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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251007T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251007T113000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20250910T190914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251023T200227Z
UID:10000710-1759831200-1759836600@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Developing a Funder Strategy In Response to SNAP Cuts
DESCRIPTION:The scale and scope of the $186 billion in SNAP cuts included in the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) are staggering and could force millions to lose their benefits. There is a need to identify clear national\, state\, and local strategies for diverse capital partners to address the structural harm to SNAP and widespread negative impacts on hunger\, health\, nutrition and economic security posed by this legislation.  \n\n\n\nFor the first 45 minutes of this call\, speakers will share insights into emerging needs for advocacy\, technical assistance\, strategic communications\, and other areas\, in both the short and long term. Following Q&A with our panel\, there will be funder conversations to reflect on how organizations are responding\, what is being funded\, and how we could collaborate. \n\n\n\nThis call is co-hosted by Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders and Grantmakers In Health and is open to all funders. Please register below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSummary Notes & Key Takeaways\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCrystal FitzSimons\, President\, FRAC\n\n\n\nCrystal FitzSimons is the President for the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC)\, leading the organization to achieve its vision: A nation in which all people have the nutritious food they need to lead healthy and productive lives; and mission: To improve the nutrition\, health\, and well-being of people struggling against poverty-related hunger in the United States through advocacy\, partnerships\, and by advancing  bold and equitable policy solutions.  \n\n\n\nPrior to taking on the President role\, Crystal oversaw FRAC’s work to improve and strengthen the school\, summer\, and afterschool nutrition programs. She analyzed policy to advocate for legislative and regulatory improvements to increase children’s access to the child nutrition programs. She helped develop strategy and direct national partnerships and field efforts to achieve program improvements through legislative and administrative changes. Recent successful efforts include the Pandemic and Summer EBT Programs; the child nutrition waivers during the pandemic that allowed schools to offer school meals to all their students at no charge\, the nationwide expansion of the Afterschool Meal Program; and the Community Eligibility Provision.  \n\n\n\nShe led FRAC’s efforts to provide technical assistance on the school\, summer\, and afterschool nutrition programs to national\, state\, and local partners. Crystal also has helped develop successful partnerships to support increased access to the child nutrition programs including the National Healthy School Meals for All Coalition; Partners for Breakfast in the Classroom\, a project with the National Association of Elementary School Principals Foundation\, the National Education Association Healthy Futures\, and the School Nutrition Foundation; and CHAMPS (Cities Combating Hunger through the Afterschool Meal Program and Summer) with the National League of Cities.   \n\n\n\nCrystal is a sought-out policy expert for briefings\, webinars\, conferences\, and state legislative hearings. She also is regularly quoted in the media\, such as The New York Times\, NPR\, PBS NewsHour\, Politico\, the Washington Post\, USA Today\, and local media. Crystal is the author or co-author of numerous reports. Recent publications include: The Reach of School Breakfast and Lunch During the 2022-2023 School Year; The Case for Healthy School Meals for All; Community Eligibility: the Key to Hunger-Free Schools\, School Year 2022-2023; Large School District Report Operating School Nutrition Programs as the Nation Recovers From the Pandemic; and Hunger Doesn’t Take A Vacation: Summer Nutrition Status Report.   \n\n\n\nHer previous work experience includes the Center for Community Change and Housing Comes First. She holds a BA in Philosophy and Sociology from Carroll College in Wisconsin and an MSW from Washington University in Missouri. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChloe Green\, Assistant Director of Policy\, APHSA\n\n\n\nChloe Green (she/her)\, is the Assistant Director of Policy at the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA)\, which is the bipartisan membership association for state and local human services agencies.  \n\n\n\nAt APHSA\, Chloe leads federal nutrition policy and program strategy\, with a primary focus on SNAP. In her role\, Chloe builds strategic partnerships\, manages projects to formulate nutrition policy recommendations\, and facilitates peer-to-peer exchanges with state SNAP agency teams nationwide. She serves as the APHSA staff liaison to the American Association of SNAP Directors (AASD) and the National Association for Program Information and Performance Measurement (NAPIPM) and supports additional peer groups and projects related to SNAP Employment Training\, Summer EBT\, and more. \n\n\n\nChloe is a former Bloomberg Fellow in Food Systems for Health at the Bloomberg American Health Initiative at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health\, a Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellow at the Congressional Hunger Center\, and a Wisconsin Idea Fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Morgridge Center for Public Service. Before joining APHSA\, she worked with food justice organizations in Los Angeles and researched farmers markets and incentive redemptions across Wisconsin.Chloe holds a Master of Public Health from the Bloomberg School of Public Health and bachelor’s degrees in Dietetics and Community Environmental Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJorge Soto\, Senior Associate\, Annie E. Casey Foundation\n\n\n\nJorge Andres Soto is a Senior Associate for National Policy Reform and Advocacy at The Annie E. Casey Foundation where he the manages investments in food assistance\, healthcare\, and youth mental health advocacy and policy grantmaking. Prior to his time at The Annie E. Casey Foundation\, Jorge was Associate Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) where he led policy and advocacy to address discrimination in housing\, lending\, and community development. Jorge also served as Co-Chair of the Fair Housing/Lending Task Force of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights\, a coalition responsible for advancing fair housing policy at the federal level. Jorge also previously worked as a labor organizer at Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and as a community organizer with CRECEN/American Para Todos\, in Houston\, Texas. Jorge earned his B.A. in History and American Studies from Wesleyan University.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/developing-a-funder-strategy-in-response-to-snap-cuts/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251007T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251007T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20250807T175418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250929T191207Z
UID:10000704-1759863600-1759870800@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:SAFSF on the Road: Minneapolis
DESCRIPTION:Please join us for a networking mixer of connection\, conversation\, and community at Owamni by The Sioux Chef—an award-winning Indigenous restaurant led by our friends at North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS). \n\n\n\nSustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders (SAFSF) is hosting fellow funders and investors in celebration of equity and impact in regenerative agriculture in the Midwest. Gather with us on the outdoor terrace overlooking the Mississippi River to spark new relationships and explore opportunities for values-aligned investments in regenerative agriculture. This special gathering\, following the Regenerative Food Systems Investment (RFSI) Forum reception\, will also highlight BIPOC-led innovation in food and farming across the Midwest\, as well as opportunities to learn more about SAFSF’s network. \n\n\n\nGuests will also take home a special Indigenous medicinal spice blend as a memento of our time together.  \n\n\n\nThis event is hosted by Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders in partnership with NATIFS\, Midwest Farmers of Color Collective\, and Just Futures Impact and sponsored by Regenerative Agriculture Foundation and McKnight Foundation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpecial Guests\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKat Gilje\, Managing Director\, Just Futures Impact\n\n\n\nKathryn Gilje (Kat) is a strategist in regenerative food and agricultural systems\, land justice\, and mission-aligned investing\, with 25+ years of experience across philanthropy\, movement building\, and impact finance. As Managing Director at Just Futures Impact\, she advances capital strategies under the leadership of visionary partners like the Midwest Farmers of Color Collective and the Just Transitions Integrated Capital Fund. Formerly Executive Director of Ceres Trust\, Kat led a full asset transfer to grassroots movements\, farmers\, and land stewards. Her work bridges organizing\, somatics\, and finance to advance a just transition to regenerative economies. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZoe Hollomon\, Co-Founder and Executive Director\, Midwest Farmers of Color Collective\n\n\n\nZoe Hollomon is a multi-racial black\, food justice organizer\, abolitionist\, and farmer. She has over 20 years’ experience organizing with grassroots organizations on the East Coast and Midwest\, building coalitions to influence decision-making in food\, farming and environmental related policy. Zoe was born in Duluth\, MN\, but grew up in Western New York and NYC. She moved back to MN in 2012 and has since worked advocating and organizing for community food systems and racial justice in local\, regional and national contexts. \n\n\n\nShe is a co-founder of the Midwest Farmers of Color Collective (MFCC) and in her role as the Executive Director\, she leads the organization’s policy work and fundraising & development. She is humbled and amazed by the ingenuity\, courage and wisdom of the farmers and farming organizations MFCC organizes with. Zoe is also a co-founder and co-op member owner of Rootsprings Farm & Retreat Cooperative in MN\, which has a growing orchard and is a healing retreat space for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ people and organizations. \n\n\n\nZoe serves on the Transformational Farm Bill Advisory Committee\, with the HEAL Food Alliance\, National Black Food Justice Alliance\, Union of Concerned Scientists\, Rural Coalition\, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and other partner organizations fighting for a just transition of our food and agricultural systems. Zoe is part of the Ujamaa Cooperative Farmers Alliance and Ujamaa Seed Network. Prior to starting MFCC\, Zoe was an Organizing Co-Director at the Pesticide Action Network North America and also helped organize a Twin Cities coalition with the Good Food Purchasing Program. She served on the Food & Ag Advisory Group for the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and also served on the Homegrown Minneapolis Food Policy Council. Zoe received her B.S. in Urban & Regional Planning from Cornell University in 2001 and an M.S. from Southern New Hampshire University in Community Economic Development in 2007. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMark Muller\, Executive Director\, Regenerative Agriculture Foundation\n\n\n\nMark Muller\, the Regenerative Agriculture Foundation‘s executive director\, joined the organization in 2020 after spending over 20 years working on related issues including agricultural conservation\, Midwest water quality\, racial equity in the food system\, and effective federal food and agricultural policy. Most recently Mark served on the SAFSF Board of Directors\, served as director of the Mississippi River program at the McKnight Foundation\, and prior to that he directed the Food & Community Fellows program at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. He also spent two years teaching high school in New York City and 18 months volunteering in Honduras and Guatemala. He and his spouse have three grown children and live in south Minneapolis. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLolita Nunn\, Investor Relations Director\, Potlikker Capital\n\n\n\nLolita is a passionate changemaker that is dedicated to bringing resources\, support and knowledge to people and communities that have been systemically and historically excluded. She brings over 25 years of diversified and progressive experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors to the Potlikker Capital team. She currently serves on the SAFSF Board of Directors and is Chair of the Nominating Committee. She worked in the banking industry for 14 years where she developed expertise in finance\, investment banking and management. In addition to her financial role\, her work included cultivating and building relationships with community leaders and advocating for programs providing financial literacy\, consulting and mentoring. Her passion for philanthropy led her to a career change working in the nonprofit sector where she led donor outreach\, cultivation\, fundraising\, community and business engagement efforts. Lolita’s career path then led her to the sector of impact investing where she could further champion positive social\, racial\, and environmental systems change. In her most recent role she was the Investor Relations Officer at Fair Food Fund where she helped to re-imagine their investment thesis to support BIPOC food businesses\, to increase their geographic reach and to grow the brand recognition of the Fund nationally. \n\n\n\nLolita is committed to building strong and resilient communities. Recently aligning her passion for food system justice\, she became one of the founding coalition members of the Washtenaw Black Farmers Fund. Her volunteer efforts through serving on local boards and committees have worked to address the need for at-risk youth\, access to healthy and affordable food\, financial literacy and supporting women empowerment. \n\n\n\nLolita received her MBA from Eastern Michigan University. She resides in Michigan with her wonderful family and is happy to say that she is on a mission to find the best beach to plant her feet.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/safsf-on-the-road-minneapolis/
