The Partners in Equity (PIE) Food Project Grant program was envisioned by the Dane County Food Council as seed money to encourage the innovative development of projects that advance equity and access in local food systems across Dane County. PIE grants have been offered annually since 2018, through a partnership between the Dane County Tamara D. Grigsby Office for Equity and Inclusion and Dane County Food Council. The grants are intended for projects that will provide the greatest impacts in strengthening our food system and cultivating community engagement and access.
Individuals and organizations with smaller projects are especially encouraged to apply. There are two different application categories: one for funding requests up to $4,000, and the other for requests up to $2,000. In 2024, $40,000 is available for PIE Food Project Grants.
Priority will be given to projects that have the greatest impact on our most vulnerable populations, who are underrepresented and/or underserved within our food system. There is also a priority for applicants who’ve not previously received PIE Food Project Grant funding and projects serving Dane County communities outside of the City of Madison.
Proposals should address one or more of the following Dane County Food Council (DCFC) goals:
The deadline has passed for the 2024 PIE Food Project Grants. 2024 and prior awardees may be found at the Dane County Office of Equity & Inclusion website.
The 2025 PIE Food Project Grant process will begin in January 2025 (due late February 2025). If you have a project that meets the requirements, please consider applying in 2025. Application materials will be available on the Dane County Office of Equity & Inclusion website.
If your project only serves communities within the City of Madison, we encourage you to apply instead for a City of Madison SEED Grant opportunity! This program has $50,000 in funding. Any proposal that improves the local food system and makes food more accessible for City of Madison residents will be considered.
