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MANNA Agency Grant Program:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the MANNA Agency Grant Program?
The MANNA Agency Grant Program provides flexible funding to help Partner Agencies respond to immediate needs, strengthen their operations, and invest in long-term solutions that improve food security in their communities.
2. How much funding can my agency request?
Agencies can request up to $15,000 per application. You may request funding for one project or a combination of related projects.
3. Why was this grant program created?
The program was inspired by MANNA’s Food for Today, Food for Tomorrow, and Food for a Lifetime framework. These priorities recognize that strong food security requires both meeting immediate needs and investing in the systems, opportunities, and community resilience that support lasting access to food.
4. Is this three separate grants or grant categories?
No. This is one grant opportunity. Projects inspired by the Food for Today, Food for Tomorrow, and Food for a Lifetime priorities helped shape the types of projects this program is intended to support.
5. Who is eligible to apply?
Current MANNA Partner Agencies within MANNA’s 16-county service area are eligible to apply.
6. What kinds of projects can be funded?
Funding can support a wide range of projects, including emergency needs, facility and equipment improvements, technology, storage and distribution capacity, workforce development, community food projects, SNAP outreach, financial literacy, and other initiatives that strengthen food security and community resilience.
7. Can you give some examples of eligible expenses?
Examples include:
Refrigerators, freezers, and equipment repairs
Storage, shelving, and warehouse improvements
Forklifts, pallet jacks, carts, and distribution equipment
Technology, software, and communications
Facility, accessibility, safety, and code improvements
Disaster preparedness and backup power
Community gardens and food production
Workforce and career development
SNAP outreach and enrollment
Educational Programs & Classes
Staffing or organizational capacity-building
8. Can I use this money to purchase food?
No, the intention of this funding is to build longer term capacity and is not inteded to fund food purchasing.
9. Can I apply for an urgent or emergency need?
Yes. The program can support urgent operational needs that directly affect your agency’s ability to safely and reliably distribute food, including critical equipment repairs, emergency replacements, or damage resulting from unforeseen events.
10. Can funding be used for staffing?
Yes, when the staffing directly supports the project and builds organizational capacity. Examples could include part-time operational support, development or grant-writing capacity, or other staffing needs that help strengthen your agency’s ability to serve the community.
11. Can funding be used to give money directly to individuals?
The program is intended to build capacity and create longer-term impact, rather than provide one-time financial assistance directly to individuals. Projects should focus on creating sustainable opportunities, services, or systems that address food insecurity and economic stability.
12. Can I apply for more than one project?
Yes. Agencies can request up to $15,000 total for one project or a combination of related projects. Your application should clearly explain how the requested projects work together and how they will benefit your organization and community.
13. Do I have to request the entire $15,000?
No. $15,000 is the maximum award, not a required amount. Request what is needed to successfully complete your proposed project.
14. How will applications be evaluated?
Applications will be reviewed based on factors such as the need for the project, potential impact, feasibility, alignment with the goals of the grant program, and the agency’s ability to successfully complete the proposed work. Funding is limited, so submitting an application does not guarantee an award.
15. When is the application due?
October 30, 2026.
16. When will agencies find out if they received funding?
MANNA plans to notify applicants of funding decisions no later than January 8, 2027.
17. When will grant funds be distributed?
Approved agencies will be asked to sign a grant agreement within a week of their award notification. Checks will be mailed after the grant agreement has been signed.
18. What are the reporting requirements?
Grant recipients must complete two follow-up reports. The first report will be due 60 days after the grant payments are processed and the second report will be due June 15, 2027. Both will be brief and may include the following:
A summary of how funding has been used to date or any project deviations
The impact of the project on the organization and community
Photos, stories, testimonials, or examples of impact (when available)
Documentation of expenses
19. What happens if my agency does not complete the required report?
Agencies that do not complete required grant reporting within the established timeframe will not be eligible for future MANNA grant opportunities.
20. What if I’m not sure whether my project is eligible?
We encourage you to apply if your project aligns with the overall goals of the program. If you're unsure, contact your Agency Relations Manager to discuss your idea before submitting your application.
21. What makes a strong application?
Strong applications will clearly explain the need, what you plan to do, how the funding will be used, who will benefit, and what difference the project will make. Think about how your project will strengthen your agency or community not just today, but into the future.
Have more questions?
Reach out to your Agency Relations Manager Directly, or contact us at ar@mannafoodbank.org.
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