SPARK AND INNOVATION COLLABORATIVE AWARDS
The Lake Michigan School Food System Innovation Hub fosters collaborations that nourish students, connect schools with local farms and businesses, and reflect our region’s families and communities.
Applications for the 2025 Spark and Innovation Collaboration Awards will open on October 15, 2025. Additional grant cycles will continue through 2028.
We hope to hear from local and regional food system leaders across Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana.
SPARK AWARDS
Spark Awards fund projects that need a short-term infusion of funds for school food system and marketplace improvements, such as capacity-building, planning, and product testing projects.
Award Range: $30,000 – $100,000
Grant Cycle: One year, with optional 4-month extension period
Application opens: October 15, 2025
Final Application Deadline: January 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CST
Missing Materials Deadline: February 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CST
Project Timeline: 2026-2027
INNOVATION COLLABORATIVE
AWARDS
Innovation Collaborative Awards fund projects that promote systems-level change of the school food system and marketplace, such as scaling up of programs, regional partnerships, or new program or product development and integration.
Award: $250,000–$500,000
Grant Cycle: 2- 2.5 years
Application opens: October 15, 2025
Final Application Deadline: January 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CST
Missing Materials Deadline: February 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CST
Project Timeline: 2026-2028
Photo Courtesy of MSU Center for Regional Food Systems
2025 GRANT TIMELINE
- Application Preparation:
- Connect with your State Lead and visit our support for applicants page.
- Application Opens:
- October 15, 2025
- Application Deadline:
- January 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CST
- Missing Materials Deadline:
- February 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CST
- Award Notification:
- Early Summer 2026
- Project Start Date:
- Early Summer 2026
Upcoming Grant Cycles
2024-2026 (Applications Closed)
2026-2028
2024-2025 (Applications Closed)
2026-2027
2027-2028
GET INSPIRED
Our case studies and other resources can spark ideas and start conversations.