Clif Family Foundation – Open Call Grants (2026)
Funding for Climate, Food Systems, Environmental Health, and Outdoor Access Initiatives
Organization: Clif Family Foundation
Support Type: Charitable grants (general operating support)
Geographic Focus: United States and U.S. territories
About the Funder
The Clif Family Foundation was established by the founders of Clif Bar to support organizations working toward a healthier planet and healthier communities. The foundation invests in grassroots organizations that advance sustainable food systems, climate resilience, environmental health, and equitable access to outdoor spaces.
Through its Open Call grants program, the foundation provides flexible funding to nonprofit organizations implementing innovative solutions that address environmental and social challenges at the community level.
What This Program Supports
Clif Family Foundation supports programs that advance systemic change across six priority areas.
Regenerative and Organic Farming
Initiatives that accelerate the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices, including organic farming, climate-resilient agriculture, agroecology, and equitable food production systems.
Food Production Workers’ Health & Safety
Programs that improve working and living conditions for farmworkers and food production workers, including efforts that promote worker protections, safety, and fair labor practices.
Climate Justice
Community-centered climate solutions that build resilience and empower historically marginalized communities most impacted by climate change.
Healthy Food Access
Programs that improve access to healthy, sustainably produced food that is affordable, culturally appropriate, and accessible to underserved communities.
Inclusive Outdoor Access
Initiatives that expand equitable access to safe outdoor spaces that support physical activity, mental health, and community well-being.
Indoors & Outdoors Safe from Pollution
Projects focused on reducing environmental toxins and promoting preventative health approaches that address pollution in air, water, soil, and built environments.
Eligible Support Types
The Open Call program primarily provides general operating support for nonprofit organizations whose work aligns with the foundation’s priority areas.
Grants support:
- Community-based environmental initiatives
- Food system and agriculture programs
- Worker advocacy and labor justice initiatives
- Climate resilience projects
- Outdoor access and environmental health programs
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or have a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status
- Primarily operate within the United States or U.S. territories
- Demonstrate strong community engagement and grassroots leadership
Priority is given to organizations that:
- Advance the foundation’s strategic priorities
- Have annual operating budgets under $8 million
- Operate at the grassroots level to drive local, state, or national change
- Demonstrate strong ties to the communities they serve
Ineligible Requests
The Clif Family Foundation does not fund:
- After-school academic programs
- Capital construction projects
- Chapters of national organizations
- Deficit funding or endowments
- Faith-based organizations
- Food banks (unless focused on systemic food system change)
- Fundraising events or sponsorships
- Individuals
- Government agencies
- Media projects such as films, books, or radio programs
- Medical or health centers
- Emergency disaster response
- School PTAs or booster organizations
- Summer camps
Funding Amounts
Typical grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 and generally support one year of funding.
Timeline & Review
📅 Application Deadlines:
• March 1, 2026
• August 1, 2026
📩 Grant Announcements: Approximately four months after each deadline
The foundation reviews Open Call proposals twice per year.
Application Process
Applicants must submit their proposals through the Clif Family Foundation’s online application portal.
Organizations should ensure their application clearly:
- Aligns with one of the foundation’s six priority areas
- Demonstrates grassroots community engagement
- Shows measurable impact and community benefit
- Highlights systemic or long-term change in environmental or food systems
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://cliffamilyfoundation.org/grants-program
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is especially well suited for nonprofits that:
- Work at the intersection of food systems, climate, and environmental health
- Focus on grassroots community-driven solutions
- Operate with annual budgets under $8 million
- Promote equitable access to healthy food, clean environments, and outdoor spaces
The Clif Family Foundation Open Call grants provide flexible funding for organizations working to build a healthier planet and more equitable communities.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Semi-annual competitive grant cycle
Typical Lead Time: Apply several months before funding is needed
Best Suited For: Grassroots nonprofits focused on food systems, climate justice, environmental health, and outdoor access.
