Big Green Grow Local Grant - Charleston
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Big Green Grow Local Grant
Investing in community growers to increase food production, strengthen local food systems, and build lasting resilience.
Big Green is launching a new Grow Local Grant Opportunity designed to accelerate local food production and food access solutions led by Charleston’s community of growers and organizations. In a time when many local programs are facing budget cuts, this grant provides timely support to sustain and expand the work of growers who are stepping up to fill critical gaps in our food system.
The Grow Local Grant offers unrestricted grants to help local leaders scale what works — growing more food, distributing more food, and ensuring more families can access affordable, fresh, and culturally relevant foods.
This program puts resources directly in the hands of trusted community partners who understand Charleston’s needs best. We believe that when communities control the solutions, food security improves and local food economies thrive.
Funds awarded will be unrestricted between $10,000–$30,000.
Grant applications will be evaluated based on project proposals that may include initiatives such as:
- Tools, equipment, or infrastructure to support food production
(e.g., irrigation systems, hoop houses, raised beds, compost, soil, seeds, starts, farm tools) - Distribution equipment or transportation supports
(e.g., cold storage, refrigeration, delivery equipment, mobile markets, packing supplies) - Technology or materials to improve efficiency or food safety
(e.g., washing/packing equipment, storage bins, harvest tools, scales) - Labor, training, or professional development that expands capacity
- Community engagement to reach more people with locally grown food
Who Should Apply
Grassroots, community-based organizations working to expand local food production or distribution in Charleston metro areas — especially those finding innovative ways to sustain or grow operations in response to funding reductions or community need.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Charleston Grow Local Grant, applicants must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in good standing.
- Eligible entities may include—but are not limited to—community gardens, urban farms, food distribution centers, or faith-based organizations leading local food access or education projects.
- Demonstrate meaningful community engagement and a clear commitment to equitable access to healthy, affordable, and culturally relevant food.
- Operate within the Charleston metropolitan area.
- Preference will be given to organizations serving historically disinvested or food-insecure communities.
Timeline
- Grant Opens: November 6
- Grant Closes: November 21
- Award Announcements: December 5
- Funds Released: By December 12
- Grant Reporting: October 2026