Learning Proposals


SAFSF welcomes the opportunity to help you produce programming that is of interest to you and your SAFSF peers.

Program ideas should be relevant to the SAFSF network of philanthropic and/or investment communities supporting any number of issues related to equitable and sustainable agriculture and food systems.

In addition, SAFSF encourages our members to share ideas for dynamic and engaging speakers, even if you don’t have a specific program idea. As we develop programming, we strive to highlight new and fresh voices and a diversity of perspectives.


Frequently Asked Questions

Who can develop/host a webinar, member briefing, or other program for the SAFSF network?

SAFSF members may share and host programming ideas for funders in the SAFSF network throughout the year. All programs must be sponsored by at least one SAFSF member. This includes webinars, member briefings, other events (shared with SAFSF staff through our submission form and/or other communications) and sessions at the SAFSF Forum (submitted through our annual RFP process). 

Funders who are not SAFSF members and PSO representatives are welcome to submit session ideas for the SAFSF Annual Forum. All ideas for the Forum are submitted through a separate process advertised to our network once per year.

How will SAFSF evaluate or decide on proposals?

All proposals will be evaluated based on how well the issues relate to the interest of the SAFSF membership and our strategic priorities. In addition, we will assess proposal fit with current programming, staff capacity, and available resources.

We encourage you to collaborate with your SAFSF peers to produce programming. Please keep in mind that our programming rarely focuses on a single organization or individual. In addition, we encourage you to think expansively and express how your idea might share relevant lessons learned for our national network that is working on many different issues, geographies, scales, and strategies.

How will SAFSF assist in developing a program or event?

When a proposal is accepted, SAFSF will provide the following assistance:

  • Consulting and planning regarding potential speakers, content and framing;
  • Schedule and facilitate a speaker prep call (if support is desired by the organizer);
  • Registration and other programming logistical support;
  • Promotion to the SAFSF network;
  • Program evaluation.

What is the timeline for development of a webinar or member briefing?

SAFSF members can submit proposals at any time. We generally plan our program calendar a minimum of 3-6 months in advance. We are open to urgent/time-sensitive program ideas and can adapt quickly when needed to engage a timely opportunity.

Are there costs to host a webinar or member briefing?

There is no cost for SAFSF members to develop an online session; this is a member benefit. We provide a modest financial donation to non-funder speakers to recognize the time and expertise they provide to SAFSF programming. We encourage members to consider these costs in their planning. For any sessions held in person, funder hosts are expected to cover the costs of travel and lodging for their non-funder speakers. 

I have an idea for an engaging speaker. Can I share my speaker idea with SAFSF even if I don’t have a suggestion for programming?

Yes! SAFSF encourages our members to share ideas for dynamic and engaging speakers that we should know about as we develop programs and events for our membership. We often seek new and dynamic speakers who could serve as a panelist or moderator during other programs we are developing. Log into the SAFSF member portal to share your speaker idea here.

I have other thoughts or feedback I’d like to share with SAFSF. How can I do so?

SAFSF welcomes feedback, suggestions, and thoughts from our members at any time. Share your thoughts with us in our feedback form by logging into the SAFSF member portal here, or reach out to our staff.

How do I submit a session or speaker idea for consideration?

Share your proposal and/or speaker idea here. You will need to log into the SAFSF member portal to submit your idea.