CATEGORIES:In Person Gathering,Meetings
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251008T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251008T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20250904T210929Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251006T162347Z
UID:10000709-1759946400-1759957200@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Dual Film Screening in Minneapolis
DESCRIPTION:Share food and drinks with SAFSF\, Croatan Institute\, and Cogent Consulting for an evening reception at the historic Capri Theater starting at 6:00 PM on October 8\, followed by the screening of two films (including SAFSF’s Digging In!) and an interactive panel discussion.  \n\n\n\nThis is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations passionate about regenerative change in food\, fiber\, and forest systems. All land stewards and attendees of the 2025 Regenerative Food Systems Investment Forum (RFSI) will be provided free access to this side event. \n\n\n\n\nRSVP\n\n\n\n\nThis is part of a nationwide film tour by Croatan Institute to mobilize capital for resilient food\, fiber\, and forest systems. Soil Wealth: Investing in Regenerative Agriculture\, produced with support from Patagonia and SAFSF member Waverley Street Foundation\, features farmers and capital providers to demonstrate effective\, community-led solutions for funding the future of sustainable economies. Digging In produced by Sustainable Agriculture & Food System Funders (SAFSF) will be shown\, focused on the US agricultural system and who controls our food and farmers.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/dual-film-screening-in-minneapolis/
CATEGORIES:Digging In Film,In Person Gathering,Tours / Site Visits
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20250414T162442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T162444Z
UID:10000676-1760486400-1760572799@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Deadline: Become an SAFSF Member
DESCRIPTION:For over 20 years\, SAFSF has been the leading national membership organization for philanthropy and impact investors committed to creating an equitable and sustainable food and agriculture system. Our network of nearly 120 member organizations includes foundations\, impact investors\, community development finance institutions (CDFIs)\, funding collaboratives\, and re-granting organizations. SAFSF membership offers networking\, learning\, professional development\, and strategic collaboration opportunities. We are committed to racial equity and social justice.  Join us for great impact if you are a values-aligned funder supporting sustainable agriculture and food systems. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMember Benefits\n\n\n\nOur network thrives on active member participation. Key benefits include: \n\n\n\n\nMember Portal and Listserv—Access to exclusive recordings\, member rosters\, and a forum to connect with other members.\n\n\n\nCustomized Data Insights—Request customized data reports to inform your funding strategy and identify funders with similar interests.\n\n\n\nCommunities of Practice—SAFSF members can join our Learning Communities. Currently\, we offer groups tailored to Small Funders\, Health Funders\, and Indigenous Food Systems\, led by member co-chairs and supported by SAFSF staff.\n\n\n\nAnnual Forum—Enjoy inspirational learning\, dynamic connections\, and community-building opportunities. Members receive discounted registration for their organization.\n\n\n\nPolicy Insights—SAFSF provides cutting-edge insights on policy change in food and agriculture. Stay informed with our monthly members-only email newsletter on key policy issues in sustainable agriculture and food systems.\n\n\n\nNetworking—Connect with new and experienced funders across various issue areas\, funding types\, and geographies.\n\n\n\nIssues Alignment—Collaborate with strategic partners to co-develop or co-fund impactful projects with SAFSF strategic convenings and working groups.\n\n\n\nProfessional Development—Access growth opportunities\, serve on committees\, or join our Board of Directors.   \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEligibility\n\n\n\nThe missions of our members should be in alignment with SAFSF’s own mission and values\, as well as the SAFSF Commitment to Racial Justice.  \n\n\n\nWe welcome those organizations and individuals who: \n\n\n\n\nOperate in alignment with SAFSF’s core values;\n\n\n\nUse grantmaking\, lending\, or investing as a core strategy to fulfill their mission and relate to SAFSF colleagues as peer funders\, not in a fundraising capacity;\n\n\n\nShare SAFSF’s goal of increasing viability of and funding for sustainable agriculture and food system organizations and enterprises;\n\n\n\nSupport relationship-building\, knowledge-sharing\, and collaboration within SAFSF’s framework;\n\n\n\nShare experiences\, perspectives\, and expertise with SAFSF colleagues;\n\n\n\nProvide financial support for SAFSF\, its programs\, and its initiatives; and\n\n\n\nShow an interest in enhancing the reputation of and expanding opportunities for SAFSF.\n\n\n\n\nParticipation in SAFSF events and committees is open to all individual donors\, executive and program staff\, and members of the Board of grantmaking or investment organizations. Development or fundraising staff are not permitted to participate in SAFSF events or to subscribe to our listserv. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApplication Process\n\n\n\nApplications are reviewed quarterly (January 15\, April 15\, July 30\, and October 15) by our Membership Committee and Board of Directors. Eligible organizations use grantmaking\, lending\, or investing as core strategies. We invite organizations to join as collaborative peers\, not for fundraising purposes. \n\n\n\nTo explore SAFSF membership\, please contact membership@safsf.org.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMembership Dues\n\n\n\nMember organization annual dues are based on total grantmaking or investment that supports sustainable agriculture and food systems work.  \n\n\n\nAnnual SAFSF-related grants or investmentsFoundation/InvestorsOther Funders/Intermediaries<$100\,000$1\,200$1\,200$100\,000-$249\,999$1\,500$1\,500$250\,000-$499\,999$2\,500$2\,500$500\,000-$999\,999$5\,000$2\,500$1\,000\,000-$1\,999\,999$7\,500$3\,750$2\,000\,000-$4\,999\,999$10\,000$5\,000>$5\,000\,000$15\,000-$60\,000$7\,500
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/deadline-become-an-safsf-member-3/
CATEGORIES:Deadlines
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251016T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20250414T182919Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T182920Z
UID:10000683-1760619600-1760623200@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Gather Round Monthly Membership Call
DESCRIPTION:The Gather Round Monthly Membership Calls\, held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 1 pm PST / 4 pm EST\, serve as a regular “drop in” space for SAFSF members. These calls are focused on connection and continuing dialogue on topics explored in virtual learning events and other programs hosted by SAFSF during the month.  \n\n\n\nWe want to hear what’s top of mind for you\, what you are wrestling with\, and what topics you want to explore deeper. Each call will have a different topic. \n\n\n\nSAFSF members are automatically enrolled in Gather Round meetings\, and will see the calendar invitations. If you do not\, email membership@safsf.org to receive access. 
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/gather-round-october/
CATEGORIES:Member Only,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251022T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251022T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20250724T161956Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251015T234520Z
UID:10000701-1761130800-1761134400@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:October Health Funders Learning Community
DESCRIPTION:Join us on October 22nd at 11AM PT/2PM ET for our next Health Funders Learning Community call. Building off of the Power of Procurement Summit\, where SAFSF attended and moderated a panel presentation\, we will dive deeper into how funding power can shape local food procurement for community health and wealth. \n\n\n\nThis call is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow SAFSF members funding at the intersection of health\, agriculture\, and food systems\, and engage in a meaningful discussion around specific challenges in funding health solutions. \n\n\n\nDuring the call\, we will explore: \n\n\n\n\nEmerging opportunities for collaboration\n\n\n\nCommunity-led solutions\n\n\n\nAligning public and private capital to strengthen investments\n\n\n\n\nThis is a SAFSF member-only call. If you are interested in exploring membership\, please contact our membership team. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo register for this learning community\, you must be logged in and a member of SAFSF. \nPlease log in or register for an account.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/october-health-funders-learning-community/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251023T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251023T124500
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20250926T182506Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T000426Z
UID:10000712-1761220800-1761223500@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:2026 SAFSF Forum RFP Open House
DESCRIPTION:SAFSF is hosting an open house to answer questions about the 2026 SAFSF Forum RFP process. Please note we will not be able to provide feedback on individual session proposals at this time. This session will be recorded for those unable to attend live. \n\n\n\n\nRecording
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/2026-safsf-forum-rfp-open-house/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251024T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251024T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20250911T161516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T152630Z
UID:10000711-1761264000-1761350399@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Integrated Capital Community of Practice Application Due
DESCRIPTION:The field of philanthropy is shifting.  Active movements are unfolding within philanthropy to remove barriers between grant-making and investing\, or between previously siloed impact and finance goals. This movement recognizes that all capital flows have an impact and that strategic alignment with mission\, vision\, and values is an important throughline across an entire organization. \n\n\n\nLaunching in November 2025\, the Integrated Capital Community of Practice (CoP) is an eight-month learning journey for diverse capital partners seeking to unlock the full potential of their resources for just and sustainable food and agriculture systems. Integrated capital means aligning all forms of capital—grants\, investments\, endowments\, and beyond—with your impact. Through this CoP\, participants will explore frameworks\, tools\, and real-world examples of how to remove barriers between grantmaking and investing\, deploy capital in ways that decentralize power\, and flow abundant resources to communities most impacted by unjust and unsustainable systems. \n\n\n\nFood and agriculture offer a particularly strong entry point to integrated capital for many reasons. There are many innovative funds and investment opportunities\, as well as good cash flow models\, already working to support sustainable agriculture and equitable food supply chains. This CoP will highlight the beautiful complexity of food and agriculture in the context of blended impact capital approaches. \n\n\n\n\nAPPLY HERE\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTimeline\n\n\n\n\nApplications Open – September 23\, 2025\n\n\n\nApplications Close – October 24\, 2025\n\n\n\nParticipant Notifications – October 31\, 2025\n\n\n\nMonthly Sessions – November\, December\, March\, April\, May\n\nConfirmed Dates\n\nNovember 20\, 2025 from 11am PST/2pm EST – pm PST/4pm EST \n\n\n\nDecember 18\, 2025 from 11am PST/2pm EST – pm PST/4pm EST \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn Person Retreat – February 2026 – Dates to be confirmed by first session\n\n\n\nIn Person Closing Session at 2026 SAFSF Forum\, June 22- 25\, 2026 in Savannah\, Georgia\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost of Participation\n\n\n\nThe Integrated Capital Community of Practice is a transformational professional and leadership development program designed to enhance both individual and organizational impact. The registration fee includes the full curriculum\, expert facilitation\, office-hour mentorship\, virtual technology\, communication tools\, and meals\, venue\, and bus transportation for the in-person retreat. Participants are responsible for airfare\, lodging\, and other travel costs for the retreat and the 2025 SAFSF Forum. A discounted Forum registration rate will be offered to all program participants. \n\n\n\n\nMembership Fee: $3\,900*\n\n\n\nNon-Member Fee: $4\,450\n\n\n\n\n*Eligible organizations that apply for SAFSF membership by October 15\, 2025 may receive the member discount. 
