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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250730T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250730T235959
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
CREATED:20250414T160608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T160610Z
UID:10000675-1753833600-1753919999@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-2/
CATEGORIES:Deadlines
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250731T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250731T235959
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
CREATED:20250616T183407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250724T204119Z
UID:10000696-1753920000-1754006399@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Deadline: Open Call for Board Nominations
DESCRIPTION:Interested in stewardship of Sustainable Agriculture and Food System Funders? An open call for nominations to SAFSF’s Board of Directors will run until July 31\, 2025. \n\n\n\nOpen board positions will be filled for three-year terms that begin on January 1\, 2026. Open Board seats for 2026 are for both SAFSF members and non-member funders. Nominations will be reviewed by the member-led Nominating Committee and Board of Directors\, with notification to selected candidates happening in late November 2025.  \n\n\n\nPlease consider nominating yourself or a colleague to bring your perspective\, expertise\, and energy to the work of SAFSF!  \n\n\n\nWe are looking for qualified candidates who display the following: \n\n\n\n\nParticipation in SAFSF: Demonstrated familiarity and commitment to advancing the mission of SAFSF through participation in events\, learning spaces\, committees or other pathways of participation.\n\n\n\nBoard or Governance Experience: Brings previous experience serving on a Board of Directors or strong familiarity with the governance role of a non-profit Board of Directors. .\n\n\n\nLeadership Experience: Demonstrates leadership in the funding field and food and agriculture systems change work.\n\n\n\nValues Alignment: Demonstrates alignment with SAFSF’s values and vision for social and racial equity in food and agriculture\, and building a big tent of funders to support food system transformation.\n\n\n\nEthics: Demonstrates good faith interest in Board roles and responsibilities\, including governance\, fundraising\, and championing the mission of SAFSF\, and is free of conflicts of interest.\n\n\n\nContribution to Board: Demonstrates interest and ability to volunteer time and resources to advance the impact and fiscal health of the organization. \n\n\n\nRepresentation: Contributes to diversity of perspectives on the Board\, representing a diversity of experiences across gender\, race/ethnicity\, age\, geography\, subject matter expertise and type of funding organization. \n\n\n\n\nTimeline for the nomination process: \n\n\n\n\nJuly 31 | Applications due\n\n\n\nAugust – October | Candidate interviews with the Nominating Committee\n\n\n\nNovember | Board of Directors vote and new Directors notified\n\n\n\nDecember | New Board Member Orientation \n\n\n\nJanuary | Term begins \n\n\n\n\nSelf-nomination or nominations of other qualified candidates are welcome. If you have questions about the form or process\, please contact Holly Hanes at holly@safsf.org. \n\n\n\n\nBoard Nomination Form
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/deadline-open-call-for-board-nominations/
CATEGORIES:Deadlines
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250806T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250806T133000
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
CREATED:20250707T205520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250820T161154Z
UID:10000697-1754481600-1754487000@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Rising Heat\, Rising Risks: Protecting Farmworkers in a Changing Climate
DESCRIPTION:Heat stress for outdoor workers lies at the intersection of climate change\, labor rights\, agriculture\, and public health. Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S.\, and farmworkers are especially vulnerable\, being 35 times more likely to die from heat-related exposure than other workers. As temperatures globally rise\, the number of unsafe working days for farmworkers due to heat is projected to double by the middle of the century. Without autonomy over their schedules or a federal OSHA standard regulating heat stress hazards in the workplace\, farmworkers are often forced to labor through extreme temperatures or smoke from wildfires.  \n\n\n\nIn this webinar\, a panel of farmworker organizers\, health experts\, and policy advocates\, will discuss the impacts of extreme heat on farmworkers and how we can advocate for a more just food system.  \n\n\n\nBy the end of this webinar\, attendees will: \n\n\n\n\nUnderstand how the climate crisis threatens farmworkers’ health and safety\n\n\n\nGain insight into the exploitative environments faced by farmworkers \n\n\n\nLearn about the farmworker-led movements for  improved protections and working conditions \n\n\n\nUnderstand the federal and state policy landscape\, including constraints and opportunities \n\n\n\nRecognize opportunities for action and advocacy\n\n\n\n\nThis webinar is open to all. We especially encourage you to attend if you are:  \n\n\n\n\nA climate funder interested in the intersections between the climate crisis and agriculture\n\n\n\nA policymaker focused on climate\, public health\, labor or food systems \n\n\n\nA member of the public wondering how you can support farmworkers facing exploitative work environments\n\n\n\n\nThis webinar will be held in English and Spanish with interpretation for those who need it. \n\n\n\n\nSummary of Notes & Resources\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDavin Cardenas\, Organizing Director\, North Bay Jobs with Justice\n\n\n\n\nAt North Bay Jobs with Justice\, Davin Cardenas is organizing farm workers in Sonoma County towards a Just Transition\, where workers challenge the most negative impacts within the wine industry\, while training themselves in traditional ecological knowledge to protect the mother earth\, and to have better jobs. Davin has lived in Sonoma County since 1999\, graduating from Sonoma State University with a BA in Liberal Studies\, and has been a community organizer for over 20 years\, organizing immigrant and faith based communities for social\, ecological\, and economic justice. He has been trained in popular education\, as well as Alinsky-ian organizing methodologies\, and believes that solutions abound when we listen to the land\, and listen to the workers. He also likes to run trails\, read\, and is a Golden State Warriors fan\, naming his cat Curry\, born the same year Steph Curry broke the NBA single season 3 point record for the first time (2013). