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 celebrate our region’s cultures and communities.

Applications for our first round of awards closed on April 30, 2024. The next round of applications for the Spark Awards will open in 2025. Additional grant cycles will continue through 2028.

We hope to hear from local food system leaders across Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana — especially in areas that don’t have equitable access to resources.

The application deadline for the 2024 awards has passed. Please check back for updated information on future grant cycles.

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: $10,000 – $75,000

Grant Cycle: One year, with optional 4-month extension period

Project Timeline: August 1, 2024 – July 31, 2025

Pre-Screening Application Deadline: March 30, 2024

Final Application Deadline: April 30, 2024

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

Grant Cycle: 2.5 years

Project Timeline: August 1, 2024 – December 31, 2026

Pre-Screening Application Deadline: March 30, 2024

Final Application Deadline: April 30, 2024

Photo Courtesy of MSU Center for Regional Food Systems

2024 GRANT TIMELINE

Application Preparation:
Connect with your State Lead and visit our support for applicants page.
Application Opened:
February 1, 2024
Pre-Screening Application Deadline:
March 30, 2024
Application Deadline:
April 30, 2024
Award Notification:
June 30, 2024
Project Start Date:
August 1, 2024

Upcoming Grant Cycles

INNOVATION COLLABORATIVE AWARDS
ROUND ONE
2024-2026 (APPLICATIONS CLOSED)
ROUND ONE
2024-2026 (APPLICATIONS CLOSED)
ROUND TWO
2026-2028
ROUND TWO
2026-2028
SPARK AWARDS
ROUND ONE
2024-2025 (APPLICATIONS CLOSED)
ROUND TWO
2025-2026
ROUND THREE
2026-2027
ROUND FOUR
2027-2028

GET INSPIRED

Our case studies and other resources can spark ideas and start conversations.