The Holston Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of Emergency Food Insecurity Grants, a vital opportunity to respond to the growing needs of food insecurity in our communities. Many of the churches and ministries within our region serve as first-stop resources for those struggling to meet their most basic needs, and we want to assist you during this time of increasing demand.
Whether your church is expanding an existing ministry or launching a new initiative, this grant is designed to support your faithful work in feeding the hungry and caring for your neighbors. As Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett reflects:
“Throughout our history, United Methodists have responded to hardship with compassion, courage, and action. I am thankful for the Holston Foundation and Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church for partnering to support churches and helping address food insecurity through these grants.”
The Holston Foundation will provide rapid-response funding to churches and ministries to support food pantries, community meal programs, backpack ministries, and other ministries experiencing increased demand or unexpected challenges. Applications will be reviewed immediately so that funds can be disbursed as quickly as possible to ministries on the front lines.
“The Holston Foundation wants to ensure that local churches and ministries have what they need to meet this urgent moment. These grants are one of the ways the Holston Foundation partners in ministry to help you respond quickly, faithfully, and generously,” LeRae Edwards Collins, interim president of the Holston Foundation, added.
Grant Details:
- Eligibility: United Methodist churches and affiliated organizations addressing food insecurity in their local communities.
- Funding Range: anticipated $500–$1,500 per grant
- Deadline: Ongoing – applications will be reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible projects
- Use of Funds: May support new or existing projects that have experienced increased demand
- Requirements: The application is simple and direct. Applicants should be prepared to submit a project description, budget, timeline, and pastoral or organizational leadership support.
Questions? Ready to apply? Contact Sarah Avento, Holston Foundation grants manager, at savento@holstonfoundation.org or call the Foundation at 865-690-8124.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.— Matthew 25:35 (NIV)