A.M.E.N.
Scaling a Veteran-Led Nonprofit Through Strategic Grant Consulting
The American Military Encouragement Network (AMEN) is a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit committed to combating food insecurity among veterans, military families, and underserved communities across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Through monthly food box deliveries and pantry stockings, AMEN ensures that those who have served our country, or are currently serving, have access to nutritious, consistent food to support their health, stability, and well-being.
Partnership Quick Facts
The Challenge
Oregon faces a deepening hunger crisis, with 1 in 10 individuals and 1 in 7 families struggling with food insecurity. Veterans and tribal communities often endure compounded challenges: 37% of Oregon veterans report financial strain, while rural isolation limits access to resources.
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AMEN’s volunteer team was determined to scale their food distribution program, but lacked the capacity to secure grants for critical needs, like supplies, trucks, storage, and logistics.
When their longtime grant writer retired, AMEN faced a pivotal moment: How could an all-volunteer team compete for funding without expertise or bandwidth?
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That’s when Just Look Left stepped in.
The Journey
AMEN partnered with Just Look Left (JLL) to strengthen its grant writing and fundraising efforts. With an ongoing increasing demand for food assistance, AMEN needed expert support to identify and secure additional grant opportunities. Up until this point, their primary grant funding had been through the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs. JLL quickly realized there were additional funders who would be glad to support this mission.
JLL worked closely with AMEN to understand its programs, data, and funding priorities to develop compelling grant proposals that showcased AMEN’s unique impact on veterans and tribal communities. Through targeted research, expert storytelling, and customized grant strategies, JLL positioned AMEN for success, helping them secure critical funding to expand food access for veterans, tribal members, and families in crisis.
The Results
Over time, JLL helped AMEN expand their grant opportunities and create lasting partnerships with funders to ensure long-term program sustainability.
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Through its partnership with JLL, AMEN achieved remarkable success:
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Several hundred thousand dollars raised to expand food distribution and operational support across Oregon and SW Washington
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50% success rate in grant applications, which is five times the industry average
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Expanded food distribution to 17+ counties, including rural and tribal areas
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Increased food box distribution by 20% in 4 years, serving over 144,000 individuals annually
Beyond funding, JLL’s strategic approach elevated AMEN’s visibility among funders, leading to stronger relationships with major donors like Spirit Mountain Community Fund, Autzen Foundation, and JTMF Foundation.
Conclusion: Scaling for the Future
With sustainable funding, strategic partnerships, and expanded food access, AMEN is now better positioned than ever to continue its lifesaving mission. The organization remains dedicated to serving those who have served our country, ensuring that no veteran or military family goes hungry. Thanks to the expertise and support of Just Look Left, AMEN has not only increased its impact but also built a sustainable path forward, one grant at a time.