Introduction
The Clif Family Foundation is a U.S.-based philanthropic organization dedicated to strengthening communities, protecting the environment, and improving food systems. Established in 2006 by Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford, the foundation reflects the family’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, organic agriculture, and social responsibility.
The foundation is closely connected to the values behind Clif Bar & Company, though it operates independently as a private philanthropic entity. Through targeted grantmaking, the Clif Family Foundation supports grassroots organizations working to create healthy food systems, protect natural resources, and build resilient communities.
History and Background
Founding and Origins (2006)
The Clif Family Foundation was created in 2006 as a way for Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford to formalize their philanthropic efforts. The founders had already embedded environmental and social responsibility into the mission of Clif Bar & Company, and the foundation became a vehicle for extending those values into broader community and environmental initiatives.
From its inception, the foundation has emphasized:
- Sustainable food production
- Environmental stewardship
- Local and community-based solutions
- Support for small nonprofit organizations
Over time, it has built a reputation for funding innovative grassroots projects that often fall outside the scope of larger institutional donors.
Mission and Purpose
The mission of the Clif Family Foundation is to:
- Strengthen food systems
- Protect Earth’s natural resources
- Support community resilience
- Advance climate action and environmental justice
The foundation prioritizes initiatives that address interconnected challenges in food, environment, and social equity.
Core Funding Focus Areas
- Sustainable Food Systems
- Environment & Climate
- Climate solutions and renewable energy
- Biodiversity and habitat protection
- Environmental advocacy
- Community Health & Resilience
- Youth engagement
- Community empowerment
- Equity-focused grassroots movements
The foundation emphasizes systemic change, innovation, and community-driven approaches.
Governance and Structure
The Clif Family Foundation operates as a private family foundation in the United States.
Governance Model
- Governed by family leadership and trustees
- Guided by philanthropic principles rooted in sustainability
- Structured to provide grants to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations
Although founded by the owners of Clif Bar & Company, the foundation functions independently in its grantmaking decisions. Its approach reflects the broader social mission long associated with Clif’s business philosophy.
Funding and Grants
The Clif Family Foundation provides small to mid-sized grants to nonprofit organizations that align with its mission.
Grant Characteristics
- Average grant size: Typically modest (often under $50,000)
- Geographic focus: Primarily United States
- Eligible applicants: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or fiscally sponsored projects
- Funding preference: Grassroots organizations with innovative or underfunded initiatives
Application Process
The foundation generally operates on a semi-annual grant cycle, with clearly defined deadlines published on its website.
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate:
- Measurable environmental or food-system impact
- Strong community engagement
- Scalable or replicable solutions
- Alignment with sustainable and regenerative practices
The foundation does not typically fund large institutions or capital campaigns, instead prioritizing community-based organizations.
Major Programs and Philanthropic Approach
While the Clif Family Foundation does not operate large branded public programs, its grantmaking reflects strategic priorities in the following areas:
- Regenerative and Organic Agriculture
- Support for farmers and organizations promoting:
- Soil health
- Carbon sequestration
- Sustainable land management
- Organic certification and education
- Support for farmers and organizations promoting:
- Climate Solutions
- Funding initiatives that address:
- Clean energy transitions
- Climate resilience
- Policy advocacy for environmental protection
- Funding initiatives that address:
- Food Justice and Access
- The foundation supports projects that:
- Increase access to healthy, affordable food
- Address food insecurity
- Strengthen local food networks
- The foundation supports projects that:
- Community-Based Environmental Leadership
- Grants often go to organizations led by communities most affected by environmental and climate challenges.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
The Clif Family Foundation has contributed to:
- Expansion of local food cooperatives
- Support for regenerative farming networks
- Climate advocacy initiatives
- Environmental education programs
- Community-led sustainability campaigns
Its impact is particularly notable in the intersection of food systems and environmental sustainability, where small grants can catalyze larger systemic shifts.
By supporting grassroots organizations, the foundation often acts as early-stage capital for innovative community-driven solutions.
Why the Clif Family Foundation Matters
In an era of climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity, philanthropic support for systemic environmental solutions is increasingly critical.
The Clif Family Foundation stands out for:
- Its deep commitment to sustainability
- Alignment between business values and philanthropy
- Focus on regenerative agriculture and climate resilience
- Support for grassroots innovation
Its targeted funding approach allows smaller nonprofits to experiment, grow, and influence broader environmental change.
Conclusion
The Clif Family Foundation plays a meaningful role in advancing sustainable food systems, environmental protection, and community resilience across the United States. Founded in 2006 by Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford, the foundation reflects a long-standing commitment to ethical business practices and responsible philanthropy.
Through strategic grantmaking, it supports grassroots organizations working at the frontlines of climate action, food justice, and environmental sustainability.
For nonprofits focused on regenerative agriculture, climate solutions, and community-driven environmental work, the Clif Family Foundation represents a valuable funding partner.
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