Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders

Overview

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders (SAFSF) is a network of approximately 100 individual investors, regranting organizations, community foundations, and foundations supporting sustainable food and agriculture systems. The organization operates throughout the United States and internationally, focusing on various aspects of the food and farming system, including climate change and resilience, community health, equity and justice, and rural development. SAFSF aims to amplify the impact of philanthropic and investment communities in support of just and sustainable food and agriculture systems. SAFSF provides a platform for funders to strengthen connections within the sustainable agriculture and food systems community, foster collaboration with peers, and build capacity to be more effective in their philanthropy and advocacy for change. The organization convenes, educates, and organizes funders around issues critical to rebuilding community food security and agricultural resilience, seeking to amplify the voice of farm and food systems philanthropy in public policy. Through its strategic direction, SAFSF focuses on catalyzing food systems change, building a culture for change, fueling policy advocacy and movement building, expanding capital innovation, and guiding trends in tools and infrastructure. The organization is committed to social, racial, and environmental justice and equity in food, farming, and funding, acknowledging the historical harm and disenfranchisement of communities and working to dismantle systemic racism in the agriculture and food system. SAFSF's mission is to mobilize diverse capital partners toward a resilient, just, and democratic food and agriculture system. The organization envisions a future where food and agriculture are resilient, just, and democratic, advocating for resilience rooted in climate stewardship, agroecology, and Indigenous knowledge; justice that prioritizes equity and eliminates disparities; and democracy that is shaped by community empowerment and inclusive participation. SAFSF offers educational experiences and communities of practice that help funders grow their impact, building skills and capacity to empower members as leaders and changemakers. The organization unites members toward a shared vision for change, driving collaboration among funders and community partners to grow investment opportunities for a more just and sustainable food system. SAFSF's commitment to social justice and racial equity is reflected in its comprehensive Social Justice and Racial Equity Framework, which guides its events, services, programs, and organizational development. The organization continues to evolve this framework with accountability to the most impacted communities in food and agriculture, ensuring that its work is responsive and effective in addressing systemic issues. Through its strategic initiatives and commitment to equity, SAFSF plays a pivotal role in transforming the food and agriculture system, fostering a more sustainable, just, and democratic future for all stakeholders involved.

Investment Focus

• Alignment with SAFSF's mission and values
• Focus on sustainable food and agriculture systems
• Commitment to social, racial, and environmental justice
• Engagement in policy advocacy and movement building
• Interest in capital innovation and systems change
• Willingness to collaborate with diverse stakeholders
• Focus on community empowerment and inclusive participation
• Commitment to rebuilding community food security and agricultural resilience
• Interest in amplifying the voice of farm and food systems philanthropy in public policy
• Alignment with SAFSF's strategic priorities and theory of change