Food Systems grants — page 9
827 listings tracked right now · page 9 of 18
Grants and contracts for sustainable food production, supply-chain resilience and nutrition. Funded by the USDA, EU CAP and Horizon Cluster 6, the World Bank and IFAD, and food-systems philanthropy such as the Rockefeller and Bezos Earth funds. Listed below are the open food systems grant calls in that landscape, taken from each funder's own notice and re-checked on every refresh.
This is the most fragmented funding landscape on the site. Money comes from agriculture and environment ministries, the EU Common Agricultural Policy and Horizon Cluster 6, the World Bank and IFAD, and a large conservation philanthropy sector including the Global Environment Facility and the major nature foundations. Cheque sizes span four orders of magnitude, and eligibility frequently turns on land tenure, on partnership with a local organisation, or on both.
This page lists open food systems grants currently tracked by Raise Lens — 827 of them right now, sorted with the soonest deadline first. Every listing has been classified against the sustainability taxonomy rather than matched on keywords, so what appears here is food systems work rather than anything whose description happens to mention it.
The funders publishing food systems grants here include Astanor Ventures, Closed Loop Partners, Drawdown Fund, among 2 others. Who is funding matters as much as what: eligibility, reporting burden and the realistic timeline to a decision vary far more between funders than between individual calls.
Geographic coverage on this page spans GLOBAL, SUBSAHARAN-AFRICA, AFRICA, GLOBAL-SOUTH, LATAM. Eligibility is usually tied to where the work happens or where the applying organisation is registered, and the two are not always the same — worth checking before investing time in an application.
Early-Stage Agrifood Venture Fund
••••• organisation
The funder is an early-stage venture capital fund investing in agrifood innovation companies from seed to growth stage, targeting transformations across soil health, marine systems, and gut microbiome. The fund backs precision agriculture, food tech, biotech, and sustainable food production startups.
A US investment firm's catalytic capital and private credit approach
••••• organisation
The funder deploys catalytic capital and private credit (loans up to $10M) to circular economy companies to finance equipment, expansion, and infrastructure. This targets established or growth-stage circular-economy businesses in waste reduction, composting, food-waste, and plastics-packaging sectors.
Growth equity investments in businesses addressing major drivers of climate change, focused on…
••••• Fund
Growth equity investment fund targeting mid-to-late stage companies developing climate solutions across clean energy, food systems, water, sustainable transport, and related decarbonization technologies. Designed for growth-stage businesses ready to scale proven climate tech and sustainability models.
a US venture-capital planetary health fund
••••• organisation
RA Capital Planetary Health Fund provides early-stage equity investments in private companies across critical minerals, manufacturing, recycling, energy, and agriculture with clear commercialization paths within 2–5 years. The fund prioritizes capital efficiency and near-term revenue with a profit-first orientation, not impact-only focus.
Global Innovation Fund for Core Industries
••••• organisation
The funder invests in early and growth-stage founders building innovative solutions in agriculture, industrials, and mining sectors. The fund deploys capital globally and is backed by OCP Group and UM6P, targeting founders who are reinventing these core industries.
Individual Farm Support Program Agriculture (RL-EFP) – Agricultural Investment Promotion Program (AFP)
••••• organisation
A German federal grant programme supporting small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises to make productive investments in machinery, infrastructure, and modernisation. The programme aims to improve production efficiency, farm viability, and environmental/climate outcomes while supporting rural development.
Promotion of Aquaculture
••••• organisation
This grant supports the development of innovative, sustainable aquaculture enterprises in Schleswig-Holstein through subsidies from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027. Eligible activities include productive investments, knowledge services, infrastructure development, organic conversion, R&D, and direct marketing to increase production capacity, improve quality, enhance sustainability, and support new enterprise settlement.
Promotion of Regional Processing and Marketing Facilities
••••• organisation
This grant supports agricultural micro and small enterprises in Lower Saxony, Germany to invest in mobile/semi-mobile processing units (dairies, slaughterhouses) and regional food processing facilities. Funding covers up to 40% of eligible costs (€5,000–€100,000) and prioritizes local sourcing, animal welfare, and organic farming expansion.
Promotion of Sustainable Development of the Fish Industry Area Lower Saxony North Sea Coast
••••• organisation
This grant supports sustainable development projects in the Lower Saxony North Sea Coast fishing region through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). Eligible applicants include local populations and organizations implementing strategies that strengthen social, environmental, cultural and human resources in the fish industry sector.
Promotion of Organic Farming
••••• organisation
This German federal government grant supports the promotion and adoption of organic farming practices. It targets farmers and agricultural organizations seeking to transition to or expand organic production methods.
Aquaculture and Fish Industry – Sustainability
••••• organisation
This is a German federal funding programme supporting sustainable aquaculture and fisheries practices. The grant targets organizations working to improve environmental sustainability in fish farming and wild-capture fisheries sectors.
Sustainable Agriculture
••••• organisation
This is a German federal funding programme supporting sustainable agriculture practices and innovation. The grant targets farmers, agricultural enterprises, and related organisations seeking to improve environmental and economic sustainability in the agricultural sector.
