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The Clif Family Foundation, founded in 2006 by Clif Bar & Company creators Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford, offers an open call for grant proposals of up to $50,000 for nonprofits that work to transform food systems, revitalize the environment, and enhance community health. Applications submitted through the open call for proposals are reviewed twice a year, with deadlines March 1 and August 1. Typical grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 and last for one year.

What are the Foundation’s mission and priority areas for this grant?

Transform Our Food System

• Grow organic and regenerative farming and other climate-friendly agriculture
• Create viable opportunities for the next generation of farmers
• Democratize access to fresh and nutrient-dense foods
• Remove barriers to a thriving racially diverse agriculture
• Safeguard agricultural seeds and biodiversity

Enhance Community Health 

• Curtail exposure to toxic materials
• Expand pedestrian and bicycling opportunities
• Improve workers’ standard of living, wages, and working conditions
• Increase access to nature, art, and outdoor activities 
• Expand community-centered solutions to build climate resiliency

Revitalize the Environment

• Accelerate action on climate change
• Break the resource waste cycle
• Conserve water supplies for fair, long-term access
• Foster widespread environmental justice
• Preserve watersheds, open spaces, and wild places

Who is eligible to apply?

Open call grants support general operating cost or specific projects, and applicants must be registered as (or fiscally sponsored by) a 501(c)3 organization. 

Priority is given to applicants that:

• Advance the Foundation’s strategic priorities and align with its values
• Focus their work primarily in the United States and its unincorporated territories 
• Demonstrate strong community ties 
• Have operating budgets under $3 million 
• Operate at the grassroots level to implement change at the local, state or national stage 

What projects are not eligible?

Areas not funded by the Clif Family Foundation’s open call include:

• Capital construction (construction, demolition, renovation, or renewal of a public building) 
• Deficit funding
• Endowments
• Faith-based or religious organizations
• Fundraising events (e.g., fun run, challenges, annual gala) 
• Individuals
• Local and state public sector or government agencies
• Media projects (such as films, books, radio)
• Medical Centers
• Product donations
• Sponsorships

What are the funding details?

The Foundation reviews applications twice a year; the deadlines are March 1 and August 1. Grant announcements occur approximately four months after the deadline. Typical grants range from $5,000 - $50,000 and last for one year.

What is the application process?

Open call applicants must apply electronically through Submittable. For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.