The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) is soliciting applications from qualified food-related businesses seeking to expand their existing operations through the opening of a new business location in an area designated as having low food access (as set forth in the Act), with priority given to locations in Ward 7 and 8.
Donor Name: Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED)
State: District of Columbia
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 12/12/2022
Size of the Grant: 10,688,513
Grant Duration: 18 months
Details:
The grant will be awarded pursuant to the Local Food Access Grants Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (B24-0309), and any subsequent temporary or permanent legislation (Act).
The purpose of the Food Access Fund (FAF) Grant is to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food by securing grocery stores, and restaurants; support existing small businesses; attract new businesses; increase the District’s tax base; create new job opportunities for District residents; and transform designated emerging commercial corridors into thriving and inviting neighborhood centers. The FAF Grant will support qualified businesses with capital for tenant improvements related to expansion of operations into a new location in an area identified as having low food access (as set forth in the Act), with priority given to locations in Ward 7 or Ward 8.
Funding Priorities
The FY23 FAF Grant identified the following program funding priorities.
- To improve access to food options for residents of areas that currently have low access by encouraging existing food-related businesses to expand their operations to a new location in areas with low food access (as set forth in the Act), with priority given to locations in Ward 7 or Ward 8.
- To expand the local food ecosystem and support fresh food retailers and providers through grants.
Funding Information
DMPED will award up to a maximum of $10,688,513.00 in grants to successful grantees under this program.
Project Period
Applicants must commit to commence construction on the project within eighteen (18) months of the date of the executed grant agreement.
Criteria
For the purpose of the Request for Applications, Eligible Applicants will be defined as one of the following:
- Existing food-related businesses with at least two (2) years of revenue generating operations, which are expanding to a new location in an area with low food access (as set forth in the Act), with priority given to Ward 7 or Ward 8. Food-related businesses shall include, but not be limited to:
- Full-service grocery stores;
- Restaurants, including new concept brands of existing restaurant businesses, prioritizing those with a dine-in component;
- Taverns;
- Neighborhood-based eligible food operators;
- Local Business Enterprise (LBE) eligible food operators; and
- Food Halls.
- Property owners, on behalf of food-related business tenants
- The property owners of the project must demonstrate a commitment to support the sustainability of local business tenancy by providing specific amenities and/or inducements, which may include rent concessions or abatements.
- The tenants must be identified and/or secured through letters of intent evidenced by executed lease agreements or executed commitments to lease.
- Preference will be given to property owners who commit to securing locally minority-owned or women-owned food-related businesses.
For more information, visit Food Access Fund Grant.