European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) (2021–2027)
••••• organisation
The EMFAF (2021–2027) is an EU funding programme supporting maritime, fisheries, and aquaculture sectors across member states including Germany. It funds projects that advance sustainable fishing practices, aquaculture development, and blue-economy initiatives aligned with EU environmental and economic objectives.
Organic Farming and Agri-Environmental and Climate Measures in Rural Areas (FRL-Org/AECM)
••••• organisation
This German state funding programme supports organic farming and agri-environmental climate measures in rural areas, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include farmers and rural landowners implementing regenerative and climate-smart farming practices.
Strengthening Organic Farming
••••• organisation
This German state funding programme supports the strengthening and development of organic farming practices and infrastructure. It is open to farmers, agricultural organizations, and related entities operating in Germany.
Early-Stage Venture Fund
••••• organisation
The funder invests in early-stage companies applying AI, deep learning, IoT, and robotics to solve industrial challenges across climate tech, agtech, foodtech, healthtech, fintech, and logistics. The fund targets founders with unique expertise addressing pressing global industry problems, combining seed-stage capital with later-stage venture support.
Bottega Bionica – Local Autonomy in the Sahel
••••• Foundation
A field programme in Senegal combining literacy education for Peul women, zero-interest microcredit, and agroforestry (Moringa, hibiscus, cashew, lemon) plus local product development (honey, mushrooms, algae). The grant supports local economic development and food-system resilience in the Sahel region.
Agribusiness Programme
••••• Fund
This is a challenge fund competition investing in innovative small and medium enterprises across African agribusiness value chains, offering grants and concessional financing to promote agricultural resilience and transformation. It targets early-stage and growth-stage agribusinesses seeking to scale sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural solutions.
SEIS/EIS Fund: Pre-seed and seed stage investments into climate startups focused on decarbonising the economy across sectors
••••• organisation
The funder's SEIS/EIS Fund provides pre-seed and seed stage equity investments into climate startups working on decarbonization across food systems, energy, built environment, carbon removals, nature, and green finance. The fund targets early-stage companies with climate solutions that reduce economy-wide emissions.
Climate and Nature
••••• organisation
This grant funds policy and supply-chain interventions that integrate climate and nature protection across agriculture and forestry sectors, prioritizing ecosystem health alongside economic viability. It targets organizations working to make agricultural and forestry supply chains more sustainable and resilient.
Farmfit Fund
••••• organisation
A blended finance fund investing in smallholder farmer finance and supply chain resilience solutions that protect forests, promote responsible land use, and enhance agricultural sustainability. Eligible applicants include organizations working on forest protection, regenerative agriculture, and smallholder empowerment in developing agricultural regions.
Investment Solutions
••••• organisation
IDH mobilises public and private capital to finance impactful business models and projects through blended finance solutions that protect forests and empower smallholder farmers. The fund targets sustainable agriculture, forestry, and food-systems interventions that combine environmental protection with economic opportunity for smallholders.
Convening: Multi-stakeholder collaborations and industry initiatives to drive meaningful change across global value chains
••••• organisation
IDH convenes multi-stakeholder collaborations and industry initiatives to drive sustainable change across global value chains in agriculture, apparel, and food systems. The grant supports collaborative platforms and industry partnerships that address sustainability challenges at scale.
A climate resilience impact fund for African climate startups
••••• Fund
Seed-stage impact fund investing in African startups developing scalable climate-resilience solutions, with emphasis on agri-food tech and nature-based economy approaches. Targets climate-smart transformation of Africa's food systems to build resilience against climate shocks.
A US specialty-chemicals-and-agriculture company's corporate venture arm
••••• organisation
The funder is the corporate VC arm of Wilbur-Ellis investing in early-stage technologies across agriculture, novel food ingredients, and specialty chemicals. The fund provides capital alongside market access, pilot trials, talent recruitment, and go-to-market support leveraging Wilbur-Ellis' global distribution and business divisions.
Food & Agriculture Investments
••••• organisation
The funder invests in companies and solutions that build a resilient, diversified, and healthy food and agriculture system across the value chain. The fund combines direct equity investing with strategic philanthropy to support food-systems innovation and regenerative practices.
A US agricultural-company foundation youth leadership programme
••••• Foundation
This grant programme trains and resources 30 youth leaders (AgriChampions) across the United States to drive sustainable agri-food system transformation. It targets emerging agricultural entrepreneurs and advocates who will serve as change agents in their communities.
Community Empowerment
••••• Foundation
This grant supports community-driven agricultural and climate resilience programs, including community gardens, farmer mental health initiatives, and climate emergency relief. It targets nonprofits, community groups, and local organizations working on food security and climate adaptation at the grassroots level.
Agricultural Innovation
••••• Foundation
This grant funds innovations that advance sustainable agricultural productivity through climate-smart practices, soil health, biodiversity restoration, and efficiency improvements. It targets organizations working to enhance food production and security while addressing environmental sustainability.