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/integrated-capital-community-of-practice-application-due/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251103T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251103T123000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20251028T182256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T141922Z
UID:10000719-1762167600-1762173000@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Federal Headwinds\, Frontline Resilience: Understanding the Impacts & Opportunities for Action - Session 1
DESCRIPTION:This funder series is organized by The Funders Network\, Health and Environmental Funders Network\, Neighborhood Funders Group\, Chesapeake Bay Funders Network\, Climate and Energy Funders Group and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders in partnership with ClimateMAX\, a new national collaborative and intersectional table of NGOs advancing and defending climate and environmental justice policy solutions. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn just a few months\, the current administration has dealt a series of significant setbacks to climate and communities: Billions of dollars\, including $2.6 billion for climate and environmental justice programs\, have been slashed from the federal budget. Agencies meant to protect our water and air have been gutted. And the promise of historic investments in climate-resilient infrastructure has been largely stripped away. \n\n\n\nBut despite these fierce federal headwinds\, there are opportunities for action — and models of collaboration\, partnership\, and frontline resilience. \n\n\n\nJoin us for a three-part learning series for funders Federal Headwinds\, Frontline Resilience: Understanding the Impacts & Opportunities for Action. \n\n\n\nThese webinars will bring together funders\, nonprofit and community leaders to share analysis of recent actions under the current administration\, including impacts on frontline communities and leaders. They’ll also create space for funders to look past silos and consider best ways to leverage their resources\, networks and expertise to meet this moment with urgency and flexibility.The series is designed as a three-part learning arc but funders are welcome to attend individual sessions as their schedules allow. Attendees will automatically be confirmed for all three sessions when registering. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 1 – November 3: Dumpster Fire in D.C.\nWe’ll look at the impacts of federal budget cuts and policy reversals on frontline communities\, and pathways for state and local solutions. Join this session to deepen your understanding of recent actions\, including a detailed analysis of the federal budget cuts\, impacts\, and what more could come. We’ll also lift up pathways for state and local solutions along with the latest research\, analysis and observations from a national perspective. \n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\nSylvia Chi\, Legal and Advocacy Director\, Just Solutions\n\n\n\nJillian Blanchard\, Vice President of Climate Change and Environmental Justice\, Lawyers for Good Government\n\n\n\nPeter Murchie\, Senior Director of Public Policy\, Environmental Protection Network\n\n\n\nLaura Wisland\, Senior Program Officer\, Heising-Simons Foundation\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 2 – November 17: Communities Leading & Protecting to Overcome Headwinds\nThis session will provide a deeper understanding of how communities are overcoming these rollbacks\, including impacts to programs intended to develop clean energy and economic opportunities for limited wealth and historically underinvested communities. \n\n\n\nWe’ll look at how communities are currently adapting and adjusting and create space for small-group breakouts\, so funders can hear directly from groups on the ground about their ongoing work. \n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\nJessica Boehland\, Senior Program Officer\, The Kresge Foundation\n\n\n\nLogan Burke\, Executive Director\, Alliance for Affordable Energy\n\n\n\nPaul Getsos\, Special Project Director\, United Today\, Stronger Tomorrow\n\n\n\nRahwa Ghirmatzion\, Senior Policy Fellow\, Just Solutions\n\n\n\nJennifer Somers\, Co-Executive Director\, Collectrify: A Frontline-Led Energy Fund\n\n\n\n\nStay tuned for additional speaker updates! \n\n\n\n\nSession 3 – December 1: Rising from the Ashes: Collaboration & Innovation Advance Strategies that Work\nWe will end the series with a discussion of the work and key strategies moving forward to build collaborative efforts that will drive solutions that advance energy affordability\, resilience in the face of growing climate disasters\, and health and safety. We will acknowledge the issues at stake in the context of mid-term elections and upcoming state legislative sessions. The final session also will spotlight ways that philanthropy is mobilizing to support work in communities. And it will highlight funder initiatives that model collaboration and partnership\, urging funders to lean in and get involved. \n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\nMaria Doerr\, Program Officer\, Rural Climate Partnership\n\n\n\nByron Gudiel\, Executive Director\, Center for Earth\, Energy and Democracy\n\n\n\nJacqueline Patterson\, Founder and Executive Director\, Chisholm Legacy Project\n\n\n\nAiko Schaefer\, Executive Director\, Just Solutions\n\n\n\nJennifer Somers\, Co-Executive Director\, Collectrify: A Frontline-Led Energy Fund\n\n\n\n\nStay tuned for additional speaker updates! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister for the Series
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/federal-headwinds-frontline-resilience-understanding-the-impacts-opportunities-for-action-session-1/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251110T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251110T094500
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20251023T195348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251023T195700Z
UID:10000718-1762765200-1762767900@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Safeguarding Medicaid and SNAP in the Wake of H.R. 1
DESCRIPTION:As H.R. 1 begins to reshape the landscape of safety programs\, charitable foundations face a pivotal moment. The legislation delivers sweeping tax cuts to corporations and high-income earners—while dramatically reducing funding for essential programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These cuts threaten the well-being of millions of families\, children\, and seniors\, and shift the financial burden to already overstretched state and local governments. \n\n\n\nNow more than ever\, philanthropic organizations must act swiftly and strategically to mitigate harm. A key opportunity lies in supporting states as they navigate urgent administrative and implementation challenges—ensuring vulnerable populations don’t fall through the cracks. \n\n\n\nJoin us for a timely funder briefing with: \n\n\n\n\nAriel Kennan\, Senior Director\, Digital Benefits Network at Georgetown’s Beeck Center\n\n\n\nTim Shaw\, Director\, Benefits Transformation Initiative at the Aspen Institute’s Financial Security Program\n\n\n\n\nTogether\, they will share efforts of the Digital Benefits Leadership Council\, a civic tech initiative designed to preserve and improve access to public benefits\, and how foundations can support efforts to reduce benefits loss for millions in the short term and leverage this moment to modernize the benefits delivery infrastructure for the future. \n\n\n\nThis program is for grantmakers who work for a qualifying philanthropy. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAriel Kennan\, Senior Director\, Digital Benefits Network\, Georgetown’s Beeck Center\n\n\n\nAriel Kennan (she/her) is a Senior Director at the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University\, where she researches and advises on advancing design\, data\, and technology for accessible and equitable delivery of public benefits. Ariel leads the Digital Benefits Network to support practitioners in current and near term challenges in public benefits delivery and envisioning future policies\, services\, and technologies. She also serves on the Beeck Center’s leadership team. \n\n\n\nAriel is a leader in service design\, digital product development\, and organizational strategy. She has worked in the private\, nonprofit\, and public sectors to drive change and deliver impactful solutions. Previously\, she served in the New York City Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity where she founded the nation’s first municipal service design studio and managed a portfolio of best-in-class digital products to connect and deliver services. Most recently\, she was the Director of Civic Innovation at Sidewalk Labs\, where she led the strategy for inclusive participation in the social infrastructure of cities. \n\n\n\nShe holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Integrated Design from Parsons School of Design. She is based in Brooklyn\, New York. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTim Shaw\, Director\, Benefits Transformation Initiative\, Aspen Institute’s Financial Security Program\n\n\n\nAs the Director of the Benefits Transformation Initiative and Senior Policy Advisor for the Financial Security Program\, Tim works to advance promising policies that address the most pressing financial security challenges facing people in America. Working with leaders across levels of government\, Tim and Aspen FSP’s Benefits team seek to provide policy\, nonprofit\, and market leaders with the innovative ideas\, research\, and networks of leaders they need to design and enact policies that help people weather financial shocks and comfortably afford everyday life. \n\n\n\nBefore joining the Aspen Institute\, he was an Associate Director for Economic Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. While there\, he was the policy lead for BPC’s Paid Family Leave Task Force and led projects on economic opportunity\, retirement security\, and fiscal policy. Prior to that work\, he was a tax and budget staffer at the Government Accountability Office. His work has been featured in numerous publications\, including the Washington Post\, Politico\, and the Wall Street Journal. \n\n\n\nTim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/safeguarding-medicaid-and-snap-in-the-wake-of-h-r-1/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251110T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251110T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20251007T203537Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251013T202722Z
UID:10000715-1762768800-1762772400@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Indigenous Food Systems Community of Practice Alumni Circle
DESCRIPTION:The Indigenous Food Systems Community of Practice (IFSCoP) is a learning and relationship-building cohort for funders interested in advancing support for Native-led food systems work. Developed by Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders\, First Nations Development Institute\, and Melvin Consulting PLLC\, this program brings funders together to engage directly with Indigenous leaders\, deepen understanding of structural and philanthropic barriers in Indian Country\, and build more effective strategies for supporting Native food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture.  \n\n\n\nAlumni of the Indigenous Food Systems Community of Practice are invited to join a virtual gathering to share updates and experiences engaging in Indigenous food systems work.  \n\n\n\nThis virtual gathering is open only to past IFSCoP participants\, but stay tuned for more information about a new cohort launching in 2026!
