Foundations Catalyzing Regenerative Ag + Food Systems: July 2021

While not strictly focused on 'regenerative agriculture,' AJWS focuses on land and water rights, and environmental justice. They help those who are most affected by climate change, mining, pollution, and government corruption. AJWS studies social movements and has developed a tool for funders. They focus on rassroots organization working on advocacy in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

It may feel intimidating to approach such a huge foundation, but remember, without partners on the ground, they wouldn't be able to achieve their mission. If you're working on land or water conservation, the Packard Foundation has developed quite a few novel financing tools. If you are located in the Western US, you may be able to connect more easily via their grantee, the Resources Legacy Fund.

If you're focused on regenerative agriculture in California, non-toxic communities or systems change in the agriculture sector, it may be worthwhile to look at the comprehensive list of their grantees, and decide if it's a good fit for you. The foundation funds Kitchen Table Advisors, a great technical and business assistance partner to regenerative farmers and ranchers in California.

The Native American Agriculture Fund provides grants for business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services to support Native farmers and ranchers. Organizations for Native farmers, ranchers, fishers, harvesters, and community producers. may apply. For example, grantee Alaska Village Initiative provides services to socially disadvantaged Alaska Native farmers, ranchers, and ag producers.

The Gaia Fund supports organizations like CalCAN and California Foodshed Funders. Though there's a definite California focus to their grantmaking, they have also given grants to national nonprofits such as the Bionutrient Food Association ($150,000), the National Young Farmer's Coalition ($60,000), and the Rodale Institute ($50,000). You will not need to educate them on regenerative agriculture — only why your project delivers systems-level impact.

Though the check sizes are smaller, the Ira and Robert Gordon Foundation has made strategic and timely gifts to further soil science as it relates to climate and sustainable agriculture. By betting on new solutions and nascent research, their small grants have led to federal funding, partnerships, and collaborations that would not have been possible otherwise. See my interview with Roberta Gordon here.

Though I had not heard of the Woka Foundation before embarking on this research, I was pleasantly surprised to see their list of grantees. They fund Mad Ag, a pioneer in regenerative ag, the International Biochar Initiative, as well as GreenWave, a promising ocean farming solution. They are open to considering projects that are high impact but lacking funder attention. They like a local element as well as a track record of success.

RAF was created with initial funding from the 11th Hour Project of the Schmidt Family Foundation. Other funding partners include the Cedar Tree Foundation, TomKat Ranch Educational Foundation, Globetrotter Fund, and Armonia LLC. They fund systems-level changemakers such as Fibershed. The Regenerative Agriculture Foundation has an invitation-only process for grantmaking. But they do allow you to submit your idea via a form on their website.

The Lawson Valentine Foundation supports advocacy, organizing policies, and leadership development. It funds food systems such as local sustainable agriculture, food sovereignty, or workers’ rights in environmental justice. For example, the Carrot Project supports agricultural businesses, securing their futures by breaking down financial barriers. If you have a Northeast US focus, you may have a better chance of getting funded.