SAFSF is the largest and longest-running national membership organization for diverse capital partners committed to creating a just, democratic, and equitable food and agriculture system. Our community of 120+ member organizations include foundations, impact investors, community development finance institutions (CDFIs), funding collaboratives, regranting organizations, intermediaries, DAF holders, and government funders.
SAFSF membership offers networking, learning, professional development, and strategic collaboration opportunities. Join us to make greater impact!
Member Benefits
Key benefits of SAFSF membership include:
- Member Portal and Listserv—Access to exclusive recordings, member directory, and a forum to connect with and share information with other members.
- Customized Data Insights—Request customized reports to inform your funding strategy & identify potential collaborators.
- SAFSF Forum—Members receive discounted registration and the opportunity to support a Field Partner.
- Policy Insights—SAFSF provides cutting-edge insights on policy change in food and agriculture.
- Networking—Connect with new and experienced funders across various issue areas, funding types, and geographies.
- Issues Alignment—Collaborate to co-develop or co-fund projects with SAFSF convenings and working groups.
- Professional Development—Access leadership opportunities, serve on committees, or join our Board of Directors.
Eligibility
The missions of our members should be in alignment with SAFSF’s own mission and values, as well as the SAFSF Commitment to Racial Justice.
We welcome those organizations and individuals who:
- Operate in alignment with SAFSF’s core values;
- Use 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;
- Share SAFSF’s goal of increasing viability of and funding for sustainable agriculture and food system organizations and enterprises;
- Support relationship-building, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration within SAFSF’s framework;
- Share experiences, perspectives, and expertise with SAFSF colleagues;
- Provide financial support for SAFSF, its programs, and its initiatives; and
- Show an interest in enhancing the reputation of and expanding opportunities for SAFSF.
Participation 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.
Interpretation of these criteria is at the discretion of the SAFSF Board of Directors. The Board of Directors also reserves the right to review a member’s fulfillment of these criteria at any time. Members may not use their participation in SAFSF for promotional purposes or for private gain. SAFSF reserves the right to deny membership or remove a member if an applicant’s or member’s actions reflect poorly on the field and might harm SAFSF’s reputation, staff, members, or member organizations. While not an exhaustive list, lawsuits, federal or state investigations, consumer boycotts, or other significant actions against an applicant, member, or affiliated organization would raise such concern.
Application Process
Applications are reviewed quarterly by our Membership Committee and Board of Directors. Eligible organizations use grantmaking, lending, or investing as core strategies to fulfill their mission.
We invite organizations to join as collaborative peers, not for fundraising purposes. Our next membership deadline is October 15th.
Ready to join? Schedule a call by emailing our Membership Team at [email protected].
Membership Dues
SAFSF is undergoing a dues restructure to ensure an equitable approach for all diverse capital partners that find a home within the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders community.
Annual membership dues vary based on funding organization type — inquire with [email protected] for more information.