You’re building a stronger food system and advancing environmental justice, but funding can be a challenge. The Clif Family Foundation offers grants that could help your grassroots nonprofit make a real impact. If you’re focused on regenerative farming, food access, or climate resilience, you’ll want to know what’s possible—and what it takes to get there.
Key Takeaways
- Clif Family Foundation offers grants from $5,000 to $50,000 for one-year projects or operating costs.
- Applications are due twice yearly on March 1 and August 1, with decisions announced about four months later.
- Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored organizations, primarily focused in the U.S.
- Priority is given to grassroots organizations with budgets under $3 million working in regenerative agriculture, climate justice, and food access.
- The foundation does not fund capital projects, individuals, government agencies, religious organizations, or media projects.
Clif Family Foundation Overview
The Clif Family Foundation, founded in 2006, actively supports grassroots nonprofits transforming food systems, promoting community health, and advancing environmental stewardship.
With a foundation impact of $23.4 million given to 361 innovative nonprofits in 2024 alone, it demonstrates strong grant success.
The foundation focuses on regenerative and organic farming, workers’ health and safety, climate justice, and access to healthy food.
Grants usually range from $5,000 to $50,000 for one-year terms, targeting small to midsize organizations with budgets under $3 million.
Application deadlines are March 1 and August 1 annually, with awards announced about four months later.
Strategic Funding Priorities
- Advancing regenerative and organic farming practices that protect both people and the planet.
- Advocating for food production workers’ health and safety, promoting just workforce conditions.
- Supporting community-centered climate justice and equitable access to healthy food and safe outdoor spaces.
This strategic focus guarantees your impact strengthens environmental and social well-being comprehensively.
Regenerative and Organic Farming Practices Supported
Regenerative and organic farming practices aren’t just buzzwords for the Clif Family Foundation—they’re the backbone of its commitment to environmental justice and resilient food systems.
You’ll see the foundation actively supporting sustainable agriculture that boosts soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation. Their grants empower small-to-midsize organizations to champion agroecological approaches, driving climate adaptation and equitable food production.
Enhancing Food Production Workers’ Health and Safety
While building resilient food systems, you can’t overlook the people who make them possible—food production workers deserve safe, healthy, and just conditions.
The Clif Family Foundation drives worker empowerment and health advocacy by funding nonprofits that improve workplace safety and living standards in agriculture. Their work addresses systemic inequities and promotes well-being through collaboration with aligned organizations.
You can support initiatives focused on:
- Advocating for just living and working conditions that protect workers’ health
- Empowering workers with tools and practices to improve safety
- Partnering to raise standards for worker and community health
This approach reflects their vision for a healthy, equitable food system since 2006.
Promoting Climate Justice and Community Resilience
You’re driving climate justice by supporting community-centered solutions that empower marginalized groups to build resilience against climate change impacts.
Your focus on fostering resilient food systems and promoting equitable climate action guarantees that these communities can adapt and thrive.
Community-Centered Climate Solutions
In regard to building climate resilience, the Clif Family Foundation puts communities at the heart of the solution, backing initiatives that empower those most affected by climate change to lead the way.
You’ll see their support focus on community engagement and climate education, ensuring local ownership and equity.
Their funding advances:
- Grassroots movements enhancing community well-being through climate justice.
- Sustainable food systems that strengthen public health and environmental resilience.
- Worker safety improvements linking social equity with environmental goals.
This strategy promotes resilience by addressing your community’s specific needs and priorities.
Empowering Marginalized Communities
| Focus Area | Foundation Commitment |
|---|---|
| Community Empowerment | Strengthen local climate initiatives |
| Equitable Solutions | Promote fairness in climate action |
| Economic Justice | Support jobs and ownership in affected areas |
| Grassroots Investment | Fund organizations with strong community ties |
| Climate Justice Vision | Build a just, ecologically thriving world |
Building Resilient Food Systems
Because climate change disproportionately affects marginalized communities, the Clif Family Foundation focuses on building resilient food systems that center community power and climate justice.
You can utilize their grants, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, to boost sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty through:
- Promoting regenerative farming methods that restore soils and increase climate resilience.
- Increasing access to healthy, affordable, and culturally relevant food to advance food justice.
- Supporting farmworker justice initiatives that improve health, safety, and working conditions.
Their emphasis on grassroots engagement empowers you to create local, climate-resilient food systems that transform communities.
Expanding Healthy, Affordable, and Culturally Appropriate Food Access
While many foundations provide funding for food access, the Clif Family Foundation stands out by prioritizing grants that expand access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate food specifically for historically marginalized communities.
You’ll find their grants, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, support grassroots organizations transforming food systems with an emphasis on equitable distribution and sustainability.
They focus on empowering local groups to deliver culturally appropriate, affordable options, fostering food justice through organic and regenerative farming practices.
Their strategic approach guarantees that disadvantaged populations receive not only nutritious food but solutions rooted in community needs and values.
