OPEN FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES:
Food Insecurity Relief Grant
The City of Federal Way invites proposals from qualified nonprofit organizations to provide food assistance services that address the persistent and growing issue of food insecurity in our community. This funding opportunity supports Strategy One: Address basic needs including housing, health, and hunger as adopted by the Federal Way City Council as part of the City’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 12 - Community Services page CS-11, Policy CS P2.1.
Although the formal COVID-19 public health emergency has ended, the economic and social impacts of the pandemic continue to strain household food security. Compounding this strain is a sharp reduction in federal food assistance, including the expiration of pandemic-era programs and decreased SNAP benefit levels. At the same time, rising grocery prices and increased cost of living have pushed more residents into food insecurity. Local food banks, food pantries, and community-based providers are experiencing record demand and operating with limited capacity, particularly among families with children, seniors, immigrant communities, and unhoused individuals.
In response, the City is providing $100,000 in additional Human Service grant funding to support organizations that can expand or sustain food assistance programs serving Federal Way residents in 2026.
Available funding?
- Total available: $100,000
- Minimum request: $20,000
- Applications requesting less than $20,000 will not be considered for funding.
- Funding period: January 1 - December 31, 2026
- One-year, one-time grant (non-renewable)
What types of projects are eligible for Food Insecurity Relief Grant?
Priority will be given to proposals that:
- Expand access to fresh, culturally relevant, and nutritious foods.
- Reach underserved populations, including seniors, families with young children, or individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Fill service gaps or demonstrate coordination with other local food programs.
- Propose innovative or sustainable delivery models (e.g., mobile pantries, home delivery, school partnerships).
What types of projects are eligible for Food Insecurity Relief Grant?
Priority will be given to proposals that:
- Expand access to fresh, culturally relevant, and nutritious foods.
- Reach underserved populations, including seniors, families with young children, or individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Fill service gaps or demonstrate coordination with other local food programs.
- Propose innovative or sustainable delivery models (e.g., mobile pantries, home delivery, school partnerships).
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c)(3).
- Have at least 5 years of experience operating a food distribution, food pantry, or meal program.
- Demonstrate capacity to serve residents and low-income or food-insecure populations in Federal Way.
When and where will applications be available? Application coversheets and guidelines will be available beginning Friday, August 22, 2025, see below.
When and where will the NOFA guidelines be available? The NOFA guidelines will be available beginning Friday, August 22 2025, see below.
Technical workshop? An in-person technical assistance workshop will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 1pm. Interested parties may attend in the Hylebos Conference Room 33325 8th Ave S, 2nd Floor, Federal Way, WA 98003. A virtual option can also be arranged upon request by contacting Layelah Wilson or Angelina Allen-Mpyisi. Technical assistance includes answering questions about application requirements and eligibility for funding. Attendance at the workshop is recommended, but not required to apply for grant funds.
Deadline to Apply? No later than 5:00pm on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
Contact: Angelina Allen-Mpyisi at angelina.allen-mpyisi@federalwaywa.gov, or Layelah Wilson at layelah.wilson@federalwaywa.gov with questions.