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/november-indigenous-food-systems-community-of-practice-alumni-circle/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251112T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251112T193000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20250829T162544Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250911T150528Z
UID:10000708-1762968600-1762975800@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Chicago Networking Social with SAFSF Board & Friends
DESCRIPTION:In conjunction with the SAFSF Board Retreat\, we invite you to join for a networking social for funders\, innovators\, and advocates working at the nexus of food and agriculture. This event is invitation-only. Drinks and light bites will be provided. If you are interested in attending\, please reach out to SAFSF’s Membership Team at membership@safsf.org.   \n\n\n\nInterested in learning with us? SAFSF is hosting a workshop for diverse capital partners to explore ways to break the silos between philanthropy and investment in support of a local food economy at The Hatchery on November 13. To learn more\, please visit our event page here.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/chicago-happy-hour-with-safsf-board-friends/
CATEGORIES:In Person Gathering
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251113T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251113T133000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20251006T224300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T224620Z
UID:10000714-1763035200-1763040600@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Pathways for Industry and Agriculture to Reduce N2O Emissions from Synthetic Fertilizer
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is hosted by Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders and co-hosts Climate and Energy Funders Group and Health and Environmental Funders Network. \n\n\n\nSynthetic nitrogen fertilizer is essential to modern agriculture\, but it is often overlooked in climate conversations and remains an underrecognized driver of climate change. \n\n\n\nNitrous oxide (N₂O)\, released during both the production and application of fertilizer\, is nearly 300 times more potent than CO₂\, with emissions. Today\, the U.S. is the world’s fourth-largest producer of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. By 2030\, domestic production of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers is expected to quadruple. \n\n\n\nJoin us for a webinar to explore key findings from “Nitrous Oxide: A Hidden Threat\,” a new report produced by McKnight Foundation and Regenerative Agriculture Foundation. The report’s four authors highlight common-sense solutions to reduce N₂O emissions that center farmers and cross-sector collaboration. Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of how agriculture and climate partners can help catalyze action toward ambitious 2035 and 2050 reduction goals. \n\n\n\nThis webinar is open to all funders. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRecording\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTenzin Dolkar\, Senior Program Officer\, McKnight Foundation (moderator)\n\n\n\n\nTenzin Dolkar (Dolkar) is a program officer with the McKnight Foundation’s Midwest Climate & Energy program\, where she works to shape and guide the trajectory of the Foundation’s climate initiatives\, aligning McKnight’s equity goals. Prior to McKnight\, Dolkar served as a climate advisor to the City of Minneapolis through a Natural Resources Defense Council partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge. From 2016 to 2018\, Dolkar served as a senior policy advisor to Governor Mark Dayton on transportation and agriculture. \n\n\n\nDolkar holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in international studies with a minor in social work from the University of St. Thomas. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMike Badzmierowski\, Manager\, U.S. Agricultural Policy\, World Resources Institute\n\n\n\n\nDr. Mike Badzmierowski is the Manager for U.S. Agricultural Policy at World Resources Institute. His role is to research and provide guidance on practices and strategies best suited to meaningfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. \n\n\n\nMike’s research has focused on soil carbon and nitrogen and related greenhouse gas emissions with an emphasis on ensuring data quality. He earned his PhD in Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences from Virginia Tech where he continued as a postdoctoral researcher. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Management from the University of Rhode Island. \n\n\n\nOutside his professional pursuits\, Mike loves to stay active and is an avid explorer. He has a goal to see all of the U.S. National Parks. When Mike is not on the move\, he loves finding amazing food! Break the ice and reach out to him about your favorite dish (and where he can try it) or feel free to be direct about talking how we can best achieve greenhouse gas reductions in agriculture! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCourtney Bernhardt\, Research Director\, Environmental Integrity Project\n\n\n\n\nCourtney is Co-Director of Environmental Integrity Project’s Center for Environmental Investigations and leads EIP’s team of dedicated analysts. She manages EIP’s public databases and analyzes and visualizes data to inform and support EIP’s advocacy efforts. She joined EIP in 2013 after earning a Master of Environmental Management and a certificate in geospatial analysis from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. Before then\, she spent several years working on CERCLA and CWA lawsuits as a paralegal at the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. She also holds a B.A. in public policy from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nScott Faber\, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs\, Environmental Working Group\n\n\n\n\nScott Faber leads Environmental Working Group’s government affairs efforts to reform food\, farm\, water and chemical safety policies. Faber is also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPatrick Molloy\, Principal\, Ammonia & Fertilizers\, Rocky Mountain Institute\n\n\n\n\nPatrick is a principal with RMI’s Climate-Aligned Industries Program\, where he leads workstreams focused on ammonia and fertilizers\, hydrogen infrastructure\, and hydrogen system innovation. He focuses on deployment potential\, system design\, market evolution\, and potential for disruption in next-generation traded markets. Patrick has been widely cited on next-generation technology emergence with particular focus on hydrogen applications in the industrial space. Previously\, he worked with RMI’s Business Renewables Center\, focusing on tax equity structures and PPA deal structures. Additionally\, as part of RMI’s mining team\, he led work on mine site remediation of on-site renewable resource development. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMark Muller\, Executive Director\, Regenerative Agriculture Foundation\n\n\n\n\nMark Muller serves as the executive director at the Regenerative Agriculture Foundation. He came to RAF in March 2020 after spending over 20 years working on related issues including agricultural conservation\, Midwest water quality\, racial equity in the food system\, and effective federal food and agricultural policy. \n\n\n\nMark served as director of the Mississippi River program at the McKnight Foundation\, and prior to that he directed the Food & Community Fellows program at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. He also spent two years teaching high school in New York City and 18 months volunteering in Honduras and Guatemala. He and his spouse and three children live in south Minneapolis.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/pathways-for-industry-and-agriculture-to-reduce-n2o-emissions-from-synthetic-fertilizer/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251113T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251113T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20250807T180011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251106T153927Z
UID:10000705-1763042400-1763053200@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:SAFSF on the Road: Chicago
DESCRIPTION:Building Vision and Capital: Aligning Funding Practices with Entrepreneurial Realities \n\n\n\nSustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders (SAFSF) invites you to a workshop where diverse capital partners will explore bridging the capital gaps to support the local food economy. We will hear from food entrepreneurs to explore ways philanthropy and investors can align funding practices with entrepreneurial realities.  \n\n\n\nJoin SAFSF and fellow funders\, including the Chicago Food Policy Action Council\, Fresh Taste\, Kinship Foundation\, Proofing Station\, and Builders Vision\, on Thursday\, November 13\, from 2:00–5:00 PM CT at The Hatchery. Learn from food entrepreneurs about how food serves as a critical philanthropy strategy that you can activate more deeply.  \n\n\n\nThanks to our Chicago-based  SAFSF members for their thought partnership!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAgenda At A Glance\n\n\n\n1:20 PM  Tour of The Hatchery *Optional*2:00 PM   Event Kick–Off2:20 PM   Facilitated Funder Networking3:00 PM   The Hatchery Entrepreneur Panel 3:45 PM   Funder Panel and Takeaways: Blended capital in practice 4:00 PM   Integrated Capital Stack Workshop 5:00 PM   Refreshments and Networking \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFunder Discussion\n\n\n\nA continuation from a conversation heard at the 2025 SAFSF Forum\, this conversation will explore how Chicago’s food system has evolved over the past decade with strong philanthropic support. A combined approach – community-led as Chicago Region Food Systems Fund\, impact investment as Proofing Station\, and the long-term strategic grantmaking model of Food:Land:Opportunity – offers the most effective path forward to co–create a more equitable and resilient food system. How can investments and philanthropy go hand in hand? \n\n\n\n// PHILANTHROPY: Kinship Foundation\n\n\n\n\nLenore Beyer is the Director of Conservation Initiatives at Kinship Foundation\, where she manages Food:Land:Opportunity\, a multi-year initiative to create a resilient local food economy in the Chicago region. Beyer manages a grant portfolio of $3M annually and spearheads projects in collaborative COVID response funding and innovative financing. Prior to joining Kinship Foundation\, Beyer was the vice president of policy and planning at Openlands\, a regional conservation land trust\, where she led projects to create Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge and integrated farmland protection with local food initiatives. Beyer was previously the executive director of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County\, a citizen advocacy organization\, and served as president of the Illinois Environmental Council. \n\n\n\n\n// COMMUNITY-LED: Chicago Region Food System Fund\n\n\n\n\nDion Dawson is a food-fighting social entrepreneur\, philanthropic leader\, and founder focused on health equity through an innovative and logistical lens. Dion’s penchant for challenging the solvency of food insecurity through the stabilization of the supply chain has reinvigorated the traditional food distribution model and been met with worldwide attention. With data-driven operations\, consistent quality\, and a deep commitment to a resident-informed process that meets residents and recipients where they are\, he prioritizes the end-user experience. \n\n\n\nDion is the Chief Dreamer of Dion’s Chicago Dream\, a nonprofit social enterprise combating food insecurity through logistics & last-mile delivery in the U.S’s Midwest region. His system provides fresh produce to the door steps of food insecure recipients and has provided millions of pounds of fresh produce annually to the Chicago region food system\, with numerous community jobs created and one powerful movement. \n\n\n\n\n// IMPACT INVESTMENT: Proofing Station\n\n\n\n\nCortney Renton\, Executive Director of Proofing Station\, is a seasoned food systems leader with experience driving change from farm to shelf. She is rooted in 15 years of multidisciplinary experience in research\, sustainability\, strategy\, and fundraising roles across diverse social impact organizations. \n\n\n\nMost recently\, Cortney served as the Executive Director of CitySeed\, a nonprofit based in New Haven\, CT building an equitable local food system through community and economic development.  \n\n\n\nCortney is a proud Midwesterner. She was born and raised in Minnesota and built her career in Chicago. Previously\, she led national programs focused on rural hunger relief by building strategic relationships with donors\, partners\, and farmers at Feeding America\, one of the largest nonprofits in the country. Cortney has also held research\, fundraising\, and sustainability roles with The Chicago Council on Global Affairs\, The Greater Chicago Food Depository\, and Sir Kensington’s.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFeatured Entrepreneurs \n\n\n\n// BRICK AND MORTAR: Twisted Eggroll\n\n\n\n\nChicago native and passionate entrepreneur\, Nikkita Randle\, founded Twisted Eggroll in 2015 to bring a fresh\, culturally inspired twist to traditional egg rolls. What started as a frozen packaged product has expanded into consumer packaged goods and e-commerce\, and will soon include a Chatham storefront in 2026.   \n\n\n\nAwards and Recognition: Red Eye Big Idea Award Food & Drink\, Neighborhood Opportunity Fund\, and Midwest Dairy Pitch Competition winner. \n\n\n\n\n// CONSUMER PACKAGED GOODS: Sorghum Symphony\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlending expertise in agriculture\, genetics\, food chemistry\, and nutrition\, John Hammerstone and Shwetha Shrivatsa—a retail expert and mother—turned their shared love of food and music into Sorghum Symphony. Inspired by the need for safe\, healthy snacks for people of all ages—especially children with food allergies—they created a line of nutritious\, allergen-free snacks made from sorghum and other climate-friendly crops\, all free from the Top 9 allergens. Dedicated to both health and sustainability\, Sorghum Symphony proudly maintains a carbon-neutral footprint and contains no added sugar—snacks that are good for people and the planet. \n\n\n\n\n// AGTECH: Oishii \n\n\n\n\nKnown for its high-tech\, solar-powered vertical farms\, Oishii is redefining what’s possible in agriculture and the future of food. From AI-driven strawberry production to sustainable packaging and robotics\, Oiishi’s premium berries are nutrient-rich\, hyper-local\, and Non-GMO Project verified.  \n\n\n\n“Vertical farming technology is critical to solving one of the world’s largest problems – our failing agriculture system\,” said Hiroki Koga\, CEO and Co-founder of Oishii in Forbes. “Vertical farming does not require pesticides; we can recycle most of the water that we use\, and we can use significantly less land. \n\n\n\nOishii operates the world’s largest indoor vertical strawberry farm. Oishii is on a mission to fix our broken agriculture system – one perfectly plump berry at a time. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSAFSF On the Road is a curated event series designed to connect influential and emerging decision makers with capital providers who are deploying funds toward systemic change. Each event is an opportunity to deepen relationships\, exchange insights\, and discover how philanthropy and investment can drive a just and resilient food future. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/safsf-on-the-road-chicago/
