The Catalytic Grant Fund hosts a series of open calls through which grants are distributed. Based on ReFED's research, analysis, and data, each open call will have a specific thematic focus area where catalytic grant funding can have the greatest impact.
We encourage all types of organizations with an initiative related to the Catalytic Grant Fund’s current thematic focus area to apply for funding.
Organizations of all sizes — ranging from early-stage to established — must meet the minimum eligibility criteria before considering applying for funding through one of the open calls:
Are applying on behalf of a benefit corporation, for-profit company, public-private partnership, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, or fiscally-sponsored project.
As a result of receiving a grant from ReFED, will very likely receive additional capital from other funders and/or advance its impact, often in a way that would not otherwise have been possible without a ReFED grant
Can put to eligible use at least $100,000 or more within an approximately two-year grant period
Will use the requested funding for an initiative related to the Catalytic Grant Fund’s current thematic focus
Be operating in the United States OR seeking funding to expand to the United States.
The application and selection process takes approximately four to six months and goes through the following phases:
Interested applicants submit a Letter of Intent (LOI).
Select applicants invited to submit a Full Application.
An Independent Review Committee evaluates the Full Application submissions
The Grant Fund Selection committee will consider the finalists and make a decision on who receives funding
Grantees notified.
The Catalytic Grant Fund hosts a series of open calls — each with a particular thematic focus area where catalytic grant funding can have the greatest impact. Explore the open calls below.
Reducing food loss and waste is one of the most powerful levers to cut methane emissions. ReFED’s research shows that scaling food recycling and diversion is one of the most immediate, cost-effective strategies to reduce methane today, while tackling loss within beef and dairy systems can unlock major long-term impact.
ReFED’s Catalytic Grant Fund is seeking bold solutions and initiatives in two high-impact areas:
Advancing food recycling: Enhancing sorting, decontamination, processing, and access to create more effective and efficient systems.
Reducing methane in the beef and dairy sectors: Cutting loss and waste by lowering animal mortality, improving supply chain efficiency to get more products to market, preventing food waste at the household level, and reducing enteric emissions through climate-smart feed additives derived from waste streams.
Does the initiative for which the applicant is seeking funding reduce restaurant food waste in a simple, affordable, and convenient way and/or have a strong business case?
Can a grant from ReFED combined with non-financial support unlock additional funding and/or advance the applicant’s impact, often in a way that would not otherwise have been possible?
Does the team and board leading the initiative for which they are seeking funding have lived experience directly related to the initiative, as well as relevant skills, knowledge, and resources that will enable them to successfully execute the use of funds?
On-farm produce loss is a major contributor to food waste, with U.S. farms generating more than 17 million tons of surplus food in 2023 alone. This surplus—nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables—represents a missed opportunity to reach its original intended consumer, all while millions face hunger. ReFED’s Catalytic Grant Fund is seeking innovative technologies, solutions, and initiatives that can reduce on-farm waste, maximize the value of surplus produce, and establish new market opportunities while increasing profitability for farmers. Join us in eliminating and valorizing on-farm food loss!
ReFED partners with food businesses, funders, researchers, food waste solution providers, policymakers, and more to solve food waste.