Advocacy Grant process
Food Freedom Foundation strives to be transparent related to our decision-making processes. If you have further questions about our processes, you may contact grants@foodfreedcomfoundation.org or call (828) 222-0613.
Requirements
Who is eligible to apply?
The advocacy grant is open to organizations and advocacy groups involved in litigation efforts on behalf of family farmers and artisan food producers impacted by government overreach.
What cases are suitable for the Advocacy Grant?
The Foundation is permitted to fund public interest in litigation in support of its charitable purposes, including defending the rights and broadening the freedoms of consumers to consume the food of their choice and protecting the rights of family farmers and artisan food producers to provide food directly to consumers through any lawful means.
Cases that are the subject of a grant from the Foundation must meet the IRS standard for public interest litigation, described as follows:
1. Provision of legal representation on issues of significant public interest where such representation is not ordinarily provided by traditional private law firms. In this way, the courts and administrative agencies are afforded the opportunity to review issues of significant public interest and to identify and adjudicate that interest.
2. Charitability rests not upon the particular positions advocated by the firm, but upon the provision of a facility for the resolution of issues of broad public importance.
3. This lack of economic feasibility in public interest cases is an essential characteristic distinguishing the work of public interest law firms from that of private firms and is a prerequisite of charitable recognition.
Know the history of your litigation. Oftentimes, litigation will be ongoing or historical in nature, i.e. it may take multiple attempts and angles to make a change. The history of the litigation is important be it directly related to your organization or other efforts.
Application process
Applications for the advocacy grant are accepted on a rolling basis and as long as funds are available. Once the application is received, it will be reviewed within 30 days. Award notification and funding will be available within 60 days of the application submission date.
How are funds distributed?
It is our policy not to fund projects in advance of the work. We generally prefer to reimburse for funds already distributed. With that, we offer a pledge award that will be reimbursed. Each project will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. It will be an exception to the rule to fund a project in advance. Funds will be dispersed either fully upon completion or in stages based on an agreed-upon plan.
How much can you apply for?
The Foundation prefers not to be the sole funder. We generally will only fund up to 90% of the proposed budget.