Increasing Inclusive Access to Safe Outdoor Spaces
You can’t improve community health without expanding access to safe outdoor spaces that welcome everyone.
By enhancing outdoor safety and fostering inclusive environments, you enable people of all backgrounds to engage in physical activity that boosts mental well-being.
This approach builds stronger, healthier communities where everyone feels they belong.
Expanding Outdoor Safety
- Partnering with organizations that address barriers limiting access to safe spaces.
- Funding projects enhancing maintenance and security of outdoor areas.
- Creating inclusive environments that foster mental health, physical fitness, and community connection through equitable outdoor opportunities.
Enhancing Community Access
Expanding outdoor safety naturally leads to focusing on enhancing community access by increasing inclusive, equitable entry to safe outdoor spaces.
You’ll find the Clif Family Foundation prioritizes community engagement and outdoor design to break down barriers limiting access, especially for historically marginalized groups.
By supporting grassroots efforts, the foundation encourages you to co-create outdoor spaces that meet diverse needs, fostering physical activity and mental well-being.
This community-centered approach guarantees you have safe, welcoming environments that promote healthier lifestyles, making outdoor spaces truly accessible and beneficial to all.
Equity in environmental access drives these initiatives forward.
Promoting Mental Health
Because access to safe outdoor spaces significantly improves mental health, the Clif Family Foundation actively supports initiatives that increase inclusive and equitable access, especially for historically marginalized communities.
By funding outdoor therapy and community wellness projects, the foundation promotes mental well-being through nature engagement.
You can benefit from their support in three key ways:
- Engage in outdoor therapy programs that reduce stress and anxiety by connecting with nature.
- Participate in community wellness activities designed to foster resilience and empowerment.
- Help grassroots groups expand safe outdoor access for all backgrounds, improving equity in mental health resources.
Grant Programs Overview: Open Call and By Invitation Only
When applying for funding, you’ll find the Clif Family Foundation offers two distinct grant programs to meet diverse community needs: Open Call Grants and By Invitation Only (BIO) Grants.
Open Call Grants support general operating costs or specific projects for 501(c)3 organizations, with biannual deadlines on March 1 and August 1.
BIO Grants target nonprofits aligned with the foundation’s strategic priorities, emphasizing grassroots impact.
Use smart grant application strategies and conduct a thorough funding impact assessment.
Both programs prioritize organizations with budgets under $3 million, ensuring your work can propel real change.
Eligibility Criteria and Funding Preferences
To qualify for funding from the Clif Family Foundation, you must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have a fiscal sponsor that is; the foundation prioritizes organizations with annual operating budgets under $3 million that demonstrate strong grassroots connections and community engagement.
The foundation emphasizes funding transparency and application accessibility to guarantee equitable opportunity. Key eligibility and funding preferences include:
- Your organization must focus on U.S.-based issues aligned with strategic priorities like regenerative farming and food access.
- The foundation avoids funding capital construction, deficit funding, endowments, individuals, government agencies, or media projects.
- Local/state chapters of national organizations may be eligible, but national entities face restrictions to favor grassroots efforts.
Application Process and Submission Platform
You must submit your application through the Clif Family Foundation Submission Manager, where you’ll find detailed submission guidelines to match their strategic vision.
Aim for the biannual March 1 or August 1 deadlines, and expect a decision roughly four months later, typically by June 15 or November 15.
Submission Guidelines
Although the Clif Family Foundation accepts grant applications only twice a year, its Submission Manager platform makes the process straightforward and well-structured for applicants.
Use these submission tips and the application checklist to guarantee your proposal stands out.
- Review the detailed guidelines on the Submission Manager for funding priorities and eligibility.
- Prepare your 501(c)3 status or fiscal sponsorship documentation in advance.
- Clearly outline your project goals and how funds will be used, aligning with the foundation’s strategic priorities.
Review Deadlines
Grant applications for the Clif Family Foundation open twice a year, with firm deadlines on March 1 and August 1. You’ll submit your proposal via the Submission Manager platform, ensuring your organization is 501(c)(3) registered or fiscally sponsored. Grant announcements follow about four months after each deadline, aligning with the foundation’s two main funding cycles. These clear application timelines help you plan strategically and align your projects to their community-centered priorities.
| Deadline | Submission Platform | Announcement Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| March 1 | Clif Family Foundation Submission Manager | Around July 1 |
| August 1 | Clif Family Foundation Submission Manager | Around December 1 |
Stay focused on timely, aligned applications to maximize funding chances.
Grant Review Timeline and Notification Schedule
When you submit your application by the March 1 or August 1 deadline, the Clif Family Foundation reviews all proposals twice a year and notifies applicants of their decisions by June 15 or November 15, respectively—about four months after each deadline.
The grant application process is streamlined, and the review committee responsibilities include evaluating alignment with priorities, community impact, and organizational strength.
- You’ll know your status within four months.
- Decisions are clear and timely.
- The process is fair and transparent.