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnastasia Christman\, Senior Policy Analyst\, National Employment Law Project\n\n\n\n\nAnastasia Christman joined National Employment Law Project (NELP) in June of 2011 as a policy analyst and has worked on issues of responsible outsourcing policies\, green jobs\, quality apprenticeship programs\, and efforts to support workers in the financial services industry.Before coming to NELP\, she helped to organize several thousand security officers in a city-wide campaign in Seattle and supported organizing and bargaining for tens of thousands of unionized janitors throughout the Western United States. She was the elected Vice President of SEIU Local 6\, in Seattle\, representing building service workers. Between 2000 and 2002 she conducted industry research for AFTRA\, especially focused on Spanish dubbing artists for daytime soap operas\, and for the Writer’s Guild looking at animation practices for shows like Spongebob Squarepants.Anastasia also spent several years investigating the private equity industry and leveraged buyouts and their effects on the front-line employees of purchased companies. The highlight of her pre-NELP career was wearing a wig and a purple spandex jumpsuit as part of an Abba-inspired band criticizing the political power of the private equity industry. Before that\, she taught women’s history\, the history of Los Angeles\, and urban history at UCLA\, Occidental College\, and Pepperdine University. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJuanita Constible\, Senior Advocate\, Climate Adaptation\, Natural Resources Defense Council\n\n\n\n\nJuanita Constible is a senior advocate in NRDC’s Environmental Health program with more than 17 years of professional experience in communicating about the impacts of climate change.  She works with partners across the United States to advance solutions to the health and safety threats of extreme heat\, including workplace heat standards and forward-looking heat planning by federal and state agencies. Prior to joining NRDC\, Juanita oversaw the science and solutions department at the Climate Reality Project\, and later served as an adviser to the Climate Action Campaign. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from the University of Victoria in Canada. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nElizabeth Mizelle\, Assistant Professor\, Baccalaureate Education\, College of Nursing\, East Carolina University\n\n\n\n\nElizabeth (Liz) Mizelle\, PhD\, RN is a nurse educator and researcher who has led multiple community-based and field research projects focused on the health effects of climate change and occupational exposures in rural populations. Currently funded by the CDC/NIOSH\, her research evaluates a workplace intervention aimed at preventing dehydration and heat-related illness among farmworkers in North Carolina. Dr. Mizelle brings fourteen years of nursing experience in both rural and tertiary care hospitals\, along with a decade of service as nursing faculty. She is an AgriSafe Nurse Scholar\, a graduate of Yale’s Climate Change and Health Certificate Program\, and is currently completing the Total Worker Health® Certificate Program at UNC-Chapel Hill. She is an institute member of the North Carolina Agromedicine Institute and serves as co-chair of the Policy and Advocacy Workgroup for the Carolina Advocates for Climate\, Health\, and Equity. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYesica Ramirez\, General Coordinator\, Farmworker Association of Florida\n\n\n\n\nYesica Ramirez Garcia\, the General Coordinator of Farmworker Association of Florida (FWAF) and the first woman to hold this role in its 40+ year history\, brings a unique combination of firsthand experience as a farmworker and 12 years of service as a local organizer to her position. Her journey from farmworker to leader is a testament to her resilience and dedication.Born in Michoacan\, Mexico\, Yesica worked as a farmworker on land her family did not own before migrating to Apopka\, Florida\, where she worked in plant nurseries\, exposed to harmful chemicals without proper protection. After developing health issues and a complicated pregnancy due to pesticide exposure\, she left the nursery and discovered her passion for advocacy through participation in training and demonstrations at the Farmworker Association of Florida.Yesica’s commitment to health and safety protections for farmworkers has driven her work\, from volunteering to leading roles in the organization. As Apopka Area Organizer and now General Coordinator\, Yesica has organized workers and challenged the inhumane laws that have passed through local\, state\, and federal governments\, fighting for social justice and for immigrant and workers’ rights. She has done everything from large food distribution events and vaccination days during COVID\, hurricane disaster relief and response work in Central Florida\, organizing demonstrations against unjust evictions\, participating in community-based participatory research projects\, creating Facebook Live events to inform the community\, organizing Know Your Rights community meetings\, participating on the Board of Directors of the Florida Immigrant Coalition and the Food Chain Workers Alliance\, supporting victims of domestic violence\, and much\, much more. