calendar March 28, 2020 in Communications, Public Health

Daily Bread, Hunger Grant Information

Dear partners and friends of ELCA World Hunger,

Since we announced the opening of the 2021 Domestic Hunger Grant application on March 10, the reality of how we address hunger in this country and around the world has shifted drastically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of you have already begun the hard work of adapting and adjusting your ministry to meet the changing circumstances. Through the strain and uncertainty facing us all in some way or another, our shared work toward a just world where all are fed continues — and is even more important now.

Today, as part of the ELCA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ELCA World Hunger is announcing the immediate launch of Daily Bread Matching Grants to support congregational feeding ministries through access to matching grants and an online fundraising platform. Up to 100 Daily Bread Matching Grants are available for ELCA congregations on a first-come, first-served basis. (More grants may be made available.) Apply today to participate.

How it works:

Visit ELCA.org/dailybread to learn more and apply.

We also want to share with you some of the additional ways ELCA World Hunger is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The application for 2021 Domestic Hunger Grants will still open April 1, but the due date has been extended to June 1, 2020. ELCA World Hunger continues to walk with our partners in sustainable change to end hunger, and understands that right now hunger ministries are operating with many unknowns. Remember that there are a limited number of grants. If you’re not sure whether now is the right time for your ministry to apply for a Domestic Hunger Grant, our team is here to answer your questions. In order to accommodate unreliable internet connections, the webinar originally scheduled to provide overviews of the grant and application will not be hosted live but will be recorded and shared on the Domestic Hunger Grant FAQ page, in the coming weeks.

ELCA Advocacy is monitoring developments in federal legislation related to COVID-19 and providing ways to connect people with their elected officials. Visit ELCA.org/advocacy to learn more and to sign up for e-alerts about public policies important to you and your community.

We have provided, and will continue to provide, information to help you and your communities stay informed. The ELCA World Hunger blog’s “Tips for Responding to Hunger in a Pandemic” offers best practices and suggestions for feeding ministry leaders, volunteers and supporters. In addition, the ELCA is regularly providing updates on our church’s COVID-19 response at https://elca.org/publichealth.

A feedback form is available at http://bit.ly/ELCAWorldHungerFeedback for you to share your stories of hope with the wider church and to let the churchwide staff of ELCA World Hunger know how we can best support you. You can also share your creative and courageous practices, ask questions or offer feedback by emailing .

Domestic Hunger Grant details

To learn more about Domestic Hunger Grants and the online application, you can watch a webinar that will review our granting priorities and cover the basics of applying. The recorded webinar will be available starting April 10 on the Domestic Hunger Grant FAQ page. Email or call 800-638-3522, ext. 2616, with any questions.

Timeline for 2021 Domestic Hunger Grants

March 18–May 8, 2020: Prospective applicants must be registered in ELCA GrantMaker.
April 1–June 1, 2020: Domestic Hunger Grant application open.
Mid-June to mid-September 2020: Synod teams review applications.
November 2020: Awards announced.

Learn more about the grants and how to apply by visiting ELCA.org/domestichungergrants.

Responding to hunger is work we do together. We give thanks for the many ways God is working through you and within your communities, especially in these days of uncertainty. Today and always, we trust in God’s gift of abundant life and the promise of a day when all are fed.

With gratitude for the mission we share,

The ELCA World Hunger Team