CATEGORIES:In Person Gathering,Meetings
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251114T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251114T100000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20251029T203250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251114T212215Z
UID:10000722-1763110800-1763114400@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:SNAP Strategy Funder Working Group: Advocacy Opportunities
DESCRIPTION:Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders and Grantmakers In Health are forming a funder Working Group for a coordinated\, strategic response to the SNAP cuts in H.R. 1. The Working Group comes as an actionable response to insights shared by field leaders in a SNAP-focused webinar earlier in October. \n\n\n\nRecognizing the far-reaching implications of SNAP for food security\, health\, and economic equity\, this Working Group will serve as an information hub and a strategic coordination space\, designed to help funders act quickly\, effectively\, and in alignment with one another. We will organize three Working Group meetings to start and then assess next steps. \n\n\n\nThe first call will focus on opportunities for funders to support and engage in policy advocacy to protect SNAP on a federal and state level. In addition to connecting with peers\, funders will hear from Joel Berg\, CEO of Hunger Free America\, who will provide a policy landscape update from D.C.\, and Joey Hentzler\, Program Manager at MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger\, who will share about MAZON’s policy engagement and rapid response funding. \n\n\n\nUpcoming Working Group Calls will focus on opportunities to support training and technical assistance and strategic communications. \n\n\n\nThis Working Group is open to all funders currently responding to or actively considering a response to SNAP cuts. Funders do not need to be members of SAFSF or GIH – if you are wrestling with the impact of SNAP cuts for your communities\, this space is for you. Please register below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntelligence Gathering with Experts\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoel Berg\, CEO of Hunger Free America\n\n\n\nJoel Berg is CEO of Hunger Free America\, a nationwide anti-hunger 501c3 advocacy and direct service organization. He is also an internationally-recognized book author\, researcher\, media spokesperson\, and thought leader in the fields of domestic hunger\, food systems\, poverty\, national service\, and American politics. \n\n\n\nAccording to The Nation magazine\, under Joel’s direction\, the group “grew in one of the leading direct service and advocacy organizations on hunger and poverty” in the country. He currently oversees work of more than 50 diverse employees and a 44-person\, nationwide\, AmeriCorps VISTA team. \n\n\n\nHe has appeared on Morning Joe\, All In with Chris Hayes\, NBC Nightly News\, The Beat with Ari Melber\, NPR\, CNN\, Marketplace\, Fox News\, PBS Newshour\, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart\, Hardball\, PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton\, and the Kudlow Report. He’s also been quoted in outlets such as The New York Times\, The Washington Post\, New York Daily News\, New York Post\, The Guardian\, El Diario\, BET.com\, USA Today\, and The Wall Street Journal. \n\n\n\nJoel authored two books: All You Can Eat: How Hungry Is America?\, and America We Need to Talk: a Self Help Book for the Nation\, which Nobel Prize-winner Toni Morrison called “important and entertaining.” Joel previously served for eight years in the Clinton Administration in senior executive service positions at including USDA\, including Coordinator of Community Food Security. \n\n\n\nFrom 1989 to 1993\, he served as a policy analyst for the Progressive Policy Institute and as a domestic policy staff member for then President-elect Bill Clinton’s transition team. He holds a BA from Columbia University \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoey Hentzler\, Program Manager at Mazon\n\n\n\nJoey Hentzler is the Program Manager for MAZON. He leads and implements the organization’s grantmaking strategy and works to support state grantee partners to build their advocacy capacity and achieve their anti-hunger policy goals. He holds two undergraduate degrees from the University of Kansas in Political Science and Latin American Studies. Joey started political organizing with fellow college students in 2011 to push back against radical cuts to public education and the social safety net in Kansas. Most recently\, he helped lead grassroots campaigns in his hometown to stop county jail expansion and to achieve comprehensive Sanctuary City ordinance. Before joining MAZON\, Joey served as Director of Advocacy at Kansas Appleseed leading state-level advocacy campaigns focused on food safety net\, foster care\, and juvenile justice reform. He worked with MAZON during the 2018 Farm Bill fight to successfully protect SNAP by pressuring Kansas’s key Congressional leaders on agriculture and food policy. Throughout his career in his beloved Kansas\, the state motto has become a mantra for Joey: Ad astra per aspera.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/snap-strategy-funder-working-group-advocacy/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251117T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251117T123000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20251028T194758Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T222545Z
UID:10000720-1763377200-1763382600@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Federal Headwinds\, Frontline Resilience: Understanding the Impacts & Opportunities for Action - Session 2
DESCRIPTION:This funder series is organized by The Funders Network\, Health and Environmental Funders Network\, Neighborhood Funders Group\, Chesapeake Bay Funders Network\, Climate and Energy Funders Group and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders in partnership with ClimateMAX\, a new national collaborative and intersectional table of NGOs advancing and defending climate and environmental justice policy solutions. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn just a few months\, the current administration has dealt a series of significant setbacks to climate and communities: Billions of dollars\, including $2.6 billion for climate and environmental justice programs\, have been slashed from the federal budget. Agencies meant to protect our water and air have been gutted. And the promise of historic investments in climate-resilient infrastructure has been largely stripped away. \n\n\n\nBut despite these fierce federal headwinds\, there are opportunities for action — and models of collaboration\, partnership and frontline resilience. \n\n\n\nJoin us for a three-part learning series for funders Federal Headwinds\, Frontline Resilience: Understanding the Impacts & Opportunities for Action. \n\n\n\nThese webinars will bring together funders\, nonprofit and community leaders to share analysis of recent actions under the current administration\, including impacts on frontline communities and leaders. They’ll also create space for funders to look past silos and consider best ways to leverage their resources\, networks and expertise to meet this moment with urgency and flexibility.The series is designed as a three-part learning arc but funders are welcome to attend individual sessions as their schedules allow. Attendees will automatically be confirmed for all three sessions when registering. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister for the Series\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 2: Communities Leading & Protecting to Overcome Headwinds\n\n\n\nThis session will provide a deeper understanding of how communities are overcoming these rollbacks\, including impacts to programs intended to develop clean energy and economic opportunities for limited wealth and historically underinvested communities. \n\n\n\nWe’ll look at how communities are currently adapting and adjusting and create space for small-group breakouts\, so funders can hear directly from groups on the ground about their ongoing work. \n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\nJessica Boehland\, Senior Program Officer\, The Kresge Foundation\n\n\n\nLogan Burke\, Executive Director\, Alliance for Affordable Energy\n\n\n\nPaul Getsos\, Special Project Director\, United Today\, Stronger Tomorrow\n\n\n\nRahwa Ghirmatzion\, Senior Policy Fellow\, Just Solutions\n\n\n\nJennifer Somers\, Co-Executive Director\, Collectrify: A Frontline-Led Energy Fund\n\n\n\n\nStay tuned for additional speaker updates!
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/federal-headwinds-frontline-resilience-understanding-the-impacts-opportunities-for-action-session-2/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Federal-Headwinds-Webinar-Series-Fall-2025-4_eMTR.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251119T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251119T133000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20251015T154219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T162239Z
UID:10000716-1763553600-1763559000@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Why Regenerative Producers Still Can’t Get Credit and How Integrated Capital Can Close the Gap
DESCRIPTION:Despite evidence to the contrary\, regenerative farmers\, ranchers\, and producers more broadly are often labeled as “too risky” by conventional lenders—not because of their actual performance\, but because they fall outside the structures that define creditworthiness in industrial agriculture. This webinar\, first presented at the 2025 SAFSF Forum\, will reframe the conversation around risk: What is real risk in ag lending\, and what’s just a byproduct of broken systems? \n\n\n\nSpeakers will examine how conventional lenders’ failure to offer patient\, flexible capital options for regenerative producers is hindering the regeneration of a resilient and sustainable food system. Rather\, the emergence of innovative\, mission-driven lenders and investors who are reviving relationship and opportunity-based models is making it possible to put soil health on the balance sheet. \n\n\n\nSpeakers will also explore the emergence of loan guarantees—one of the most effective tools for unlocking credit where traditional underwriting falls short. Lenders have fewer ways to assess risk because regenerative producers often operate without subsidies\, crop insurance\, or conventional benchmarks\, lenders have fewer ways to assess risk. Guarantees help close that gap\, giving lenders a backstop and making it possible to finance operations that are sound but structurally excluded. \n\n\n\nThis webinar is open to all funders. Join us for a conversation about risk\, reward\, and what it will take to truly finance regeneration. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRECORDING\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLinda Jo Doctor\, Program Officer\, W.K. Kellogg Foundation (moderator)\n\n\n\nLinda Jo Doctor is a program officer at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek\, Michigan. In this role\, she helps develop programming priorities\, reviews and recommends proposals for funding\, manages and monitors a portfolio of active grants\, and designs and implements national programming. She co- leads the Foundation’s efforts to promote equitable\, sustainable and nourishing food systems. Previously\, Ms. Doctor was deputy director for a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation National Program Office housed at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She also directed the Division of Prevention at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health\, where she provided leadership for statewide health promotion and prevention programs\, interagency initiatives\, and national efforts. Ms. Doctor received her Master of Public Health degree from Boston University School of Public Health She recently completed her studies and received a Masters of Philanthropic Studies from the Lily Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. She has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Cincinnati\, College of Community Services. She currently serves on the board of directors of ALEPH: The Alliance for Jewish Renewal. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nZach Ducheneaux\, 5th C LLC\, Founder\n\n\n\nZach Ducheneaux was a third generation rancher\, and Executive Director of the Intertribal Agriculture Council prior to accepting a role as the Farm Service Agency Administrator in 2021. Since January of 2025 he’s been bringing an investment approach to production agriculture to revitalize rural economies and preserve family farms and ranches. His company\, 5th C LLC will match investors with agriculture producers in a manner that shares profits\, shares risk\, and shares opportunity more equitably with the producer. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLauren Manning\, Executive Director\, Food System 6\n\n\n\nLauren Manning\, Esq.\, LL.M.\, is Executive Director of Food System 6\, a nonprofit working to accelerate the transition to a just and restorative food system by expanding access to capital. Before FS6\, Lauren was a venture capital investor with agrifood-tech focused AgFunder while also raising grass-fed beef\, lamb\, and goat meat as part of a farmer collective in NW Arkansas for 10 years. She began her career as a civil litigator handling a broad range of cases including toxic torts and pharmaceuticals.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/why-regenerative-producers-still-cant-get-credit-and-how-integrated-capital-can-close-the-gap/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251120T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251120T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20250414T183007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T183009Z
UID:10000684-1763643600-1763647200@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Gather Round Monthly Membership Call
DESCRIPTION:The Gather Round Monthly Membership Calls\, held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 1 pm PST / 4 pm EST\, serve as a regular “drop in” space for SAFSF members. These calls are focused on connection and continuing dialogue on topics explored in virtual learning events and other programs hosted by SAFSF during the month.  \n\n\n\nWe want to hear what’s top of mind for you\, what you are wrestling with\, and what topics you want to explore deeper. Each call will have a different topic. \n\n\n\nSAFSF members are automatically enrolled in Gather Round meetings\, and will see the calendar invitations. If you do not\, email membership@safsf.org to receive access. 
