The Kresge Foundation recently launched a grant to fund food-oriented initiatives that contribute to economic revitalization, cultural expression and health in low-income communities. Kresge will award up to 20 planning grants of up to $75,000 each in the first quarter of 2016 as part of the initiative “Fresh, Local & Equitable: Food as a Creative Platform for Neighborhood Revitalization.”

The deadline to submit applications is January 15, 2016. To apply, see the Request for Proposals. Other application resources include a webinar about the grant and an FAQ.

“Throughout history, food has been inextricably tied to social cohesion, health, culture and entrepreneurship,” said David Fukuzawa, managing director of Kresge’s Health Program. “This initiative recognizes both the direct positive impacts of healthy, local food and the overarching role that food can play in neighborhood revitalization.”

Organizations and collaborations that lead food-oriented development initiatives in economically distressed urban neighborhoods are eligible. Planning grants can last up to 12 months. Recipients will participate in a national learning network and also have the opportunity to apply for implementation grants. Planning grants may support project management, partnership development, community engagement, strategic communications, evaluation, policy development and other activities directly related to successful outcomes. Grant funds may not be used for capital construction costs, real estate acquisition or the purchase of major equipment.

For more information, visit the Kresge Foundation website.