Call For Ideas - Critical Conversations 

SAFSF members are invited to propose and host ‘Critical Conversations’ around the country in 2027. We want to hear from our members: what are the critical conversations we need to have now and where are we to gather? SAFSF will help shape your ideas into a series of high-quality, field building convenings in 2027.

This is an opportunity for funders to collaborate with peers to organize and build the field, while leveraging SAFSF’s expertise, legacy, and network of 125+ member organizations. Together, we will co-produce unique and transformative gatherings that move the field forward.
In Person Gatherings are designed to:
In Person Gatherings — SAFSF

  1. Increase funder interest in specific levers of food system change.
  2. Increase strategic alignment among funders.
  3. Increase connectivity and community among SAFSF members.
Here’s how it works: 
In Person Gatherings — SAFSF

SAFSF will be responsible for:

  • Managing event registration and attendee communication
  • Event project and timeline management
  • Speaker research and prep*
  • Strategic field insights and content development*
  • Promotion and funder outreach*
  • Event branding and promotional materials
  • Vendor contracting and management
  • Facilitation (as needed) and run of show management
  • Writing a "Key Takeaways" document and sending a recap email to participants*

*Collaboration with event hosts.

As an event host, your organization(s) will be responsible for:

  • Securing the event budget through direct contribution or coordination among co-hosts
  • Identifying event venue (contracting and payment can be directly managed by SAFSF)
  • Content development support and speaker ideas
  • Promoting and inviting peers, especially beyond the SAFSF membership
Areas of interest
While proposals are not required to match the below geographies and topics, recent member surveys indicate strong interest in the following: 
In Person Gatherings — SAFSF

Geographies

  • California (Central Valley and Bay Area)
  • Northeast
  • Midwest
  • Pacific Northwest
  • Gulf Coast

Priority Topic Areas

  • Climate and environmental health (including industrial animal agriculture, pesticides, and regenerative agriculture)
  • Food as health (including Food is Medicine and ultra-processed foods)
  • Land access, food sovereignty, and equitable land ownership
  • Regional food system infrastructure (including food hubs and supply chain)
  • Farm and food chain worker protections
  • Emerging issues in food systems (e.g., AI, data and technology in food systems, water security, and community ownership models)
  • Local and state policy (including civic engagement and democracy protection)
  • Integrated capital, capital innovation, and orchestration for food systems
Gather Types
In Person Gatherings — SAFSF

Alignment Convening

Defined as a one to two day event with programmed sessions, meals, and potential for site visits. Designed for learning and strategic conversation, and to include many event elements. Typically between 40 and 100 people to support more in-depth conversations.

Previous examples for inspiration: a full day workshop on equitable food economies in Detroit, a strategic convening on climate and agriculture in Minneapolis, and an integrated capital convening with local food entrepreneurs in Chicago.

Community Building

A more streamlined event production with a focus on a singular event type, such as a luncheon, networking reception, film screening and panel discussion, or field trip. Designed for community building. These events could be connected to a conference or other event that will likely be a gathering place for the SAFSF community. Attendance depends on format and venue.

Previous examples for inspiration: a food justice dinner in Atlanta, a food and agriculture innovation happy hour in Los Angeles, a luncheon on emerging issues in New York City, and a conference adjacent reception on Indigenous food systems in Minneapolis.

Submitter Information





Event Information


Details on theme and topics, thesis, speakers, activities, and call to action (if applicable). What is the need for this gathering and how are you engaging the funding field?



Please describe the components of the gathering such as workshops, film screening, receptions, field days, meals, etc. 

Please describe what part of the country the event takes place and the rationale. (1,000 characters max)

Tell us about the venue (or type of venue, if specific location is not known yet) where you would like to meet. The venue does not need to be secured at this time, but if selected we will count on you to identify and secure a location.

Select the one that best fits your event

Select the one that best fits your event

Please submit a completed budget template specific to your event. 
This template is available as a resource. If you want to use a different budget template, you are welcome to. 

Please upload your completed Budget Template


The amount of sponsorship/grant support your organization (and partners) can commit to this event. Note: The remainder must be secured by your organization at least 3 months in advance of the event
Additional Information




Contact Information