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeticia Zavala\, Co-Coordinator\, El Futuro Es Nuestro\n\n\n\n\nLeticia Zavala was born in Zacapu\, Michoacan in 1979. At the age of six\, her family migrated to the United States and immediately started following the migrant stream from Florida to Ohio\, Michigan and Pennsylvania. In her teenage years\, she became a member of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee\, FLOC\, as her family was working on a union farm. With the support of a migrant education foundation\, she obtained a scholarship that helped her pay her way to college\, and she graduated with a bachelor’s degree with a major in Sociology from Florida Southern College. After college\, she got a call to return to the fields as an organizer and she joined the ranks of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) once again. Since then\, she has worked with immigrant communities in Mexico and North Carolina pushing to improve working and living conditions of agricultural workers. She is a member of Colectivo Binacional de Mujeres Migrantes\, and part of the immigrant advisory council for the city of Zacapu\, Michoacan. In 2017\, Leticia was elected to serve on the executive board of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee\, and she led FLOC’s organizing efforts in North Carolina for many years. In 2022\, she joined an effort of FLOC members to take back the union for rank-and-file workers\, and Leticia ran in the first contested election of the Farm labor Organizing Committee. Days after the election\, Leticia was fired. Thirty farm workers joined together to found El Futuro es Nuestro / It’s Our Future\, A farmworker led nonprofit that is leading the way to improve working and living conditions for farmworkers in North Carolina. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis webinar is hosted by Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders and sponsored by Center for Disaster Philanthropy\, Funders for Regenerative Agriculture\, Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees\, Grantmakers In Health\, Health and Environmental Funders Network\, Integrated Rural Strategies Group\, Neighborhood Funders Group\, and Philanthropy CA.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/rising-heat-rising-risks-protecting-farmworkers-in-a-changing-climate/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250821T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250821T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
CREATED:20250414T182549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250819T194256Z
UID:10000681-1755781200-1755784800@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Gather Round: Movement Aligned Funding in the Wake of Federal Cuts
DESCRIPTION:The Gather Round Monthly Membership Calls\, held on the third 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\nThe August 2025 Gather Round session will explore what it means to be movement-aligned funders in a time of rising authoritarianism\, shrinking federal support\, and shifting philanthropic priorities. This member-only space will highlight the role of different types of funders – including intermediaries\, CDFIs\, investors\, and foundations – in sustaining and scaling community-rooted solutions in quickly changing conditions. \n\n\n\nThis month’s session invites members to reflect on ways we can shift funding praxis to model solidarity\, accountability\, and partnership with the communities most impacted by the evisceration of federal funding opportunities. What does it mean to be “movement aligned” as a funder? What is the role of philanthropy in movements for change? What are food and agriculture movement groups calling for now? Come share what you are hearing and reflecting on with your peers. This is a space to connect\, listen\, and learn from one another—all SAFSF members are welcome! \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.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJessy Beckett Parr\, CCOF Foundation\nA member of the Executive Team at CCOF\, Jessy Beckett Parr excels at bringing teams together to create positive change. At CCOF her team works to fund and advocate for a world where organic is the norm. The CCOF Foundation has re-granted over 10 Million dollars to farmers\, students\, and organizations. Jessy holds a Master of Science degree in Community Development from the University of California\, Davis\, a certificate in ecological horticulture from the University of California\, Santa Cruz\, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Sarah Lawrence College. Prior to joining CCOF in 2013\, she spent five years producing a global documentary on agriculture\, Symphony of the Soil. \n\n\n\nOutside of the office\, she enjoys sharing time and food with her family and community on their peri-urban homestead. \n\n\n\n\nEmily Parker\, Butterfly Equity Foundation\nEmily Parker is the Executive Director of the Butterfly Equity Foundation. Ms. Parker is responsible for the overall administration of the Foundation\, including identifying and vetting potential grantee partners\, proposal evaluation\, fundraising\, and impact strategy and analysis. \n\n\n\nShe has over 10 years of non-profit experience\, with a focus on fundraising\, budget planning\, grantmaking\, and operations. Prior to joining the Foundation\, Ms. Parker was the Director of Development for Food Forward\, helping to scale its Southern California hunger relief and food recovery efforts through growing annual funds raised by over 400% during her tenure. Previously Ms. Parker worked in grants management and operations at Fundamental Inc.