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 don’t offer fundraising services or facilitate matchmaking between funders and organizations seeking funding, however our programs do foster relationships between funders and fund seekers. While it’s a common misconception, our primary role as an ecosystem support organization 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 explore our website.
What is the deadline for submitting an idea?
For Forum ideas, the submission deadline is Sunday January 12, 2025, at midnight PST. The RFI form will remain open throughout the year for program ideas outside the Forum.
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.
What types of sessions are you looking for and how many?
We are looking for ideas for Panel Discussions and Workshops, Learning Dinners, Structured Networking, Case Studies, and Field-Based Learning Experiences that align with our key themes of Resilience, Justice, and Democracy. The total number of sessions will depend on the overall mix of ideas received.
How do I submit a proposal?
Complete the submission form online. You will receive an email notification that your application was submitted.
Do I need to submit a joint proposal with other organizations?
While not required, we highly encourage funder led sessions that demonstrate ecosystem collaboration and partnership across multiple organizations and/or sectors. If you know that you would like to feature specific organizations, please include that information, even if the details are not yet finalized.
Do I need to have confirmed speakers for my session proposal?
While confirmed speakers are not required at this stage, it is helpful to know if you have specific speakers in mind.
What support is available for developing my submission?
We will be hosting RFI Open House sessions on December 12, 2024, and January 7, 2025, to answer questions and provide guidance.
Can I submit more than one idea?
Yes, you are welcome to submit multiple ideas for different session types or topics.
What is the role of the Host Committee in the selection process?
The Host Committee, composed of local leaders, community members, and funders, will review proposals and provide input to ensure that selected sessions reflect the needs and perspectives of the Albuquerque and Santa Ana Pueblo communities. SAFSF staff will make final decisions about all programs at the Annual Forum.
How will proposals be evaluated?
Proposals will be evaluated based on the Selection Criteria for Concepts: relevance and strategy originality and creativity;, diversity, equity, inclusivity and accessibility; and impact.
What if my proposal is not accepted?
Due to the limited number of slots available, we unfortunately will not be able to accept every proposal. While we won’t be able to respond to each idea individually, please know that we are carefully reviewing every submission to inform our outreach and program partnerships for 2025 and beyond.