Feast Down East to Kick Off $25,000 Challenge Grant from Anonymous Trust
We reached our Goal of $25,000 thanks to supporters like you! A huge thanks to Anonymous Trust for matching this goal, for a total of $50,000! Thank you!
Between September 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026, we gained 30 new donors, increased gifts from two donors, regained one lapsed donor, and confirmed 100% of Board giving for a grant total of $29,823.91. Since we reached our goal of $25 000, Anonymous Trust is graciously matching another $25,000. Thank you to all who donated to make this happen!
WILMINGTON, NC (September 4, 2025) – Feast Down East (FDE) recently accepted a $75,000 grant from Anonymous Trust, which will be used to support the general operating expenses of expansion into Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties in Eastern NC. Anonymous Trust will match an additional $25,000 in a Challenge Grant opportunity if FDE secures $25,000 from new donors and/or increased gifts from existing and lapsed donors during the grant period of September 1st, 2025 through January 1st, 2025.
Feast Down East will be actively campaigning to extend its donor base by leveraging gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and churches in the twenty-five counties they serve.
"FDE has become a leading authority in bridging the gap between local farmers & vulnerable communities. We are grateful to Anonymous Trust for recognizing the need for access to fresh, local food in Southeastern NC, and we are especially grateful to accept this challenge opportunity. With an additional $125,000 of funding, FDE anticipates a significant increase in farmer sales and distribution opportunities, which will further expand food access and choice in our region." Wendy Long, Development Director of Feast Down East.
About Anonymous Trust
Taking a place-based approach, Anonymous Trust seeks to elevate and empower rural and under-resourced communities in eastern North Carolina through grant-making, resource development, and relationship building. Anonymous Trust seeks to find grassroots, community-based organizations as well as partnerships with larger institutions to affect system change.www.anonymoustrust.org
About Feast Down East
Feast Down East is a nonprofit organization based in Burgaw, North Carolina, working to build a stronger regional food system. Through its Food Hub, Local Motive Mobile Farmers’ Market, and farmer support programs, the organization connects limited-resource farmers to new markets and expands community access to fresh, local food. Feast Down East is committed to supporting small-scale agriculture, promoting food security, and reinvesting in the communities of Southeastern NC.www.feastdowneast.org