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/gather-round-november/
CATEGORIES:Member Only,Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Gather-Round.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251123T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251123T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20251001T150321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T190812Z
UID:10000713-1763856000-1763942399@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Deadline: 2026 SAFSF Forum Request For Proposals
DESCRIPTION:We are seeking proposals for workshops\, learning dinners\, lightning talks\, and field days that align with SAFSF’s mission and goals for the conference. In addition to shaping the 2026 SAFSF Forum\, these submissions will contribute to ongoing program development within SAFSF\, helping us identify key areas for future events\, workshops\, and initiatives throughout the year.  \n\n\n\nTo help foster a diverse and representative Forum program that supports systems change in food and agriculture\, we invite funders\, frontline community and movement leaders\, and practitioners who are dedicated to advancing equity and sustainability in food and agriculture to propose a session through this RFP. \n\n\n\nPlease use this form to submit a session proposal by Sunday\, November 23\, at 11:59 PM PT. \n\n\n\nTo learn more about the RFP process\, including session formats\, themes\, timeline\, and more visit this page. \n\n\n\nSAFSF will be hosting an open house on Thursday\, October 23 at 12PM PT to answer questions about the RFP process. Please note we will not be able to provide feedback on individual session proposals at this time. This session will be recorded for those unable to attend live.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLEARN MORE \n\n\n\nSUBMIT A PROPOSAL\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the 2026 SAFSF Forum\n\n\n\nThe SAFSF Forum is a unique conference for the full spectrum of funders—including philanthropy\, investors\, community finance\, and intermediaries—to foster collaboration among peers\, field leaders\, and practitioners across the country around a shared mission for equitable and sustainable food and agriculture. The conference focuses on different approaches to moving impact capital to transform food systems. While funder learning is a central goal\, nonprofit movement leaders and food system partners are integral to the event’s success\, bringing on-the-ground wisdom and solutions. As we face a moment of profound transformation across non-profit\, philanthropy\, and food systems\, the SAFSF Forum is a gathering place for sense-making\, solutions\, and solidarity.  \n\n\n\nThe 2026 SAFSF Forum will take place in Savannah\, Georgia—a place where Afro-Indigenous stewardship\, Gullah Geechee traditions\, and Southern agrarian and culinary innovation intersect with today’s climate crisis\, land loss\, and rural economic disinvestment. The U.S. South is a fulcrum of American food and agriculture: a production powerhouse; a hub for farmworker and H-2A dynamics that shape national food supply; a climate frontline facing extreme heat\, hurricanes\, and flooding; and a logistics hub where Gulf and Atlantic ports—Savannah among them—move goods globally. Equity\, divestment\, and ownership struggles are also acutely felt here\, from Black land stewardship and heirs’ property challenges to corporate land capture in rural communities forcing displacement of local food systems. Because issues of land justice\, climate change\, rural economic development\, and systems of racism and exclusion converge so intensely in the South\, investing in community-led solutions in food and agriculture in the region can offer solutions to the country and the world. Throughout the Forum\, we will trace the throughline of Black and Indigenous Agrarianism\, uplifting lineages of liberatory organizing\, cooperative economics\, and rural self-determination that lay the foundation for a climate-resilient\, healthy\, and equitable food future beyond corporate control.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/deadline-2026-safsf-forum-request-for-proposals/
CATEGORIES:Deadlines,SAFSF Forum
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2026-forum-slide-copy.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251201T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251201T235959
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20250430T205216Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T205218Z
UID:10000689-1764547200-1764633599@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Deadline: Become an SAFSF Member
DESCRIPTION:For over 20 years\, SAFSF has been the leading national membership organization for philanthropy and impact investors committed to creating an equitable and sustainable food and agriculture system. Our network of nearly 120 member organizations includes foundations\, impact investors\, community development finance institutions (CDFIs)\, funding collaboratives\, and re-granting organizations. SAFSF membership offers networking\, learning\, professional development\, and strategic collaboration opportunities. We are committed to racial equity and social justice.  Join us for great impact if you are a values-aligned funder supporting sustainable agriculture and food systems. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMember Benefits\n\n\n\nOur network thrives on active member participation. Key benefits include: \n\n\n\n\nMember Portal and Listserv—Access to exclusive recordings\, member rosters\, and a forum to connect with other members.\n\n\n\nCustomized Data Insights—Request customized data reports to inform your funding strategy and identify funders with similar interests.\n\n\n\nCommunities of Practice—SAFSF members can join our Learning Communities. Currently\, we offer groups tailored to Small Funders\, Health Funders\, and Indigenous Food Systems\, led by member co-chairs and supported by SAFSF staff.\n\n\n\nAnnual Forum—Enjoy inspirational learning\, dynamic connections\, and community-building opportunities. Members receive discounted registration for their organization.\n\n\n\nPolicy Insights—SAFSF provides cutting-edge insights on policy change in food and agriculture. Stay informed with our monthly members-only email newsletter on key policy issues in sustainable agriculture and food systems.\n\n\n\nNetworking—Connect with new and experienced funders across various issue areas\, funding types\, and geographies.\n\n\n\nIssues Alignment—Collaborate with strategic partners to co-develop or co-fund impactful projects with SAFSF strategic convenings and working groups.\n\n\n\nProfessional Development—Access growth opportunities\, serve on committees\, or join our Board of Directors.   \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEligibility\n\n\n\nThe missions of our members should be in alignment with SAFSF’s own mission and values\, as well as the SAFSF Commitment to Racial Justice.  \n\n\n\nWe welcome those organizations and individuals who: \n\n\n\n\nOperate in alignment with SAFSF’s core values;\n\n\n\nUse grantmaking\, lending\, or investing as a core strategy to fulfill their mission and relate to SAFSF colleagues as peer funders\, not in a fundraising capacity;\n\n\n\nShare SAFSF’s goal of increasing viability of and funding for sustainable agriculture and food system organizations and enterprises;\n\n\n\nSupport relationship-building\, knowledge-sharing\, and collaboration within SAFSF’s framework;\n\n\n\nShare experiences\, perspectives\, and expertise with SAFSF colleagues;\n\n\n\nProvide financial support for SAFSF\, its programs\, and its initiatives; and\n\n\n\nShow an interest in enhancing the reputation of and expanding opportunities for SAFSF.\n\n\n\n\nParticipation in SAFSF events and committees is open to all individual donors\, executive and program staff\, and members of the Board of grantmaking or investment organizations. Development or fundraising staff are not permitted to participate in SAFSF events or to subscribe to our listserv. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApplication Process\n\n\n\nApplications are reviewed quarterly (January 15\, April 15\, July 30\, October 15\, and December 1) by our Membership Committee and Board of Directors. Eligible organizations use grantmaking\, lending\, or investing as core strategies. We invite organizations to join as collaborative peers\, not for fundraising purposes. \n\n\n\nTo explore SAFSF membership\, please contact membership@safsf.org. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMembership Dues\n\n\n\nMember organization annual dues are based on total grantmaking or investment that supports sustainable agriculture and food systems work.  \n\n\n\nAnnual SAFSF-related grants or investmentsFoundation/InvestorsOther Funders/Intermediaries<$100\,000$1\,200$1\,200$100\,000-$249\,999$1\,500$1\,500$250\,000-$499\,999$2\,500$2\,500$500\,000-$999\,999$5\,000$2\,500$1\,000\,000-$1\,999\,999$7\,500$3\,750$2\,000\,000-$4\,999\,999$10\,000$5\,000>$5\,000\,000$15\,000-$60\,000$7\,500
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/deadline-become-an-safsf-member-4/
CATEGORIES:Deadlines
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251201T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251201T123000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20251028T195250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T142349Z
UID:10000721-1764586800-1764592200@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Federal Headwinds\, Frontline Resilience: Understanding the Impacts & Opportunities for Action - Session 3
DESCRIPTION:This funder series is organized by The Funders Network\, Health and Environmental Funders Network\, Neighborhood Funders Group\, Chesapeake Bay Funders Network\, Climate and Energy Funders Group and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders in partnership with ClimateMAX\, a new national collaborative and intersectional table of NGOs advancing and defending climate and environmental justice policy solutions. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn just a few months\, the current administration has dealt a series of significant setbacks to climate and communities: Billions of dollars\, including $2.6 billion for climate and environmental justice programs\, have been slashed from the federal budget. Agencies meant to protect our water and air have been gutted. And the promise of historic investments in climate-resilient infrastructure has been largely stripped away. \n\n\n\nBut despite these fierce federal headwinds\, there are opportunities for action — and models of collaboration\, partnership and frontline resilience. \n\n\n\nJoin us for a three-part learning series for funders Federal Headwinds\, Frontline Resilience: Understanding the Impacts & Opportunities for Action. \n\n\n\nThese webinars will bring together funders\, nonprofit and community leaders to share analysis of recent actions under the current administration\, including impacts on frontline communities and leaders. They’ll also create space for funders to look past silos and consider best ways to leverage their resources\, networks and expertise to meet this moment with urgency and flexibility.The series is designed as a three-part learning arc but funders are welcome to attend individual sessions as their schedules allow. Attendees will automatically be confirmed for all three sessions when registering. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSession 3: Rising from the Ashes: Collaboration & Innovation Advance Strategies that Work \n\n\n\nWe will end the series with a discussion of the work and key strategies moving forward to build collaborative efforts that will drive solutions that advance energy affordability\, resilience in the face of growing climate disasters\, and health and safety. We will acknowledge the issues at stake in the context of mid-term elections and upcoming state legislative sessions. The final session also will spotlight ways that philanthropy is mobilizing to support work in communities. And it will highlight funder initiatives that model collaboration and partnership\, urging funders to lean in and get involved. \n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\nMaria Doerr\, Program Officer\, Rural Climate Partnership\n\n\n\nByron Gudiel\, Executive Director\, Center for Earth\, Energy and Democracy\n\n\n\nJacqueline Patterson\, Founder and Executive Director\, Chisholm Legacy Project\n\n\n\nAiko Schaefer\, Executive Director\, Just Solutions\n\n\n\nJennifer Somers\, Co-Executive Director\, Collectrify: A Frontline-Led Energy Fund\n\n\n\n\nStay tuned for additional speaker updates!
