EFOD Fund
The EFOD Fund is modeling an alternative form of finance.
Why the EFOD Fund Exists
In the face of enduring systemic inequities, the EFOD Fund was born out of necessity.
Traditional funding mechanisms have long perpetuated cycles of disinvestment in communities of the global majority, often imposing extractive practices that fail to address the root causes of economic and social disparities.
Recognizing these challenges, the EFOD Fund was created to disrupt this harmful cycle and offer a transformative alternative—one that prioritizes community-driven development and the expertise of those most impacted by these inequities.
At its core, the EFOD Fund is a commitment to righting the historical wrongs that have marginalized underserved communities. The Fund is intentionally designed to be flexible, culturally relevant, and rooted in the lived experiences of community practitioners. By embracing these values, the EFOD Fund stands as a model for how finance can be leveraged as a tool for justice, enabling communities to reclaim their agency and build a future defined by equity and sustainability.
FUND PRINCIPLES & VALUES
Designed for the people
Equity In Ownership and Design
Authentic practitioner leadership and authority, in decision-making, co-creating design, and governance.
Ally funders and partners support, but those who have built and led organizations doing deep community food and justice work and are accountable to their communities lead and own EFOD as a field and fund.
Learning Through Action
The Fund demonstrates key equity principles and food systems change practices through its finance and grantmaking initiatives. We are actively influencing shifts within philanthropic and lending institutions by showcasing how non-extractive capital can drive sustainable, community-led development.
EFOD leaders, who bring a wealth of entrepreneurial passion and experiential knowledge, continue to guide the Fund’s management and support, ensuring that our investments align with the values and needs of the communities we serve.
Equitable Financing
Existing capital models are extractive and perpetuate wealth inequity. Our financing process move away from a ‘vetting’ model, to one that uplifts impact and prioritizes getting EFOD projects ready and resourced.
A cohesive body of experienced EFOD leaders package lending, grantmaking, and technical assistance in a valuable and effective way. The Fund will urgently fund EFOD initiatives, with attention to community needs.
Uplifting Unique Networks
The EFOD Fund is actively identifying and supporting both emergent and established community-led, food-based organizations that drive economic development.
Aligned organizations have already received funding and are positioned to access further resources from foundation and CDFI partners, all evaluated and selected using the EFOD criteria. By uplifting these unique networks, we are ensuring that the most impactful initiatives continue to grow and thrive, building stronger, more equitable communities.
ELIGIBILITY
Who Qualifies for the EFOD Fund?
Eligible candidates include community-led, food-based community and economic development organizations or enterprises whose work aligns with the EFOD criteria and falls along a spectrum of maturity levels.
We partner with organizations that are not just food producers or economic developers, but also champions of social justice, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.
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