Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Funders (SAFSF)

Help us shape the 2025 SAFSF Forum by submitting your ideas by January 12! The 2025 Forum will focus on advancing solutions through a systems change approach, grounded in our theme of Resilience, Justice, and Democracy. We are looking for ideas for workshops and panels, learning dinners, networking, and field-based learning that explore strategies for systems change across: culture, policy, markets, tools, and capital. We have designed the RFI to be accessible, inclusive, and a light lift in the first round! First-round submissions require only a brief paragraph, a working title, and a couple of sentences about how your session connects to social and racial equity, plus a few clicks on boxes to help us categorize content. Learn More & Submit Your Ideas ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e2W3GHWa

✳️ There's still time to join us TODAY, December 10, at 12 PM PT for an essential farm bill advocacy conversation. Thanks to sustained advocacy and organizing both at the Congressional and Administrative level, USDA has made strides in recent years addressing key issues such as climate change mitigation and support of disadvantaged farmers. The incoming Congress and Administration have already signaled a different approach, and we anticipate an increased need to protect and advance critical policies and programs. This webinar will provide expert prognostications on what federal funding may be at risk, what advocacy efforts around the farm bill and other legislation could be particularly helpful, and what mutual aid support may be needed for vulnerable communities such as farmworkers. Speakers include: Bidisha Bhattacharyya, Senior Advisor for Climate and Conservation, USDA Sarah Hackney, Coalition Director, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Jose Oliva, Campaigns Director, HEAL Food Alliance Edna Rodriguez, Executive Director, RAFI-USA Joe Shultz Executive Director of PACT (Platform for Agriculture & Climate Transformation) This webinar is sponsored by the Grassroots Farm Bill Project Team (Regenerative Agriculture Foundation, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI), and Waverley Street Foundation) in partnership with The Platform for Agriculture and Climate Transformation, Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Funders, Funders for Regenerative Agriculture, Health and Environmental Funders Network (HEFN), Rural Climate Partnership, and Climate and Energy Funders Group (Biodiversity Funders Group). Register ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gpRugN9V

SAFSF's VP of Impact, Caesaré Assad and other food justice leaders will join the Food and Society at Aspen Institute for a powerful discussion exploring how philanthropy measures up in tackling hunger and poverty. Don’t miss it! More details below ⬇️

Dirt Capital Partners joined SAFSF in 2023, and since then their staff have been active members and leaders in our community. Founding and Managing Partner, Jacob Israelow and Director of Investment, Amanda Zakharov, share what they value about our incredible community below. "I appreciate that [SAFSF] tries to learn from and represent the voices of community partners. Work happens at the speed of relationships, and SAFSF has done an excellent job of supporting work between aligned actors in the space." -Jacob "SAFSF has expanded its focus to diverse capital partners who bring high-impact funds to food and agriculture in a wide variety of capacities. Bringing together philanthropic organizations and impact investors to create blended capital and share lessons learned is critical, catalytic work necessary for truly sustainable change." -Amanda Interested in joining our community? We hope to welcome you, your voice, and your expertise to our network as we usher in a new year. The last chance to join this year closes TODAY, December 2. To schedule a call and learn more about membership benefits, eligibility, and annual dues visit our website below. https://lnkd.in/erxvUw5s

Earlier this month, SAFSF and DETROIT BLACK COMMUNITY FOOD SECURITY NETWORK INC Black Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN) co-hosted a powerful one-day event focused on transformative food justice initiatives. Funders, community leaders, and advocates gathered at the Detroit People's Food Co-op, a community-owned co-operative grocery store and multi-use facility developed by DBCFSN—to explore the intersection of health equity, sustainable economic growth, and community self-determination. The event highlighted the transformative potential of community-led food systems in addressing systemic inequities. Attendees engaged with critical themes, such as health and wealth disparities impacting frontline communities, the importance of community-driven solutions, and the essential role funders must play in driving long-term, systemic change. By showcasing actionable strategies and on-the-ground examples, this event equipped funders and partners with the tools to support community-led food systems, while advancing health equity, economic empowerment, and justice through the lens of sovereignty. We want to give our appreciation to all our collaborators, facilitators and speakers for sharing their wisdom with us: Ali Anderson, Feed Black Futures Ashley Atkinson, Keep Growing Detroit Cicely Garrett, National Black Food and Justice Alliance Gi'Anna Cheairs, DETROIT BLACK COMMUNITY FOOD SECURITY NETWORK INC (DBCFSN) Haven Leeming, Builders Initiative jøn kent, Sanctuary Farms Kate Levin Markel, McGregor Fund Lolita Nunn, Potlikker Capital  Mariela Cedeño, Manzanita Capital Collective, EFOD Collaborative (EFOD)  Monica Valdes Lupi, The Kresge Foundation myrtle thompson, Feedom Freedom Growers Olivia Watkins, Black Farmer Fund  Patrice Brown, Urban Agriculture, City of Detroit Chef Phil Jones, The Black Food Project Renee V. Wallace, Food Plus Detroit Richard "Lotni" Elm-Hill, First Nations Development Institute  Dr. Shakara Tyler, Co-Executive Director, Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN) Winona Bynum, Detroit Food Policy Council Please read our full Recap of the event below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/evq76jyA

"Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders (SAFSF) has been an invaluable ally. As an organization, SAFSF has played a pivotal role in providing crucial opportunities for learning and staying abreast of key national priorities. This, in turn, has informed and enriched our localized and region-specific program. The fundamental value of the SAFSF network is truly immeasurable, and the in-person experiences have been instrumental in fostering both learning and network building." -Fabiola Greenawalt, The Russell Family Foundation SAFSF membership offers robust opportunities to strengthen connections, foster collaboration, and build capacity with peers. By joining SAFSF, you'll gain access to networking opportunities, funder educational events, and member-only resources that will enhance your work and deepen your impact. Funders of all kinds - grantmakers, investors, lenders, and other community finance organizations- are invited to apply for membership by Monday, December 2, ensuring your membership is activated at the top of the new year! To schedule a call and learn more about membership benefits, eligibility, and annual dues visit our website below. https://lnkd.in/gux4Y3eR

We are excited to officially announce that the 2025 SAFSF Forum will be held June 9 - 12, 2025 in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. The SAFSF Forum is a unique gathering for the full spectrum of funders - including philanthropy, investors, and community finance - interested in skill building, networking, and leadership development in food and agriculture. The conference brings together funders, frontline community and movement leaders, and practitioners across the country to come together to advance equity and sustainability in food and agriculture. The 2025 Forum will focus on advancing solutions through a systems change approach, grounded in our theme of Resilience, Justice, and Democracy. We are looking for ideas for workshops and panels, learning dinners, networking and field based learning that explore strategies for systems change across: culture, policy, markets, tools, and capital. We invite you to help shape the Forum by submitting program ideas through our new Request for Ideas (RFI). The RFI is designed to be accessible and inclusive, allowing potential collaborators to share their ideas without the need to submit full proposals upfront. By simplifying the submission requirements and engaging a wide range of voices—from frontline communities and movement leaders to funders, government leaders, field-based practitioners, and other stakeholders—we aim to create a program that is representative of diverse perspectives. Submissions for the Forum will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a final close date of Sunday, January 12, 2025. We encourage you to submit your ideas early! Beyond the 2025 SAFSF Forum, the RFI will remain open throughout the year to gather ongoing input and foster continuous dialogue with our network of collaborators, so the upcoming Forum is just one opportunity to work with us. https://lnkd.in/e2W3GHWa

For over 20 years, SAFSF has been home to hundreds of philanthropic and investment organizations moving capital toward a more just and sustainable food system.  This has been an exciting year at SAFSF. With a new Strategic Direction forthcoming, we are looking forward to a big year in 2025, including new programs, the return of our popular Annual Forum, and many member-only experiences and resources. We would love to welcome you, your voice and expertise to our community as we usher in a new year. In celebration of an exciting year of growth and change, we want to provide an extra opportunity for you to join our community. Funders of all kinds - grantmakers, investors, lenders and other community finance organizations- are invited to apply for membership by Monday, December 2, ensuring your membership is activated at the top of the new year! SAFSF membership offers robust opportunities to strengthen connections, foster collaboration, and build capacity alongside funding peers. More info below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gux4Y3eR

Join us in Detroit, MI on Thursday, November 14 for Health and Wealth: Fostering Healthy Communities and Economic Self-Determination. This one-day event will explore the question: How can funding for food access, nutrition, and health equity support community self-determination and ignite equitable food economies? We will explore the intersection of health equity, economic development, and food justice to close racial wealth gaps through community-led approaches. Specifically, we will explore and learn from models of healthy food projects, organizations, and networks that focus on community ownership and asset-building led by and for people of color in and from frontline communities. The event takes place at the Detroit Food Commons, a groundbreaking 30,000- square-foot multi-use facility with a community-owned grocery store, which was conceived of and built by the DETROIT BLACK COMMUNITY FOOD SECURITY NETWORK INC (DBCFSN). Attendees will learn about DBCFSN’s powerful community organizing that led to raising $21 million to build the Detroit Food Commons, and how similar models are emerging across the country. Funders focused on health, community development, and food systems are invited to join us in exploring how we can resource and support communities addressing food and nutrition security through more just and sovereign food economies. ✳️ Less than 10 spots remain—register to secure your spot today! https://lnkd.in/evZDCuJ2

Our Executive Director Clare Fox shares reflections from food funders gathered at the Opportunity Finance Network Conference. #OFN40 CC: Locus Reinvestment Fund Akiptan, Inc Feed The Hunger Fund California FarmLink BlueHub Capital Potlikker Capital CEI (Coastal Enterprises, Inc.) Self-Help Credit Union Foodshed Capital New Hampshire Community Loan Fund #FoodLendersNetwork #CDFIs #CommunityFinance #FoodEquity