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Fuel Up Grant Opportunities

If you’re looking to make healthy changes happen at your school but need a little help doing it, you’ve come to the right place! 

Throughout the year, schools like yours can apply for equipment grants from Fuel Up to support your school’s wellness goals. Whether you hope to launch a Smoothie Program, mobilize meals in your school or start an NFL FLAG-In-Schools program, all it takes is an educator like you with some great ideas and a little help from us!

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26 THOUSAND
Schools Funded
24.7 MILLION
Students Positively Impacted
"I just want to say I received the Flag Football pack for my school this year and it has been a game changer for recess and my PE classes. The 4-5-6 grades play every recess and I have 2 big games going each recess. The equipment is high quality. The whole pack has been fantistic. I will be applying again and again, As my equipment is already getting beat up after 1 qtr of school. LOL Thank you Thank you Thank you."
Educator, Deptford, New Jersey
“With our grant money (from Funds for Fuel Up) we were able to start a "grab & go" breakfast program. On average each week we served around 50 additional students. We also were able to offer Smoothie Fridays!” 
School Nutrition Manager, Richmond, Utah
"Without the help of Fuel Up, we would have a hard time supplying the students with recess equipment every year. The funding helps to make that possible." 
Educator, Omaha, Nebraska
“We are very thankful for having received this (school meal delivery) cart. The kickoff event was fantastic, the cart looks and works great. It has helped us get thousands of meals to our students.” 
School Nutrition Manager, Norwood, Massachusetts
“This year we received an NFL FLAG Football Kit... the students learned a variety of lessons like throwing and catching and even kicking and punting. The children couldn't wait until after school to get to practice. I have seen an increase in their aerobic capacity, and I think that this program... had a lot to do with it. Thank you Fuel Up!”
Physical Education Teacher, Spring Branch, Texas

Funds for Fuel Up

Check Out These Past Opportunities!

Healthy Start Smoothie Kit
Smoothie Kits
Educators applied to receive a Healthy Start Smoothie Kit, including everything a school needs to offer students tasty and nutritious smoothies made with real dairy. To access smoothie resources
Click here!
Kids getting active
Fitness Kits
Educators applied for “Fitness Kits” to support their school in the quest to get kids active for 60-minutes each day.
Equipment to support school meal delivery
Equipment to Support School Meal Distribution
Making sure every student has access to a healthy breakfast is a goal we can all support. Educators applied for Grab and Go Breakfast Carts for their schools, an innovative way to increase breakfast participation.

Get notified when funding opportunities are available!

Multiple funding opportunities are available throughout the school year, including some specific to your area. 

Register/join or login to your dashboard to see what's available now!

School-nutrition-focused equipment kits, are available to qualified K-12 schools to improve access to healthy meals in schools. 


UPCOMING DATES

All applications are now closed for the school year. Stay tuned for more great opportunities coming in 2023-2024!


THANKS TO OUR COLLABORATORS!

Funding for Fuel Up is generously provided by America's Dairy Farmers.


Funds for Fuel Up is available to any qualified U.S. K‐12 schools. Sponsored by National Dairy Council, state and regional Dairy Councils and other supporting organizations, the competitive, nationwide grant program provides school nutrition equipment to help improve access to healthy meals in schools

To apply, schools must: 

  • Participate in the National School Lunch Program.
  • If you have received Funds For Fuel Up in the past three years, your school needs to have submitted all required Funds for Fuel Up to Play 60 final reporting to be eligible to receive an equipment kit.

NOTE: Due to COVID-19 disruptions, reporting was not required of schools who received Funds for Fuel Up for use in the 2019-2020 school year. These schools are eligible for funding, provided all other past reporting is submitted. 

What Is The Application Deadline?

There is one funding application deadline each school year. Typically the application opens in March or April, with a deadline in April or May. Awardees can use their equipment to increase access to healthy meals in their schools.

Can We Apply More Than Once?

Yes! Schools may apply even if they have applied and/or been awarded grants or equipment in previous years. Please note that schools must have submitted all required reporting for previously approved applications in order to be eligible for additional offers.

What Is The Purpose of the Offer?

To help your school increase:

  • Student awareness of the importance of healthy eating and access to healthy school meal options.
  • Student access to and consumption of nutrient-rich foods, including low-fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
  • Sustainable changes to help make your school a healthier place.

How Can Our School Implement New Grants or Equipment?

Check out the Playbook — complete with strategies, research, and other supporting information, Plays are formulated to help you get initiatives up and running in your school, with the help of your colleagues, community members, and students where applicable.

Who Can Apply For The Funds?

Qualified K-12 schools can apply to improve access to healthy meals in schools. 

How Do We Apply For The Funds?

Step 1: Review the Plays in the Playbook to get ideas for how your school will implement initiatives.

Step 2: Review the Sample Application to help with planning. Then, complete and submit the online application.

How Will Our Application Be Judged?

Based on a competitive review of each application, taking into consideration the following factors: school enrollment; student involvement and reach; in-school support; school location; and the sustainability of the proposed program. Consideration will be given to schools in underserved communities, whose students are most at risk for poor nutrition and childhood obesity. 

What Reporting Is Required Of Funded Schools?

Your school will be expected to submit an online Use and Impact Report at the end of the school year. You will be asked to describe the impact of your initiative on your students, staff, school, parents and community. You will also be required to provide Average Daily Participation (ADP) for breakfast and lunch, as well as dairy sales data. Please work with your School Nutrition/Food Service Manager to supply this data. The report will open in April/May; the deadline is in May/June.