SAMPLE IN REVIEW RFP

Background

Nourishing Neighbors, a program of Albertsons Companies Foundation, is committed to ensuring that everyone including children, seniors, and families- have access to nourishing food.

Over the past 10 years, Nourishing Neighbors has made significant progress:

• Provided 1 billion meals to individuals in need
• Supported 1,400 organizations working to fight hunger
• Enabled 78 million breakfasts for kids in need
• Helped 250,000 individuals connect to federal meal benefits- unlocking at least $69 million for families in need.

We acknowledge that fighting hunger isn’t just about providing food- it’s about creating lasting solutions that break the cycle of hunger. That’s why we are increasing our focus on collaboration, capacity building, and long-term strategies to drive sustainable solutions.

Introducing the Third Round of the Innovation Spark Incubation Fund:

For the past two years, the Innovation Spark Grant has invested $18 million in six organizations, supporting transformative projects across the hunger relief landscape. You can find organizations we have supported over the past two years at this link.

When we launched previous RFPs, we received an overwhelming number of applications, each filled with innovative ideas and promising concepts, but unfortunately, many of them didn’t fit within our past funding model. We had set a $3 million project scale and required organizations to have an annual budget of at least $1 million- which meant that many creative, promising ideas couldn’t move forward.

This year, we are changing that.

We understand that great ideas come in all sizes- from small grassroots initiatives to large-scale programs. We want to provide all organizations- big or small-- the opportunity to bring their ideas to life. Whether your idea needs $50,000 or $300,000, if it’s new, innovative, and focuses on breaking the cycle of hunger, we want to hear about it.

Think of our program as venture capital for ending hunger. We are here to listen to your ideas, big or small. Bring us your vision, needs, and budgets, and let’s work together to create sustainable solutions for hunger relief.

Program Focus

This grant is for new and innovative ideas or concepts that help end hunger forever.

Ask yourself:

• Is your idea new- something that has never been tried before in the U.S.?
• By the end of your program, will the people you are helping be equipped with the resources and tools to feed themselves, be self-sufficient, and no longer rely on your programs for food assistance?
• Does your program create lasting independence from food assistance?
• Will your idea break the cycle of hunger permanently?

If you answered yes to these questions, you are most welcome to apply. If not, we are sorry- this particular fund isn’t the right fit. However, we do offer other opportunities focused on providing food access to people in need.

Funding Details

• Funding Cycle: Single year or multi-year grant (up to 4 years)
• Funding Amount: Flexible, based on project needs
• Grant Period: Starting September 2025

• Organizations may either have or be willing to form a panel of advisors of people with lived experience with hunger (minimum 3 advisors)
• Organizations must be registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have a fiscal sponsor that meets this requirement.
• Organizations must operate in the United States and serve communities where Albertsons Companies stores are located (see attached list of stores)

• Innovation– This project is centered around groundbreaking ideas that address critical needs and create significant value. It is designed to introduce something entirely new and transformative, with the ultimate goal of ending the cycle of hunger for the participants.
• Impact– The project will have clear, measurable indicators and outcomes that demonstrate its effectiveness in ending hunger in a specific geographic area.
• Feasibility– The project is attainable, realistic, and sustainable with the available resources and timeline.
• Relevance– The project supports evident needs and aligns with the mission and vision of Albertsons Companies Foundation.
• Collaboration– The project involves partnership or coordination with other organizations, stakeholders, or community members.

• Submit the application online using this link: https://albertsonscompaniesfoundation.versaic.com/login
• Invitation Code: Innovation2025
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with no set deadline for submission. Reviews take place in phases, and applicants will receive feedback within three weeks of submission.