribution.
2. Develop community outreach to assist in participation in Federal nutrition assistance programs.
3. Improve access to nutrient dense food as part of a comprehensive service. 

1. Develop long-term sustainable projects that increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for the food needs of the community.
2. Develop long-term projects that promote comprehensive responses to local food, food access, farm, and nutrition issues.
3. Meet specific State, local, Tribal, Territory, or neighborhood food and agricultural long term needs including needs for equipment necessary for the efficient operation of a CFPCGP project.
4. Develop a comprehensive plan for long-term solutions to food and nutrition security.
5. Develop long term projects that lead to the creation of innovative marketing activities that mutually benefit agricultural producers and income-eligible consumers.

• Applicants for the CFPCGP must meet all the eligibility requirements stated in this RFA and provide qualifying documentation to support their eligibility for this program at the time of application. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or preclude NIFA from making an award.
• Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible to apply for this program.
• For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process. 

To be eligible for a grant under 7 USC 2034, CFPCGP, a public food program service provider, a tribal organization, or a private nonprofit entity, including gleaners, must 

1. have experience in the area of[1]
   1. community food work, particularly concerning small and medium-sized farms, including the provision of food to people in communities with low incomes and the development of new markets in communities with low incomes for agricultural producers;
   2. job training and business development activities for food-related activities in communities with low incomes; or
   3. efforts to reduce food and nutrition insecurity in the community, including food distribution, improving access to services, or coordinating services and programs;
2. demonstrate competency to implement a project, provide fiscal accountability, collect data, and prepare reports and other necessary documentation;
3. demonstrate a willingness to share information with researchers, practitioners, and other interested parties; and
4. collaborate with one or more local partner organizations using one or more action steps proposed by Congress to achieve a “hunger-free communities' goal. 

Definition of Private Non-Profit: “Private Nonprofit entities” are defined as any nongovernmental corporation, trust, association, cooperative or other organization which: 

1. Is operated primarily for scientific, educational, service, charitable, or similar purposes in the public interest.
2. Is not organized primarily for profit; and
3. Uses its net proceeds to maintain, improve, and/or expand its operations. 

Acceptable Evidence: The following documents can be used as proof of Private Non-Profit eligibility. 

1. A copy of a currently valid Internal Revenue Service tax exemption certificate.
2. A statement from a state taxing body, State Attorney General, or other appropriate state official certifying that the applicant organization has a non- profit status.
3. A certified copy of the organization’s certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes private non-profit status.
4. Any of the above proof for a state or national parent organization and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-profit affiliate. See the NIFA Policy Guide for additional information.

• USDA NIFA Invests $4.8 Million in Community Food Projects
• CFPCGP FY2025 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | NIFA (usda.gov)
• Become a reviewer for NIFA
• CFP Funded Awards
• Competitive Grants Flowchart
• NIFA Grant Resources
• NIFA Policy Guide
• Indirect Costs
• NIFA-22-001 NIFA Grants Application Guide
• DMP
• Logic model
• Upcoming Request for Applications (RFA) release calendar
• Goals for a Hunger Free Community