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/federal-headwinds-frontline-resilience-understanding-the-impacts-opportunities-for-action-session-3/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251202T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251202T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20251104T223455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T160104Z
UID:10000723-1764669600-1764673200@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:SNAP Strategy Funder Working Group: Training and Technical Assistance Opportunities
DESCRIPTION:Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders and Grantmakers In Health are forming a funder Working Group to coordinate a strategic response to the SNAP cuts in H.R. 1. The Working Group is an actionable response to insights shared by field leaders in a SNAP-focused webinar in October. \n\n\n\nRecognizing the far-reaching implications of SNAP for food security\, health\, and economic equity\, this Working Group will serve as an information hub and a strategic coordination space\, designed to help funders act quickly\, effectively\, and in alignment with one another. We will organize three meetings to start and then assess next steps. The first Working Group call highlighted advocacy opportunities.The second Working Group call will explore how funders can support training and technical assistance for state agencies navigating significant and sudden changes in how SNAP operates\, including assessing the factors influencing error rates and technology solutions to reduce them. Tim Shaw\, Director of the Benefits Transformation Initiative at the Aspen Institute’s Financial Security Program\, will also provide a status update on state action and responses to H.R. 1 requirements.The third Working Group Call will focus on opportunities to support strategic communications. \n\n\n\nThis Working Group is open to all funders currently responding to or actively considering a response to SNAP cuts. Funders do not need to be members of SAFSF or GIH – if you are wrestling with the impact of SNAP cuts for your communities\, this space is for you. Please register below. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntelligence Gathering with Experts\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTim Shaw\, Director\, Benefits Transformation Initiative and Senior Policy Advisor\, Financial Security Program\n\n\n\nAs the Director of the Benefits Transformation Initiative and Senior Policy Advisor for the Financial Security Program\, Tim works to advance promising policies that address the most pressing financial security challenges facing people in America. Working with leaders across levels of government\, Tim and Aspen FSP’s Benefits team seek to provide policy\, nonprofit\, and market leaders with the innovative ideas\, research\, and networks of leaders they need to design and enact policies that help people weather financial shocks and comfortably afford everyday life. \n\n\n\nBefore joining the Aspen Institute\, he was an Associate Director for Economic Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. While there\, he was the policy lead for BPC’s Paid Family Leave Task Force and led projects on economic opportunity\, retirement security\, and fiscal policy. Prior to that work\, he was a tax and budget staffer at the Government Accountability Office. His work has been featured in numerous publications\, including the Washington Post\, Politico\, and the Wall Street Journal. \n\n\n\nTim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/snap-strategy-funder-working-group-training-and-technical-assistance-opportunities/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/food-access.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251204T070000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251204T083000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20251107T180821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251115T031254Z
UID:10000724-1764831600-1764837000@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Reimagining Food in Prisons: Opportunities for Funders and Advocates
DESCRIPTION:This event is hosted by Community Food Funders and co-sponsored by Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders. \n\n\n\nFood insecurity is often seen as a challenge faced outside of institutional walls\, but for millions of incarcerated individuals\, access to nutritious\, diverse\, and quality food remains a critical issue. In prisons across the Northeast\, food serves not only as sustenance but as a reflection of human dignity\, health\, and opportunity for rehabilitation. Yet\, many facilities still struggle with outdated systems that fail to recognize the importance of nutrition\, cultural relevance\, and community voice. \n\n\n\nAt this upcoming webinar\, you will hear from leading organizations working to reshape the food landscape within carceral facilities. Experts will present insights and data to help frame the issue\, and then share innovative strategies\, policy reforms\, and community-led initiatives aimed at improving the quality and diversity of food served. \n\n\n\nAddressing food inequities in prisons is a powerful entry point to advancing racial justice and promoting holistic community health. By investing in food justice within correctional systems\, we can nurture a more humane and equitable approach that benefits individuals\, families\, and communities across the region. \n\n\n\nJoin us to deepen your understanding of this often hidden issue. Together we can help forge a future where food in prisons reflects not just nutritional standards\, but values of dignity\, diversity\, and justice. \n\n\n\nLearn\n\n\n\n\nExamine the intersection of food justice\, racial equity\, and human rights within the criminal justice system.\n\n\n\nExplore how current prison food systems reflect larger issues of racial and economic injustice\, and the role funders can play in fostering meaningful change.\n\n\n\nHear firsthand from organizations leading efforts to incorporate local\, sustainable ingredients\, promote food justice\, and empower marginalized communities affected by incarceration.\n\n\n\nUnderstand the barriers faced by groups working to improve food offerings in correctional facilities\, and how they are being addressed. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMichael Capers\, Sweet Freedom Farm\n\n\n\n\nGrowing up in a food desert\, Michael was only able to understand food as a tool for survival. Over time\, Michael started to see food for what it truly is\, a tool to heal and resist. Through his work as a farmer\, activist\, and community bridge builder at Sweet Freedom Farm\, he seeks to give marginalized people\, including prisoners\, agency in defining their own health through education\, opportunity\, and access. Michael became active in the food justice movement while he was serving his 14-year prison sentence. He doubled down on his efforts immediately after his release in February of 2022. Since his release\, Michael has worked towards creating a food justice network that can expand his overall impact. Michael has helped to pioneer the bring back care packages movement\, speaking about it in interviews and publishing an article about it. He has worked with the Sing Sing Family Collective; RAPP (Releasing Ageing People in Prison campaign); All Of Us; Vocal-NY; Kites Nest; Center for Community Alternatives\, and the Shared Plate Fun. As a bridge-builder\, Michael created a panel discussion series to highlight the struggles of formerly incarcerated people and has been hosting farm stands at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. He attends rallies and protests; advocates to senators and assembly members; while continuing to write and speak about the issues he cares about. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBritt Florio\, Program Manager\, Farm to Institution New England\n\n\n\n\nBrittany Florio (she / her) is the program manager at Farm to Institution New England. In this role\, Britt managing program development\, outreach\, and communications to catalyze change in the dynamic farm to institution movement. She has been working in the food system since 2010. Prior to her work at FINE\, Britt co-owned a regenerative herb and vegetable farm business in the Hudson Valley\, New York. After leaving the farm life\, she worked at UMass Amherst as the Sustainability Coordinator for UMass Dining and as an adjunct faculty member\, teaching Sustainability Science. Britt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s degree in Sustainability Science with a concentration in Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts\, Amherst. In her free time\, Britt loves fermenting foods\, kayaking\, foraging\, and making wild flower bouquets. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJalal Sabur\, Sweet Freedom Farm\n\n\n\n\nIn 2010\, Jalal began farming with Wassaic Community Farm – growing produce for farmers markets while running a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and gleaning project. While at Wassaic Community Farm Jalal co-founded the Freedom Food Alliance and the Victory Bus Project. The Freedom Food Alliance is a collective of small rural and urban farmers\, activists\, artists\, community folks and political prisoners who use food as an organizing tool. The Alliance founded the Victory Bus Project to connect urban and rural communities and to support families of prisoners by providing transportation (along with a box of farm-fresh food) for folks visiting prisoners in the Hudson Valley. In 2013\, Jalal started Sweet Freedom Farm in Germantown\, NY\, to continue the work of the Alliance. Sweet Freedom Farm is growing and distributing vegetables\, grains\, herbs\, and maple syrup\, prioritizing the folks affected by the incarceration system. Sweet Freedom is also a training site for young BIPOC farmers\, a gathering space for partnering projects in the alliance\, and building a Grow Food\, Not Prison movement. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJennifer Scaife\, Executive Director\, Correctional Association of New York\n\n\n\n\nJennifer joined CANY as Executive Director in 2018. She previously held positions at the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice\, the San Francisco Adult Probation Department\, and the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office. Jennifer started her career as Program Director at Prison University Project (now Mount Tamalpais College) running the day-to-day operations of a college program at San Quentin State Prison in California. Jennifer holds a BA from the College of William and Mary\, an MA from Hollins University\, and an MFA from Indiana University Bloomington. She has taught creative writing workshops in prisons\, jails\, juvenile detention facilities\, and community arts studios. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeslie Soble\, Senior Program Manager\, Food In Prison\, Impact Justice\n\n\n\n\nLeslie Soble (she/her) manages the Food in Prison Project and is the lead author of Impact Justice’s national report\, Eating Behind Bars: Ending the Hidden Punishment of Food in Prison. An ethnographer and folklorist\, she has spent over five years immersed in research on the carceral eating experience and its impacts on individuals\, communities\, and the environment. In her current role\, she oversees the organization’s initiatives at the intersection of food and incarceration.Beyond Impact Justice\, Leslie is the founder and artistic director of Story Soup\, a project that creates contexts for dialogue across cultural and generational borders through food and narrative. Her ongoing academic research focuses on food as a cultural text\, aesthetic domain\, and site of performance. Leslie also serves as a teaching artist with various DC-based arts programs and has over a decade of experience designing and facilitating cultural competency workshops to explore identity\, systems of oppression\, and intercultural/intergenerational communication. \n\n\n\nLeslie holds an MA in cultural sustainability from Goucher College\, with a focus on the intersection of foodways\, narrative theory\, and social practice art\, and received her BA in gender studies from Brown University\, where her course of study focused on grassroots movements for social change.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/reimagining-food-in-prisons-opportunities-for-funders-and-advocates/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251210T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251210T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20250724T163147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T174812Z
UID:10000702-1765364400-1765368000@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:December Health Funders Learning Community Call
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our last Health Funders Learning Community call of the year on December 10 at 11 AM PT / 2 PM ET. This call is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow SAFSF members funding at the intersection of health\, agriculture\, and food systems\, and engage in a meaningful discussion around specific challenges in funding health solutions.2025 marked the start of a crisis that will continue to play out over many years. We will see ripple effects of the Trump administration’s decisions to cut thousands of staff positions at federal agencies like HHS\, EPA\, and USDA\, slash billions in public health funding\, and sign into law unprecedented changes to programs like Medicaid and SNAP. During the last Health Funders Learning Community call of 2025\, we will reflect on this year’s key lessons that can carry us into 2026 with more clarity and strength.  \n\n\n\nThis is a SAFSF member-only call. If you are interested in exploring membership\, please contact our membership team. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo register for this learning community\, you must be logged in and a member of SAFSF. \nPlease log in or register for an account.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/december-health-funders-learning-community-call-2/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251216T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251216T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20250131T173106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T195902Z
UID:10000661-1765886400-1765890000@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Maximize Your Membership Q4
DESCRIPTION:Maximize Your Membership is an orientation webinar for SAFSF members\, new and veteran! If you are new staff at a new or long-time SAFSF member organization\, have not engaged in SAFSF programming or member benefits yet yourself\, want a refresher on all that is available to you as a SAFSF member organization\, or just want to connect\, join us! \n\n\n\nThis quarterly membership call features our newest SAFSF members  – help us welcome them into this community. Join Clare Fox\, Executive Director\, and Holly Hanes\, Senior Membership Associate\, for a deep dive into all things SAFSF\, including: \n\n\n\n\nCelebrating & sharing your membership internally and externally;\n\n\n\nMember Perks – including the annual Forum\, exclusive offerings\, and Learning Communities; \n\n\n\nHow to access your SAFSF benefits; \n\n\n\nSAFSF Professional and Leadership Development Pathways; \n\n\n\nTools and resources available to you; \n\n\n\nEvent Preview \n\n\n\n\nThis energizing conversation will excite you for the quarter ahead and expose you to one (or many!) benefits of membership that you were not utilizing to help in maximizing your SAFSF experience. Meet other members\, learn the SAFSF processes\, and get engaged! This event is a free\, SAFSF member only event. Interested in SAFSF membership? Email us. (membership@safsf.org)
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/maximize-your-membership-q4/
CATEGORIES:Member Only,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251218T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251218T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20250414T183111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251204T203206Z
UID:10000685-1766062800-1766066400@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Gather Round Monthly Membership Call: Reflecting on 2025
DESCRIPTION:The Gather Round Monthly Membership Calls\, held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 1 pm PST / 4 pm EST\, serve as a regular “drop in” space for SAFSF members. These calls are focused on connection and continuing dialogue on topics explored in virtual learning events and other programs hosted by SAFSF during the month.  \n\n\n\nWhat a year 2025 has been! As the year comes to a close\, how are you making sense of the losses and the gains? How has the year changed and challenged you and your work? Join us for the last Gather Round to reflect on how far we have come and what we hope the next year will bring.  \n\n\n\nSAFSF members are automatically enrolled in Gather Round meetings\, and will see the calendar invitations. If you do not\, email membership@safsf.org to receive access. 
