Food Systems Leadership Network

FSLN Activation grants

Funds for catalyzing member-to-member collaborations in service of the broader network.

Applications Closed

The Food Systems Leadership Network’s Activation Grants provide financial resources to enable you to work with fellow FSLN members and food systems leaders to create activities and programming that strengthen the connections, knowledge, and expertise of network members.

Whether you are looking to create something new, share program innovations, or bring your unique ideas for weaving together the FSLN community – we want to hear from you!

Access the Info Call Recording here
Access the application here
Register for the October Office Hours Call here

The goals of the Activation Grants Program are to:

The Activation Grants Program aims to advance the 2023-2025 FSLN Priorities and Activities, honor and amplify the creativity and innovation within the FSLN, and deliver impactful opportunities to FSLN members. Specific goals of the program are to:

Provide a platform to enhance and amplify the expertise, skills, and creativity of network members
Advance racial equity and anti-racism throughout the network
Provide opportunities for FSLN members to participate in community care
Build relationships between network members

Grant size:

The FSLN Activation Grants will support proposals up to $5,000; a total of $20,000 is available. Grant activities must take place between December 1, 2023 – August 31, 2024.

Informational Call and Office Hours:

The application window is September 1 – October 31, 2023.

Access the Info Call recording to learn more and meet potential collaborators. Follow up office hours will take place in September and October to answer any questions and workshop possible ideas.

Join us for our Office Hours call on Oct. 11 to get your questions answered and consider collaborating with other applicants. Register here.

Guidelines for Applying

Activation Grants must be used to support FSLN members working together to create something that will benefit the FSLN community. FSLN members do not have to be part of the same organization – in fact, it’s encouraged to collaborate with someone you do not typically/regularly work with!

Proposals should be in service to the network and help the network through one or more of these strategies:

Foster relationships between members,
Strengthen systems leadership capacity and food systems knowledge,
Advance equity and anti-racism, and/or
Inspire action across communities.

Examples of potential projects include:

Regional in-person or virtual convenings
Panel-style conversation
Networking opportunity
Community care opportunities
Creation and/or sharing of a tool, template, or framework
Webinar or topical call (coffee chat, open-space, etc.)
Virtual short course or training
Arts and culture activity
Enter your ideas here….

How to Apply:

Utilize this template for creating your budget, which should be uploaded along with the application.
Submit your application and budget here.
Please exercise patience as we carefully review all submissions.
Preview the application questions here – and submit your application here

Interested, but not sure what you might propose? Reach out to Andrew for a brainstorming session: [email protected]

Activation Grants Timeline

September – October 2023: Applications open
November 2023: Activation Grants decisions made
December 2023 – August 2024: Activities occur

Eligibility Requirements

This opportunity is available to staff of nonprofit 501 (c)3 organizations, fiscally sponsored projects under a 501 (c)3’s. We are unable to fund applications from individuals or for profit companies.
Applicants must be verified members of the FSLN (sign up here).
Proposals should meet one or more of the above stated grant goals; evaluation criteria are below.
Past grant recipients will be considered, however priority will be given to first time applicants.
Examples of eligible expenses include but are not limited to: staff time, meeting expenses, travel
Examples of unallowable expenses include but are not limited to: purchase of software or hardware, direct lobbying

Evaluation Criteria

Alignment with Activation Grant goals: Does the project align with two or more of the stated program goals?
Impact / benefit to FSLN: Does the project help advance the FSLN’s strategic priorities? How does the proposal benefit or give back to the Food Systems Leadership Network? Does the proposal advance racial equity and/or elevate the leadership of BIPOC food systems leaders?
Creativity/innovation: Does the proposal take a creative approach to delivery/implementation and/or amplify a creative approach to systems change? Does the proposed activity offer an engaging way to involve participants?
Feasibility: Is this person well positioned to deliver the proposed activity? Is this activity feasible based on the proposed budget, timeframe, and personnel?

Questions? Email [email protected] with ‘Activation Grants’ in the subject line.