The Catalytic Grant Fund is hosting a series of open calls through which grants will be 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.
We welcome organizations of all sizes – ranging from early-stage to established – that meet the eligibility criteria outlined below to apply:
Are applying on behalf of a benefit corporation, for-profit company, public-private partnership, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, or fiscally-sponsored project headquartered and/or operating in the U.S.
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
The application and selection process takes approximately four months and goes through the following phases:
Interested applicants submit a Letter of Intent (LOI).
11/30/22
Select applicants invited to submit a Full Application.
12/21/22
An Independent Review Committee evaluates the submissions and selects the finalists
Jan - Feb 2023
The Grant Fund Selection Committee considers the finalists and makes a decision on who receives funding.
March 2023
Grantees notified.
03/20/23
Will the initiative for which the applicant is seeking funding enable consumers to actively reduce wasted food at home, as well as in restaurant and foodservice settings, by making it obvious, affordable, and convenient, while also mitigating any potential negative environmental and social impacts?
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 applicant have a demonstrated ability to create a positive impact, based on metrics relevant to the applicant, and to thoughtfully consider and address potential negative environmental and social impacts?
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?
The Grant Fund will host 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.
As a group, consumers are the largest generators of food waste, but it's not always easy for them to change wasteful behaviors. This first Open Call is focused on solutions and innovations in need of funding that can enable consumers to actively reduce their food waste at home — as well as in restaurant and foodservice settings — by making it obvious, affordable, and convenient. To bolster these solutions, the Catalytic Grant Fund seeks to support initiatives at a local, regional, and/or national level that include but aren’t limited to:
ReFED is a national nonprofit working to end food loss and waste across the food system by advancing data-driven solutions to the problem.