The Domestic Hunger Grants program, offered by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) World Hunger, aims to provide relief and development assistance for those who suffer from hunger and injustices related to hunger in the United States.

Grants are intended to address local issues such as food security, housing, job access, clean water, human rights, and policy change in order to break the cycle of poverty and hunger.

At a minimum, ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grant applicants must be:

• a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization;
• able to demonstrate a strong, recognized, and established relationship with a congregation, ministry, or institution of the ELCA; 
• able to demonstrate a strong, recognized, and established relationship with the community in which the work will take place; and,
• actively engaged in the work described in the application.

ELCA World Hunger especially seeks to support ministries that:

• clearly address root causes of hunger in communities;
• demonstrate strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in leadership and decision-making, including direct engagement of people who themselves are experiencing hunger or poverty;
• create or foster opportunities for advocacy toward systemic change; and,
• leverage local assets through partnerships with other local ministries and organizations and invest their own time and financial resources in the ministry.

Grant awards are for a three-year cycle, with a maximum award of $10,000 per year. New applications are accepted annually.

Applicant organizations that discriminate among guests and neighbors, require participation in faith-related activities as a prerequisite for services, or apply as “pass-through” organizations are not considered for funding.