How We Can Help
Wonder if you have what it takes to go after grant funding? Don’t hesitate! We can help guide you through the application process through one-on-one support, office hours, webinars and more.
One-On-One Support
Our State Leads in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin are key parts of their local and regional food system and school networks. They can help:
- Develop project ideas
- Form and manage partnerships
- Connect with resources
- Answer questions about your application
- Strengthen your grant writing by reviewing and/or editing your application
Grant editing Support
Support with strengthening your grant writing—through application review and/or editing—is available from Action for Healthy Kids, in addition to assistance from your State Leads. Action for Healthy Kids is currently accepting applicants for grant editing support on a rolling basis. Please complete this form to request application review and/or editing by November 24, 2025. This form will close once all spots are filled.
If the number of requests exceeds available spots, priority will be given to applicants with less grant writing experience and those pursuing cross-state projects. Applicants not selected for support from Action for Healthy Kids will still receive equivalent support from their State Leads. The selection process will also aim to balance the number of applicants assigned to each State Lead.
office hours
Help is available in both English and Spanish.
ONLINE COMPLIANCE SUPPORT
Mariela Medina with the Illinois Public Health Institute can help you understand federal grant compliance, including:
- Determining whether your organization can be a lead applicant
- Registering with the System for Award Management government contracting system (sam.gov)
- Ensuring proper management practices
- Fulfilling other grant requirements
Mariela Medina’s office hours
- Tuesday and Thursday, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. CST | Zoom
- Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CST | Zoom
- By appointment. Email or call (224) 347-4987.
APPLICATION PORTAL SUPPORT
Elise Ramos with the Illinois Public Health Institute can help you navigate the online grant application portal.
Elise Ramos’ office hours
Upcoming WEBINARS
Igniting Your Innovative Ideas – 2025 Launch Webinar for the Innovation Hub
Sign up here to receive registration information!
VIDEO LIBRARY
Our collection of helpful videos is growing! These tutorials will help you prepare your application.
INSPIRATION
Browse ideas for projects that improve the local and regional school food system to better serve our students, schools and local economies.