Human Services & Food Security grants in Nebraska
Block grants and commodity programs are administered by states and counties through food banks, community action agencies, and social service nonprofits. In Nebraska, these funds reach human services & food security businesses and nonprofits through Nebraska state agencies, county programs and city economic development offices, alongside direct federal awards.
Example programs available to Nebraska applicants
- Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
- FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)
Getting started in Nebraska
- 01Register your business with Nebraska (usually the Secretary of State) and get an IRS EIN.
- 02Check Nebraska licensing, permits and tax registration rules for human services & food security.
- 03Register on SAM.gov for a free UEI so you can receive federal funds passed through Nebraska agencies.
- 04Contact your local Nebraska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for free help with plans and applications.
- 05Ask your Nebraska city and county economic development office about local human services & food security grants and incentives.
Who qualifies
- 501(c)(3) nonprofits and faith-based organizations that provide food, shelter, emergency assistance, or other social services. Faith-based groups must deliver services in a nondiscriminatory, non-religious manner.
- Community Action Agencies and other eligible entities designated by their state. These organizations receive most Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) pass-through funds.
- Food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters that become partner agencies of a regional food bank or the state TEFAP distributing agency.
- Units of local government, such as county human services departments, and tribal organizations. Eligibility depends on the program.
- For-profit small businesses are generally not eligible for CSBG, TEFAP, or EFSP funds directly. They may participate as vendors or contractors (for example, food suppliers, transporters, or caterers) or through specific programs. One example is the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), where certain for-profit child care centers serving enough low-income participants may qualify.
- Applicants typically must serve low-income or at-risk populations. For example, CSBG generally targets households at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, and TEFAP uses state-set income eligibility standards.
Where the funding comes from
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG): funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Community Services. States must pass most funds (at least 90%) to designated eligible entities, primarily Community Action Agencies.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): run by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. It provides USDA Foods and administrative funding to state distributing agencies, which work through food banks and local partner agencies such as pantries and soup kitchens.
FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP): governed by a National Board chaired by FEMA, with United Way Worldwide serving as secretariat and fiscal agent. Funds go to local jurisdictions, where Local Boards select organizations to provide food, shelter, and rent or utility assistance.
Other USDA nutrition programs administered through state agencies. These include the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and the Summer Food Service Program/SUN Meals. Through them, eligible sponsors can receive meal reimbursements or USDA Foods.
State agencies that administer CSBG, the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), and TEFAP. These are typically state departments of human services, social services, community affairs, or agriculture. Many also run state-funded food purchase or hunger relief programs, and some offer competitive subgrants.
County and city human services departments, Community Action Agencies, and regional food banks (many are Feeding America network members). These organizations distribute pass-through funds and commodities to local partner agencies.
Local United Way chapters and community foundations. They often coordinate EFSP Local Boards and may offer their own grants for food security and basic needs.
Common requirements
- Legal status: proof of nonprofit status, such as an IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, or government entity status. You also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and good standing with your state's corporations office.
- Unique Entity ID (UEI): subrecipients of federal pass-through funds generally need a UEI, which you can get at no cost through SAM.gov. Organizations receiving federal awards directly must complete full SAM.gov registration and renew it annually. Never pay a third party for SAM.gov registration.
- State charitable solicitation registration, where your state requires it. You should also be current on IRS Form 990 filings.
- Financial management capacity consistent with federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). This includes an accounting system that tracks funds by source, internal controls, and written policies. A Single Audit is required if you spend $1,000,000 or more in federal awards in a fiscal year (for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2024).
- Food safety and facility compliance for food programs. Examples include local health department permits where applicable, safe food storage and temperature logs, food handler training (such as ServSafe), and pest control records.
- Civil rights and program compliance. USDA programs require annual civil rights training, display of the 'And Justice for All' poster, and nondiscrimination practices. Many programs also require client eligibility documentation and record retention, typically for at least 3 years.
- Core application documents: board roster, bylaws, current budget, most recent audit or financial statements, service area and population data, and letters of support or partnership agreements.
How to apply
- 01Identify the right administering agency for your area. Common starting points are your state CSBG office, your state TEFAP distributing agency or regional food bank, and your local EFSP Local Board, which you can usually find through your local United Way or the EFSP website.
- 02Confirm eligibility and readiness. Verify your nonprofit or government status, obtain a UEI through SAM.gov, check that your state and IRS filings are current, and make sure your facility, financial systems, and policies meet program standards.
- 03Contact the agency to learn its cycle and process. Many food banks have partner agency applications with site visits. EFSP Local Boards publish local application periods. CSBG subgrants usually flow to designated Community Action Agencies, so other nonprofits often partner with or subcontract through them.
- 04Prepare and submit a complete application or partner agreement. Clearly document community need, the populations you serve, your service capacity, your budget, and how you will track outcomes and comply with program rules.
- 05If selected, follow all award terms. Complete required trainings, maintain eligibility and distribution records, submit reports on time, and prepare for monitoring visits. Strong compliance helps you remain eligible in future cycles.
Frequently asked questions
Can my for-profit small business get a CSBG, TEFAP, or EFSP grant?
Generally no. These programs fund public agencies and nonprofit organizations. For-profit businesses may be able to work as paid vendors or contractors to funded organizations, such as food suppliers, distributors, or caterers. Some for-profit child care centers may also qualify for CACFP meal reimbursements if they meet low-income enrollment requirements. Check with your state agency.
Do I need full SAM.gov registration to receive pass-through funds?
Subrecipients usually need a Unique Entity ID (UEI), which you can obtain through SAM.gov without completing full registration. However, the state agency or pass-through entity may require more. If you receive federal funds directly from a federal agency, full SAM.gov registration is required. Registration is free.
How does a food pantry access TEFAP food?
Most pantries apply to become a partner agency of their regional food bank or the state's TEFAP distributing agency. This typically involves an application, a site inspection, civil rights training, and an agreement to follow client eligibility, food storage, and recordkeeping rules.
When are EFSP funds available, and who decides?
EFSP availability depends on annual federal appropriations. The National Board allocates funds to qualifying jurisdictions, and Local Boards then announce application periods and select recipient organizations based on local needs. Timing varies by year and location, so contact your Local Board or local United Way.
Is funding guaranteed if my organization meets all requirements?
No. Meeting the requirements makes you eligible to be considered, not entitled to funding. Awards depend on available funds, state and local priorities, formula allocations, competition, and your compliance history. Building relationships with administering agencies and keeping strong records can improve your readiness over time.
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Researched from public sources. Program details change, so always confirm with the Nebraska funding agency. GrantVerify does not award grants or guarantee funding.