\, a Los Angeles-based philanthropic advising firm. \n\n\n\nMs. Parker serves as the Vice President of the board of directors of Safe Place for Youth and was formerly on the board of The Road Theatre. Emily is a Co-Founder of the LA Food Funders\, member of the LA County Food Equity Roundtable\, and serves on the Sustainable Ag and Food System Funders membership committee. Ms. Parker graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. \n\n\n\n\nIan Simoy\, The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation\nIan Simoy is the proud grandson of Filipino immigrants whose legacy as farmers and educators continues to shape his commitment to the care of land and people. As Program Officer at The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation\, Ian stewards the Foundation’s health portfolio of grants in Hawai‘i focused on improving health care\, strengthening local food systems\, and supporting community leadership. Ian began his career as a high school history teacher and coach in Hawaiʻi before moving into nonprofit leadership\, where he led teacher recruitment and development at a large charter school network. At KIPP Foundation\, he worked to expand college and career pathways for youth across the country\, including developing programs and pilots that supported young people to serve as teachers and leaders in their home communities. Ian earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Vanderbilt and a master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard\, and lives in Mānoa Valley on the island of O ‘ahu with his Australian cattle dog\, Largo. \n\n\n\n\nOlivia Watkins\, Black Farmer Fund\nOlivia Watkins (she/her) serves as Co-Founder and President at Black Farmer Fund. Oliviais a social entrepreneur and impact investor. For the past seven years\, she has financed\,developed\, and operated environmental and social projects across the US. She also servesas a board member for Soul Fire Farm Institute. \n\n\n\nPrior to founding Black Farmer Fund in 2017\, Olivia worked in several production roles atSoul Fire Farm Institute and Kahumana Organic Farms\, leveraging her environmentalbiology background to manage and grow environmentally regenerative and sociallyimpactful business operations. \n\n\n\nOlivia has an MBA from North Carolina State University in Financial Management\, and a BAfrom Barnard College\, Columbia University in Environmental Biology. She was alsorecognized on the 2021 Forbes 30 under 30 Social Impact list and The Grist 50.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/gather-round-august/
CATEGORIES:Member Only,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250827T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250827T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
CREATED:20250724T161148Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T161051Z
UID:10000700-1756296000-1756299600@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:August Health Funders Learning Community Call
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our next Health Funders Learning Community call on Wednesday\, August 27\, at 12:00 – 1:00 pm PT. 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. \n\n\n\nDuring the call\, we will explore:  \n\n\n\n\nThe issues you and your organization are most deeply engaged with right now\n\n\n\nHow your organization is advancing food justice and food equity while navigating today’s political climate\n\n\n\nHow your organization is responding to SNAP cuts in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and identifying opportunities for collaborative\, responsive funding\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/august-health-funders-learning-community-call/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250828T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250828T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
CREATED:20250131T172818Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250312T170350Z
UID:10000660-1756378800-1756382400@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Maximize Your Membership Q3
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) \n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo register for this program\, you must be logged in and a member of SAFSF. \nPlease log in or register for an account.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/maximize-your-membership-q3/
CATEGORIES:Member Only,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250903T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250903T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
CREATED:20250724T210031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T164450Z
UID:10000703-1756893600-1756899000@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:From Charity to Justice: Advocating for Food as a Human Right
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is hosted by Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders and sponsored by Global Alliance for the Future of Food. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur food system should exist to nourish people\, promote health and well-being\, and sustain the planet. Yet today\, it prioritizes producing fuel and livestock feed\, contributes to chronic health disparities—especially in communities of color—drives climate change\, and entrenches food insecurity. This system fails to deliver on its most essential purpose: ensuring equitable access to healthy\, sustainable food for all through dignified means. Approximately 47 million people experienced food insecurity in 2023. It’s time for a radical shift that stops framing the industrial food system as a model for charity and food as a commodity\, and declares food as a human right.  \n\n\n\nRealizing the right to food will require coordinated reform across many sectors\, including food systems\, agriculture\, public health\, labor\, and the environment. This webinar will feature members and partners of the National Right to Food Community of Practice\, a coalition of more than 200 advocates and food systems leaders organizing with communities and creating building blocks for a broad-based social movement. Speakers will discuss their ongoing work challenging dominant narratives\, organizing across regionally diverse coalitions\, leveraging policy and advocacy for structural change\, and engaging with global allies. \n\n\n\nThis webinar is open to all funders. Registrants will receive notes and key takeaways following the call. