Community Connectors

HFFI Community Connectors are the first line of support for applicants interested in HFFI financial and technical assistance. Our expert team of HFFI Community Connectors is available to assist potential applicants with understanding elements of the Request for Applications (RFA), including eligibility requirements, HFFI program goals, the Funding Inquiry submission process, and more. HFFI Community Connectors help steward eligible healthy food retailers and food retail supply chain projects towards potential grant, loan, or technical assistance opportunities that can catalyze their work during the planning or implementation stage.

To get started, take the Community Connector’s screening quiz to see if your project might be eligible. This screening tool includes a few high-level eligibility questions to ask yourself before reaching out to the Community Connectors for support or submitting a Funding Inquiry. An official eligibility determination will be made following submission of a Funding Inquiry in SmartSimple and review by Program Staff.  

Once you’ve completed the quiz, contact a Community Connector at CommunityConnector@investinginfood.com for assistance with understanding eligibility, what makes a strong HFFI project, the Funding Inquiry process, and more. In your email inquiry, please include your ‘ORGANIZATION NAME and STATE’ in the subject line. For example, “Reinvestment Fund, Pennsylvania”. Please note that Community Connectors cannot provide grant writing support. 

 

TAKE THE SCREENING QUIZ

Meet Our Community Connectors

 

National Grocers Association Foundation

As the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association, the NGA Foundation supports the future of the independent community grocer through initiatives that develop more effective recruiting programs, enhance retention efforts, and bolster professional and leadership development opportunities. The NGA Foundation champions independent grocers — cultivating talent, igniting innovation, and preserving their independence across generations

 

The Food Trust

The Food Trust works with neighborhoods, institutions, retailers, farmers, and policymakers across the country to ensure delicious, nutritious food for all. Backed by three decades of research and evaluation, our holistic, community-centered approach to nutrition security weaves together three core programming elements — access, affordability and education — as well as a focus on advocating for public policy solutions.

 

Please note that we are not currently accepting applications from organizations looking to become an HFFI Community Connector for America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative.