What type of organization is SAFSF?
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders (SAFSF) is the largest national network for philanthropic grantmakers and mission-based investors supporting just and sustainable food and agriculture systems. Our 100+ member organizations include foundations, impact investors, community development finance institutions (CDFIs), funding collaboratives, and re-granting organizations.
Does SAFSF help other organizations fundraise? Can you connect me with funders?
No, we do not offer fundraising services or facilitate matchmaking between funders and organizations seeking funding. However, our programs do foster relationships between funders and fund seekers. Our primary role is to educate funders and to amplify solutions that drive systemic change in food and agriculture systems. To learn more about our work, we invite you to review our strategic direction.
What is the deadline for submitting an idea?
The deadline to submit a proposal for the 2026 Forum is Sunday, November 23, 2025, at midnight PST.
Who can submit a proposal?
We welcome submissions from funders, frontline community leaders, movement leaders, government representatives, field-based practitioners, and other stakeholders. We expect to select a blend of funder-led and non-funder led sessions that will be featured at the Forum.
Can proposals be submitted by non-funders with no funders involved?
Yes, we welcome proposals from non-funder organizations, including frontline community leaders, movement leaders, and field-based practitioners, even if no funders are involved. Our goal is to feature a diverse set of perspectives and experiences. While funder involvement is not required, we encourage non-funders to collaborate with a funder who can sponsor your travel costs and honoraria for speakers.
Will SAFSF cover registration and travel costs for presenters?
SAFSF will provide complimentary Forum registration for up to 3 non-funder speakers or session organizers per accepted session. Unfortunately, we are unable to cover travel costs for presenters. We encourage presenters to seek additional funding sources or partnerships to support travel expenses if needed. Any funder who successfully submit a session, regardless of membership status, will be charged the discounted member rate for registration.
Are there scholarships available for non-funder speakers?
Scholarships for non-funder speakers to cover the cost of travel may be available depending on Forum 2026 sponsorship, but we cannot guarantee it.
What types of sessions are you looking for and how many?
We are looking for:
- Panels or Workshops (15 sessions, 75 minutes each) – Limited to 6 speakers, including a moderator
- Field Days (Up to 5 Half Day and Up to 3 Full Day) – Half day visits are limited to 6 speakers, including a moderator, Full Day visits are limited to 7 speakers including a moderator
- Learning Dinners (7 sessions, 90 minutes each) – Limited to 6 speakers, including a moderator
- Lightning Talks (15 minutes each) – Limited to 1 speaker
How do I submit
Complete the RFP submission form. You will receive an email notification confirming that your application was submitted.
Do I need to submit a joint proposal with other organizations?
It is not required that you submit a proposal with other organizations, but we highly encourage collaboration. The SAFSF Forum is intended to bring together diverse perspectives that advance systems change in food and agriculture. Most selected sessions will demonstrate ecosystem collaboration and partnership across multiple organizations and/or sectors.
Do I need to have confirmed speakers for my session proposal?
Yes, you must include the name of your speakers at the time of submission. If a speaker later becomes unavailable to attend the Forum, you may find an alternate, keeping in mind a balance for diverse representation.
What support is available for developing my submission?
SAFSF will host an RFP Open House on October 23, 2025 at 12PM PT. Please note we will not be able to provide feedback on individual session proposals during this session. The Open House will be recorded and posted to our website for those unable to attend live. After selections are made, SAFSF will provide optional meeting times to support you with further content development.
Can I submit more than one idea?
Yes, you are welcome to submit multiple ideas for different session types or topics.
Can I pitch my idea for a business or use my session to fundraise for my organization?
We encourage relationship building and networking, and know that many connections formed at the conference will lead to partnerships, including funding partnerships. We invite all Forum attendees to share what they are working on without soliciting funds to support a pressure-free experience for all attendees.
What is the role of the Host Committee in the selection process?
The Host Committee is composed of local leaders, community members, and funders. Host Committee members collaborate with SAFSF staff to review proposals and provide input to ensure that selected sessions reflect the needs and perspectives of the region and communities. SAFSF staff will make final decisions about all Forum sessions.
How will proposals be evaluated?
Proposals will be evaluated based on the Selection Criteria for Proposals: alignment with Forum key themes; origniality and creativity; emphasis on systems change; diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility; skill and capacity building.
What if my proposal is not accepted?
Due to the limited number of slots available, we are unable to accept every proposal. While we won’t be able to respond to each submission individually, please know that we are carefully reviewing every submission to inform our outreach and program partnerships for the SAFSF Annual Forum and beyond. Furthermore, we use the RFP process as a way to learn about issues, organizations and leaders, and to inform our programming year-round. As such, we may reach out to you about collaborating in a different way.