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/gather-round-december/
CATEGORIES:Member Only,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260121T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260121T111500
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20260108T163946Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T174832Z
UID:10000730-1768989600-1768994100@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Breaking Through: Constitutional Solutions to the Environmental Crisis
DESCRIPTION:As climate\, health\, and fundamental rights face attack\, the question is not whether regulation matters\, but how we develop innovative and collaborative tools that deliver lasting protection for people and the planet. \n\n\n\nFor decades\, U.S. environmental protection has relied on a permit-based system to limit pollution.  This approach delivered important gains but wasn’t designed to address today’s cumulative climate harms\, intergenerational rights\, or systemic inequity. Over time\, this system has been corrupted by political and economic pressures favoring industry and short-term interests. The consequences?  Limited power for those most affected\, unequal burdens for poor communities and communities of color\, and few meaningful protections for children and future generations.  \n\n\n\nJoin two long-time leaders in constitutional environmental protection for storytelling\, strategic insights\, and dialogue about how these constitutional approaches deliver durable legal and societal change–and why this moment calls for expanding our collective approach. \n\n\n\nGreen Amendments For The Generations works through civic education and democratic processes to enshrine explicit environmental protections in state constitutions\, and then helps communities enforce them through advocacy and legal action. Our Children’s Trust uses litigation to advance social and legal recognition that these rights already exist–implicit in constitutional guarantees like life\, liberty\, and equality. Together\, these strategies reinforce one another\, creating stronger legal infrastructure that benefits environmental\, public health\, and justice efforts. \n\n\n\nThis work transforms our system at a critical moment by breathing life into the human right to a healthy environment and stable climate system. When their collective work succeeds\, we shift from corporation-profit-pollution frameworks to life-rights-health frameworks—fundamentally changing how agencies operate and becoming a resource for communities and advocates across environmental\, health\, and justice work. \n\n\n\nThis discussion is intended for folks in funding or funder-adjacent roles.  The formal discussion will last 60 minutes\, and speakers will be available an additional 15 minutes for questions. \n\n\n\nThis webinar is hosted by Health and Environmental Funders Network and co-sponsored by Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMaya K. van Rossum  \n\n\n\nMaya is the Founder of Green Amendments For the Generations and has also led the 4 state watershed-based advocacy organization\, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network\, for over 30 years. In her role there\, Maya was the lead and only environmental plaintiff in the landmark case that defeated pro fossil fuel fracking legislation\, breathed new life into Pennsylvania’s long ignored environmental rights amendment and became the foundation for the 2014 founding of the national Green Amendment movement and organization. Since then\, New York passed an amendment in 2021 and proposals are now advancing in over 20 additional states\, with half a dozen more on the way\, and there is increasing use of existing Green Amendments in Pennsylvania\, New York and Montana. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMat dos Santos \n\n\n\nMat dos Santos is the Co-Executive Director of Our Children’s Trust\, where they lead organizational strategy advancing constitutional protections for a healthy environment and stable climate. They bring nearly two decades of experience in constitutional\, civil rights\, and complex litigation across public-interest and private-sector settings. Previously\, Mat served as Legal Director of the ACLU of Oregon\, practiced complex litigation at Morrison & Foerster\, and managed global commercial litigation and risk for a multinational pharmaceutical company—experience that informs their systems-level approach to legal and institutional change.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/breaking-through-constitutional-solutions-to-the-environmental-crisis/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260122T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260122T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20260116T145501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T145503Z
UID:10000738-1769086800-1769090400@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Gather Round Monthly Membership Call
DESCRIPTION:The Gather Round Monthly Membership Calls\, held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 1 pm PST / 4 pm EST\, serve as a regular “drop in” space for SAFSF members. These calls are focused on connection and continuing dialogue on topics explored in virtual learning events and other programs hosted by SAFSF during the month. \n\n\n\nWelcome Back! As we begin a new year\, this Gather Round is an opportunity for members to reconnect\, reflect\, and ground in community.  \n\n\n\nThis session is lightly facilitated\, creating space to share what’s top of mind as we move into 2026.  Come as you are and share: what you’re carrying forward\, what you’re leaving behind\, and what questions or priorities are emerging in your work.  Join us and listen\, share\, and be in conversation with peers across the SAFSF network. \n\n\n\nSAFSF members are automatically enrolled in Gather Round meetings and will see the calendar invitations. If you do not\, email membership@safsf.org to receive access. 
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/gather-round-monthly-membership-call/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260129T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260129T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20251210T164237Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T193637Z
UID:10000725-1769680800-1769684400@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Movement-Aligned Funding Learning Community
DESCRIPTION:Systems change requires a deliberate shift in power. In a landscape where the industrial\, consolidated\, and corporate food system is well-funded\, deeply entrenched\, and politically coordinated\, community-led movements must be equally robust—supported with consistent resources\, strong social infrastructure\, and long-term investment. \n\n\n\nShifting power means centering and following the leadership of those most affected by injustice—Black\, Indigenous\, and People of Color; immigrants; workers; 2SLGBTQIA+ people; women; disabled\, low-income\, poor\, and other urban and rural marginalized communities. Movements for food justice and food sovereignty need sustained investment in the organizing\, coalition-building\, and leadership development that enable communities to build and wield power over time. \n\n\n\nThis requires resources that are distributed nationally\, regionally\, and locally to support base building\, advocacy\, and community-led interventions across local\, state\, Tribal\, and national scales. Social and structural change is only possible when communities have the time\, infrastructure\, and capacity to organize—not just react. \n\n\n\nFunders play a critical role in supporting this work. To be “movement-aligned\,” funders must adapt practices and priorities to the values and leadership of frontline communities. This includes trusting community governance\, supporting grassroots leadership\, sharing decision-making power\, and shifting traditional funder prerogatives—even when it is uncomfortable. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWho Is This For?\n\n\n\nThis quarterly\, peer-led Learning Community is open to all SAFSF members. It is a space for honest dialogue\, where funders can share practices\, mistakes\, uncertainties\, and lessons learned with a shared intention of improving accountability to the communities most impacted by food system injustice. \n\n\n\nWe will read short pieces together and periodically invite movement leaders to ground the conversation. However\, this is not a curriculum-based or exhaustive learning space\, and we recognize that funders must seek learning directly\, in non-extractive ways\, from grassroots organizations and frontline leaders beyond this setting. Rather\, this Learning Community is designed to help funders learn about the principles and mechanics of movement building and do the internal work to be an effective ally.  \n\n\n\nAll SAFSF members are welcome\, and we especially encourage funders who are newer to movement-building or movement-aligned grantmaking or investing to participate. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhy a Funder-Only Learning Community on Movement-Aligned Funding?\n\n\n\nThis space is intentionally designed for funders because: \n\n\n\n\nFunders need a place to build internal discipline and accountability without placing additional burdens on movement leaders to constantly educate them.\n\n\n\nFunders must examine their own power\, habits\, and practices—work that often requires internal organizing and strategy alignment.\n\n\n\nFunders need to be prepared before meaningfully engaging with movement partners\, so that conversations with frontline leaders are not extractive\, repetitive\, or centering funder needs.\n\n\n\nThis learning community complements—not replaces—direct engagement with movement organizations. The core purpose is to strengthen funders’ readiness to show up better in those relationships.\n\n\n\n\nOur intention is to help funders transform their practices to be accountable partners in multiracial\, frontline-led movements\, not to create a bubble where funders only talk to funders. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLearning Community Goals\n\n\n\n\nLearn about principles of long-term movement building for systems change from experienced practitioners and through the examination of successful examples in food systems context.\n\n\n\nBetter understand investment needs and funding practices that center the leadership of impacted communities\, support movement building\, and community-led food systems transformation.\n\n\n\nLearn and exchange best practices to increase frontline and grassroots organizations’ capacity (e.g.\, time\, financial resources\, communications infrastructure) so they can build leadership and power within the broader movement ecosystem.\n\n\n\nExplore the importance of organizing across the capital spectrum and across different issue areas (e.g.\, health\, food\, climate\, environment) in alignment with frontline communities of color and movement organizations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBackground and Details \n\n\n\n\nThe idea for this new Learning Community came from two SAFSF Members— Chicago Food Policy Action Council and Michigan State University’s Center for Regional Food Systems—and follows a networking session with both funders and practitioners at the SAFSF Forum in 2025. \n\n\n\n\n\nCalls will not be recorded to facilitate more transparent conversations. \n\n\n\n\n\nPre-meeting reading materials will be shared in advance. \n\n\n\n\n\nWe highly encourage you to attend all sessions in the series to stay connected with your colleagues and incorporate learnings into your work throughout the year\, but you are welcome to join at any point. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis is a SAFSF member-only series. If you are interested in exploring membership\, please contact our membership team.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/movement-aligned-funding-learning-community/
CATEGORIES:Learning Community,Member Only
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260206T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260206T104500
DTSTAMP:20260404T124224
CREATED:20260128T164446Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T150336Z
UID:10000739-1770372000-1770374700@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Responding to H.R. 1: Funder Opportunity to Help States Mitigate SNAP Coverage Losses
DESCRIPTION:Co-Hosts: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders and Grantmakers In Health.  \n\n\n\nH.R. 1’s unprecedented requirement that states pay for a share of SNAP benefits based on their payment error rates will impose a massive financial burden on state budgets\, forcing them to choose between cutting other programs and services\, reducing SNAP eligibility\, or even stopping participation in SNAP entirely.  \n\n\n\nTo mitigate this threat\, the Aspen Institute’s Financial Security Program and Social Finance have partnered to develop a proposal to help states effectively implement H.R. 1 and reduce some of the coverage losses and fiscal impacts. The concept\, based on a successful model that supported states during Medicaid Unwinding\, is to deploy small teams of digital services and process design experts directly to states or counties (depending on the type of SNAP administration).  \n\n\n\nThis proposal is an outgrowth of many conversations\, including those as part of the SAFSF-GIH SNAP Funder Working Group\, between advocates\, state and county offices\, funders\, and many more. It is one of many essential strategies to ensure that millions of Americans continue to have access to SNAP.  \n\n\n\nPlease join this briefing to learn more about this timely intervention.  \n\n\n\nThis call is open to all funders currently responding to or actively considering a response to SNAP cuts. Funders do not need to be members of any of the co-hosting funder networks – if you are wrestling with the impact of SNAP cuts for your communities\, this space is for you. Please register below.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/responding-to-h-r-1-funder-opportunity-to-help-states-mitigate-snap-coverage-losses/
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