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResources:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSummary Notes & Key Takeaways\n\n\n\nA Holistic Approach to Right to Food in the U.S.\n\n\n\nThe Right to Food in the United States\n\n\n\nWhat do we mean by the right to food?\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlison Cohen\, Co-Founder\, National Right to Food CoP\n\n\n\n\nAlison has worked as an organizer and advocate alongside grassroots-led organizations and social movements in rural and urban communities for nearly 30 years in the struggle to build people- and ecologically-centered food and farming systems in the United States and throughout the world. Alison believes that grassroots-led social movements are the most effective means for dismantling inequitable systems and erecting new socially just ones. She is a co-founder of the National Right to Food CoP. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNoel Didla\, Co-Chair\, Mississippi Food Policy Council\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nNoel Didla is an immigrant from Guntur\, South India\, making Jackson\, Mississippi home. Noel currently serves as the co-chair of the MS Food Policy Council and co-leads strategy\, resource generation\, design\, community engagement and research for the MS Food Systems Fellowship. As someone hailing from the Global South living in the Deep South\, Noel is committed to human rights\, racial equity\, economic equity and environmental justice centered transformative change as informed by the truths and legacies of peoples and places. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLuke Elzinga\, Policy and Advocacy Manager\, Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nLuke Elzinga is the policy and advocacy manager at the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network\, which last year assisted over 75\,000 people facing food insecurity in Greater Des Moines. Luke is the current board chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition and a co-chair of the Iowa Food System Coalition’s Local Food Policy Network priority team. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and Master of Public Policy from the University of Northern Iowa. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAmy Jo Hutchison\, Co-Founder\, Voices of Hunger West Virginia\, and West Virginia Campaign Director\, MomsRising\n\n\n\n\nAmy Jo is an organizer for economic justice who campaigns against poverty and hunger in West Virginia where she is a lifelong resident. Her lived experience is centered around poverty and raising her two children alone. In February 2020\, Amy Jo spoke to the United States House Committee on Oversight and Reform regarding the poverty level. Her testimony went viral and spurred her to found a grassroots movement called Rattle the Windows\, where poor and marginalized folks are the experts and the leaders who come together to work toward economic justice and equity in their local communities\, in West VA and throughout the nation. She is a co-founder and member of Voices of Hunger WV and serves as the WV Campaign Director for MomsRising. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnna Lappé\, Executive Director\, Global Alliance for the Future of Food\n\n\n\n\nNamed one of TIME’s “eco” Who’s-Who\, Anna is the founder or co-founder of three national organizations\, including Real Food Media\, a communications strategy non-profit\, and the Small Planet Fund\, which supports democratic social movements worldwide. In 2016\, she launched the Food Sovereignty Fund of the Panta Rhea Foundation. In this role\, Anna worked closely with philanthropic partners around the world\, including the Global Alliance of the Future of Food\, the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders\, and the Agroecology Fund. She is an active board member of the Rainforest Action Network and serves on the Steering Committees of the Food and Farm Communications Fund and the Castanea Fellowship. A recipient of the James Beard Leadership Award\, Anna is the co-author or author of three books on food\, farming\, and sustainability and the contributing author to\, or featured in\, nineteen more. Anna’s work has been translated internationally and featured in The Washington Post\, The New York Times\, Gourmet\, and Oprah Magazine\, among many other outlets. A frequent public speaker\, her popular TEDx talks and Food MythBuster videos have been viewed nearly 2 million times. \n\n\n\nAnna is based in the San Francisco Bay Area where she lives with her husband and daughters. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJane Schmitz\, Director\, From Now On Fund\n\n\n\n\nJane\, Director of the From Now On Fund\, taught public health at Occidental College from 2011-2019. She is active locally within her own community and nationally to promote nutrition security for children and families. Jane serves on the Board of Center for Science in the Public Interest. She has a doctoral degree in public health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMoses Viveros\, Executive Director of Food Access Organizations\, YMCA of Seattle\n\n\n\n\nMoses Viveros (they/them/theirs) is a community advocate that has connections to different Food Access work and movements in their hometown of Chicago\, Minneapolis\, and now Seattle where they currently live. Moses has worn many hats which include supporting these works and movements as a researcher\, board member\, staff member\, and as an organizer. In their current role as Executive Director of Food Access at the YMCA of Greater Seattle\, Moses oversees a suite of Food Access programs that support the needs of communities across the entirety of King County. Previously\, Moses worked with the City of Minneapolis to support the development of an equitable and sustainable food system in the Twin Cities region. Moses also currently supports different community-led projects which include organizing with Beet Street Zine and supporting food redistribution efforts through the Chicagoland Food Sovereignty Coalition (CFSC).
