The 2025 ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grant application cycle is now open!

 

Hunger Education and Networking Grants are one of the ways ELCA World Hunger accompanies congregations, synods, organizations, partners and local teams throughout the US and the Caribbean. We know that learning about the root causes of hunger and effective responses is key to ending hunger locally and globally. 

We will be accepting proposals from August 4th through September 15th. Grant application review will begin after September 15th. Please allow 2-4 weeks for review of your application. Grants average between $500 and $1,000 and are non-renewable. 

ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants support work that: 

  • educate and engage ELCA congregations, groups, and/or synods;
  • influence this church body toward better action and engagement against hunger and poverty;
  • encourage sustainable participation in the work of ELCA World Hunger beyond the conclusion of the project, event or initiative. For more on the intersectional priorities of ELCA World Hunger, visit the link found here.

 

An intergenerational gathering of rostered and lay ministers of the ELCA gathered around a table during a discussion.

Hunger leaders of the St. Paul and Minneapolis Area Synods, discussing areas for future collaboration of their justice ministries.

ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants are designed for projects that provide educational opportunities to deepen participants’ understanding of poverty and hunger (including root causes and intersectional issues) and equip participants to work toward effective solutions.

Projects involving direct service within communities are only eligible if the service happens within a program for service learning. If your project involves direct service, ELCA World Hunger’s Domestic Hunger Grants or Daily Bread Grants may be more appropriate for your needs. 

Some examples of past grant partnerships or potential future projects include (but are not limited to): 

  • synod-wide bike rides to promote hunger awareness; 
  • creation of shareable networking databases for hunger ministries, community organizers, or advocates; 
  • service learning events for youth and young adults; 
  • online and in-person workshops; 
  • climate justice education opportunities; 
  • community organizing training; 
  • creation of new resources to help participants learn about hunger; and 
  • local research projects to help others learn more about hunger, health, and housing in their community. 

The work of grant partners in the past has focused on a wide variety of areas, including climate change and sustainability, housing security, racial justice, worker justice, reducing food waste and economic justice. 

 

Eligibility

To be eligible for an ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grant, proposals must be: 

  • received through the ELCA’s online Grantmaker portal (the link to the Grantmaker portal is at the link found here) from August 4th through September 15th, 2025; 
    • [Note: If you have any difficulties with the ELCA GrantMaker platform and would prefer to apply in a different format, we can provide a Word document application. This is available upon request via email to Peter McLellan (peter.mclellan@elca.org).] 
  • submitted by a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization; 
    • [Note: If your organization does not have 501(c)3 status (this might include a synod hunger team), your ELCA synod can serve as your fiscal agent. Contact your synod office for this support.]
  • focused on education, engagement, and networking toward a just world where all are fed; and 
  • consistent with ELCA World Hunger’s values and priorities (found at the link found here). 

In addition, eligible projects must occur within the geographic footprint of the ELCA, which includes the United States and the Caribbean. 

Intergenerational gathering of hunger leaders standing in a semi-circle participating in an interactive hunger simulation.

Hunger leaders in the Northeastern Minnesota Synod participating in a hunger simulation.

 

How to Apply

Applicants must pre-register on ELCA GrantMaker in order to access the grant application. Approval of registration may take up to ten business days, so register now at ELCA.org/grants, and submit your application by September 15th. 

If you have any questions, please email Peter McLellan, program director for hunger education, at peter.mclellan@elca.org or hunger@elca.org. 

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