Community First Grant
Healthy food access begins in your community
The Community First Grant nomination window is closed.
Our team will reach out with next steps in late July!
Team Members Fuel Healthy Food Access
Every year, Whole Foods Market Team Members like you help direct funding to the local organizations making a real difference in food access and nutrition. Through the Community First Grant program, your nomination can unlock a $10,000 grant for a nonprofit right in your backyard.
This is your chance to put Whole Foods Market’s mission of nourishing people and the planet into action.
About the Grant
The Community First Grant (CFG) supports nonprofits focused on long-term fresh, healthy food access and nutrition education that are engaged with Team Members. This includes projects like community gardens, mobile markets, healthy cooking classes and more.
Since 2016, we have awarded 570 grants to 316 organizations in 188 cities, investing over $4.3M. In addition, 336 Team Members from approximately 198 Whole Foods Market stores and every store support office have participated.
Check out our resources below to get started with your nomination.
Important Dates
May 11: Team Member Nominations Open
June 19: Team Member Nominations Close, STL Support Form Due
Late July: Nominating Team Members are provided with next steps, Eligible Orgs Invited to Apply
November: CFG Recipients Formally Announced
TM Julie G. Nominated Medicine Wheel Garden in West Vancouver, BC
TM Nkenge G. Nominated Sankofa Community Development in Metairie, Louisiana
CFG Nomination Steps
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Complete the 10-minute CFG Online Training
This online training will set you up for success by ensuring the Community First Grant is the right fit for the nonprofit you have in mind.
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Ask your leader to complete the CFG Leadership Support Form
Please ask your leader to complete the support form to ensure you have their full support to participate in the program.
Note: This step can happen simultaneously with Step 3 below.
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The nomination window closed on Friday June 19.
Note: This step can happen simultaneously with Step 2 above.
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Hooray! You completed your nomination. Our team will be in touch with you in late July on next steps.
CFG Team Member Resources
Dig deeper into CFG or find new ways to get involved below. If you have additional questions, email our team at foundation@wholefoods.com
CFG Webinar Recordings
2026 Community First Grant Get Started Webinar (May 12, 2026)
2026 Community First Grant Q&A Webinar (June 2, 2026)