Animal Agriculture
••••• Foundation
The funder funds initiatives addressing sustainability, animal welfare, and transformation of animal agriculture and food systems. Eligible applicants likely include nonprofits, social enterprises, and research institutions working on sustainable protein alternatives, regenerative farming, and food-system decarbonization.
Improve Production, Consumption & Trade
••••• organisation
This grant supports transitions in agricultural production, consumption, and trade toward lower-emissions and climate-resilient models, while also improving sustainability in infrastructure and extractive industries. It targets organizations working across supply chains to deliver environmental and social benefits.
Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research
••••• Foundation
This grant funds fast-turnaround agricultural research projects across food and agriculture topics, requiring matching funding from partners. It targets researchers and organizations working on innovations to improve agricultural productivity and food systems.
Precision Indoor Plants (PIP)
••••• Foundation
This grant supports public-private partnerships to develop and scale indoor farming technologies that produce flavorful, nutritious crops with improved efficiency and consumer appeal. It targets food producers and agricultural innovators seeking to advance controlled-environment agriculture.
Greener Cattle Initiative
••••• Foundation
This grant funds research consortium projects aimed at reducing enteric methane emissions from cattle production systems, with up to $5 million awarded over five years. It targets industry-oriented research teams working on livestock-related climate mitigation.
Efficient Fertilizer Consortium
••••• Foundation
This grant funds research and development of enhanced-efficiency and novel fertilizer products and practices that deliver both environmental and agronomic benefits. It targets public-private partnerships advancing sustainable fertilizer innovation.
Crops of the Future
••••• Foundation
This grant funds collaborative research to identify and develop crop traits that enable agriculture to adapt to climate change and environmental pressures. It targets public-private partnerships advancing crop science and food-systems resilience through trait discovery and knowledge expansion.
Production Systems
••••• Foundation
This grant funds research projects aimed at improving agricultural production systems, with a focus on advancing farming practices and crop/livestock output. It is open to research institutions and organizations working on agricultural innovation and sustainability.
Food Systems: Supports bold research across food systems to improve nutrition, sustainability, and resilience
••••• Foundation
FFAR funds bold research across food systems to improve nutrition, sustainability, and resilience. The grant targets researchers and institutions working on food supply chain innovation, agricultural sustainability, and food security.
Agroecosystems: Funds pioneering research focused on agroecosystem science and sustainability
••••• Foundation
FFAR funds pioneering research in agroecosystem science and sustainability, supporting innovations that advance agricultural productivity while protecting environmental health. The grant targets academic and research institutions conducting foundational and applied research in sustainable farming systems.
Township Micro-Farming, Horticulture & Permaculture
••••• organisation
This grant supports community-driven entrepreneurs implementing micro-farming, horticulture, and permaculture projects that advance food security, employment, and carbon reduction in South African townships. Eligible applicants are social enterprises and community groups focused on sustainable agriculture education and long-term economic opportunity.
Long-term Unallocated Funding
••••• Foundation
The funder provides long-term, trust-based funding (rather than project-based grants) to nonprofit organisations advancing fair and resilient food systems across Europe. Grantees receive unallocated support with periodic check-ins instead of formal reporting requirements.
Green Livelihoods Alliance
••••• organisation
The Green Livelihoods Alliance is a programme supporting income-generating activities and economic opportunities that advance biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability, with explicit integration of feminist and gender-justice principles. It targets organizations and communities seeking to build sustainable livelihoods while protecting natural resources.
Dry Farming im Niger
••••• Foundation
This grant supports dry farming initiatives in Niger to enhance food security and improve livelihoods for local communities through sustainable agricultural practices. It targets organizations working on agricultural development and climate adaptation in West Africa.
Agroecology in Brazil
••••• Foundation
This grant supports agroecology and sustainable agriculture projects in Brazil that engage local communities in environmentally responsible farming practices. It targets organizations working to transition agricultural systems toward ecological sustainability and food-system resilience.
an Indian deep science & tech venture fund
••••• organisation
The funder's Deep Science & Tech Fund invests in early-stage Indian startups commercializing scientific and technological breakthroughs in life sciences, clean energy, advanced materials, AI/semiconductors, and food & agriculture. The fund targets deep science and deep tech founders with operational support and conviction-stage capital.
A Pooled Fund for Plant-Based Food Systems
••••• organisation
A pooled fund enabling donors to collectively invest in plant-based food systems initiatives and related supply-chain work globally. Eligible organizations working on alternative proteins, food-systems decarbonization, and sustainable agriculture can access capital.
A Major Foundation's Africa Food Systems Accelerator
••••• organisation
An accelerator programme supporting African organizations developing plant-based food systems and alternatives to industrial animal agriculture. Eligible organizations receive funding and support to scale sustainable food innovations across the continent.
Seed Grant: Smaller grants for new or smaller organizations, one-time projects, individuals without nonprofit status
••••• organisation
The funder offers seed grants up to $5,000 for new or smaller organizations, one-time projects, individuals without nonprofit status, or first-time applicants to Thrive. The grant supports work in food systems, plant-based food, and animal agriculture alternatives.