Typical Grant Amounts and Duration
You can expect typical grants from the Clif Family Foundation to range between $5,000 and $50,000, usually awarded for a one-year duration.
These grants cover either general operating expenses or specific projects that align with the foundation’s strategic focus.
This funding cycle guarantees you plan within a clear, annual timeframe for impact and accountability.
Grant Amount Ranges
- Grants support both general operating costs and targeted projects within eligible nonprofits.
- Preference is given to organizations with operating budgets under $3 million.
- Applications are reviewed biannually, so plan submissions strategically around March 1 and August 1 deadlines.
These points are key to securing effective and timely grant funding.
Typical Grant Duration
Although typical grant amounts from the Clif Family Foundation range from $5,000 to $50,000, all grants are awarded for a one-year duration. This fixed timeline encourages you to develop robust grant renewal strategies and funding sustainability approaches, ensuring your project’s impact extends beyond the initial funding period. Planning ahead helps maintain momentum and strengthens your case for future support.
| Grant Amount | Duration | Strategic Opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000 – $50,000 | One year | Build renewal strategies |
| Project or Operating Support | One year | Prioritize sustainability |
| Focus on budgets under $3M | One year | Utilize community ties |
| Biannual deadlines | One year | Craft timely proposals |
One-Year Funding Cycle
The Clif Family Foundation awards grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, each lasting one year.
This one-year funding cycle requires you to engage actively in both the grant renewal process and funding impact assessment to demonstrate your project’s alignment and effectiveness.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Submit your application by March 1 or August 1 for biannual review, with decisions announced about four months later.
- Funding supports either general operating costs or specific projects aligned with the foundation’s strategic priorities.
- To qualify, your organization must be a registered 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored by one, emphasizing grassroots impact and strong community ties.
Restrictions and Ineligible Activities
Because the Clif Family Foundation focuses on supporting grassroots nonprofits aligned with its strategic priorities, it restricts funding for certain activities and applicants.
You’ll find grant limitations exclude capital construction, deficit funding, and endowments. Funding exclusions also apply to individuals and government agencies, which aren’t eligible to apply.
Media projects like films, books, and radio, along with distribution costs, aren’t supported. Religious organizations and event sponsorships are also ineligible.
For national groups, the foundation may limit funding to either the national body or local chapters, prioritizing grassroots initiatives close to its offices.
Contact Information and Resources for Applicants
To connect with the Clif Family Foundation, you can email them directly at [email protected] or send correspondence to their physical address at 1334 B Vidovich Ave, St. Helena, CA 94574.
Clear email communication helps you get timely answers about grant guidelines, deadlines, and application processes.
The foundation’s online Submission Manager is your go-to platform for accessing detailed application resources, guidelines, and step-by-step submission instructions.
You’ll find everything from eligibility criteria to a list of current grantees on their website—empowering you to submit a strong, informed application aligned with their funding priorities.
Key Steps to Maximize Your Application
- Use email communication for quick questions or clarifications about the grant process.
- Visit the Submission Manager to access all application resources and submit your materials online.
- Review the foundation’s website for comprehensive details on funding priorities, past recipients, and eligibility before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Organizations Outside the U.S. or Its Territories Apply?
You cannot apply if your organization operates outside the U.S. or its territories because the Clif Family Foundation requires applicants to be registered 501(c)(3) organizations primarily working within the United States, limiting international eligibility despite their global outreach goals.
Are Collaborations Between Multiple Nonprofits Encouraged or Required?
You’re encouraged to submit collaborative projects featuring nonprofit partnerships, though such collaborations aren’t strictly required. Collaborative efforts can strengthen your application by demonstrating community ties and multi-faceted approaches to Clif Family Foundation’s priorities.
What Reporting or Accountability Is Required After Receiving a Grant?
After receiving a Clif Family Foundation grant, you must submit grant reporting, typically including progress and financial updates, to demonstrate meeting objectives and accountability measures—showcasing impact, use of funds, and alignment with their values and priorities.
Can Funds Be Used for Staff Salaries or Only Project Expenses?
You can use Clif Family Foundation grant funds for staff salaries as part of your project funding or general operating costs, as long as the expense supports your mission; salary allocation is permitted for both project and operational budgets.
Is There an Opportunity for Grant Renewal or Multi-Year Funding?
Yes, you can pursue grant extension options and multi year eligibility. The Clif Family Foundation supports strategic, sustained impact—apply for renewal if your mission matches their priorities and you demonstrate strong community ties.
Conclusion
Through your grant, you plant a single acorn—modest, alive with promise. As each grant takes root in communities, hundreds become a vast, sheltering forest: those once excluded now bending branches toward sunlight, soil healing beneath new hands. Regenerative change flourishes where margins meet opportunity. The Clif Family Foundation’s support, like steady rain, goes beyond dollars to nurture brave growth, proving that even the smallest seed can grow forests of hope, justice, and nourishment for generations.