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/from-charity-to-justice-advocating-for-food-as-a-human-right/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250909T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250909T123000
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
CREATED:20250723T221733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T190410Z
UID:10000699-1757415600-1757421000@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Funding Communications and Journalism for Movement Building in Food Systems
DESCRIPTION:The stories we tell—and who tells them—shape public perception\, policy\, and action in our food systems. While corporations spend billions to control narratives\, progressive voices advocating for sustainability\, equity\, and health are often underfunded and overshadowed. The result: misinformation\, polarization\, and an urgent need for systemic narrative change.This session\, first presented at the 2025 SAFSF Forum\, will explore the critical yet often overlooked role of communications and journalism play in food systems\, including: \n\n\n\n\nHow storytelling and independent journalism shape public opinion\, policy\, and movements.\n\n\n\nThe impact of corporate influence\, media consolidation\, and public distrust in traditional media.\n\n\n\nStrategies for funders to support authentic\, impactful storytelling that drives change.\n\n\n\n\nFeaturing insights from journalists\, funders\, and movement leaders\, this discussion will examine challenges facing progressive communicators and explore funding strategies to strengthen independent journalism\, amplify grassroots voices\, and build coalitions for narrative change.This webinar is open to all funders. Registrants will receive notes and key takeaways following the call. \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\nAna Bradley\, Executive Director\, Sentient Media (Moderator)\n\n\n\nAna Bradley is the Executive Director of Sentient\, the only non-profit\, nonpartisan news outlet solely focused on reporting on the effects of industrial agriculture on the environment\, public health\, animals\, rural communities and climate change. She has led Sentient since January 2020.Prior to Sentient\, she led an agency in London\, where she worked with global clients and corporations for over a decade to help build dedicated digital communities. She championed women in tech and community building in creative industries. Ana is an experienced leader\, digital content strategist and producer with over ten years of experience designing\, producing\, and distributing large-scale digital media campaigns. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdam Hymans\, Managing Director\, Resource Media\n\n\n\nAdam is an award-winning communications leader at Resource Media\, bringing two decades of experience shaping culture\, shifting policy and strengthening organizations for lasting impact.Resource Media—a national 501(c)(3) creative change agency—delivers strategic communications\, creative campaigns and capacity building designed to both drive change and build durable narrative power within fellow nonprofits\, foundations\, governments and movement networks.Adam heads the food systems practice at RM and leads national and community-based initiatives at the intersection of climate\, healthcare and civic engagement. His approach is grounded in ancestral wisdom\, cutting-edge research\, and the collective imagination of clients and community partners. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNeshani Jani\, Director of Communications\, HEAL Food Alliance\n\n\n\nNeshani is the Communications Director at HEAL Food Alliance\, leading media and communications strategy to amplify HEAL’s vision. She develops framing\, narrative\, messaging\, and branding that elevate HEAL’s members and their impact. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit communications and strategic development—both locally and globally—she blends storytelling and strategy to grow power and shift narratives. Based in Oakland\, CA\, on Ohlone land\, Neshani lives\, works\, and builds community with purpose. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEsperanza Pallana\, Executive Director\, Wildseeds Fund\n\n\n\nEsperanza Pallana is an executive leader with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management\, specializing in philanthropy\, communications\, and policy advocacy. As Executive Director of Wildseeds Fund\, she provides strategic leadership to expand grantmaking capacity\, strengthen community-led decision-making\, and advance movement-led philanthropy. \n\n\n\nEsperanza has pioneered innovative community investment strategies such as community-controlled capital processes\, liberatory frameworks for impact investing\, reparative fee programs\, and collaborative fundraising. In a previous role\, Esperanza leveraged over $79.6 million to direct measurable impact in equitable food systems. She has served on nonprofit and government boards\, where she successfully navigated startup growth\, scale-up phases\, legacy transitions\, and strategic overhauls. Esperanza has also consulted on equity initiatives\, organizational development\, and civic engagement for foundations\, policy organizations\, and cultural institutions. She is a creative and dedicated driver of movement-led investments and strategic partnerships to advance community self-determination\, economic empowerment\, and leadership development. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJosh Wise\, Managing Director and Publisher\, Public News Service\n\n\n\nJosh Wise is the Managing Director and Publisher at Public News Service. Josh got his start working for social impact when his mom gave him baseball card money for helping with a fundraising mailing when he was 6. He still has an affinity for putting labels on envelopes. Since then Josh has held leadership positions in the nonprofit and social impact sectors for over a decade. Josh has a BA from Macalester College and Masters in Public and Nonprofit Administration from Metropolitan State University\, and a Special Engineer’s license from the state of Minnesota which means he can operate low-pressure commercial boilers. It’s a long story. He lives in St. Paul\, MN with his family of 5 and several animals.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/funding-communications-and-journalism-for-movement-building-in-food-systems/
CATEGORIES:SAFSF Forum,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250911T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250911T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
CREATED:20250828T191351Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T190041Z
UID:10000707-1757588400-1757592000@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:September Small Funders Learning Community Call
DESCRIPTION:This is a space for SAFSF members who identify as small funders to explore collective insights and discuss how our unique strengths can drive meaningful change. During this call\, we will hear from Amy Mattias\, Executive Director of Future Roots (SAFSF Member based in Idaho and formerly Sun Valley Institute for Resilience)\, who will share some lessons and celebrations of starting and implementing a revolving loan fund. The addition of a revolving loan fund can be a creative model for small funders to extend the impact of their grantmaking through different forms of capital tools. \n\n\n\nDiscussion topics will include:  \n\n\n\n\nHow to start a revolving loan fund\n\n\n\nChallenges encountered along the way and what to look out for\n\n\n\nHow it’s going now\, highlights and positive impacts\n\n\n\n\nWhether you have been part of this Learning Community for a while or are new to the conversation\, your perspective is valuable and very welcome. We’re looking forward to seeing you and discussing how this community can support small funders at this moment.  \n\n\n\nThis is a SAFSF member-only group. If you identify as a small funder within the SAFSF membership and are interested in joining\, please register below.
URL:https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/event/september-small-funders-learning-community-call/
CATEGORIES:Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250925T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250925T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
CREATED:20250414T182818Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250911T162000Z
UID:10000682-1758805200-1758808800@www.agandfoodfunders.org
SUMMARY:Gather Round | Feeding the Climate Transition: Where SAFSF Members Are Leading
DESCRIPTION:Can’t make it to New York City for Climate Week? Join our September Gather Round to explore how climate change connects with food and agriculture systems beyond carbon emissions.   As climate change accelerates\, these systems face unprecedented pressure\, disrupting ecosystems\, food security\, and public health. It’s critical to anticipate and address these hurdles to build a future where people and the planet can thrive together. \n\n\n\nThe Gather Round Monthly Membership Calls\, held 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\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-september/
CATEGORIES:Member Only,Webinars
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251007T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251007T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
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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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251007T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251007T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
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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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251008T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251008T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
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:20260403T204732
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:20260403T204732
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:20260403T204732
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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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251023T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251023T124500
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
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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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251024T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251024T235959
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
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:20260403T204732
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:20260403T204732
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:20260403T204732
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:20260403T204732
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:20260403T204732
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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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251113T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251113T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
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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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251114T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251114T100000
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
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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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251117T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251117T123000
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
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
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251119T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251119T133000
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
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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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251120T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251120T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
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
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251123T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251123T235959
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
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
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251201T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251201T235959
DTSTAMP:20260403T204732
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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