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Equitable Transfer Program

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BIMPOC-led businesses operating in the food, beverage or body care industries can apply for funding to cover costs associated with Non-GMO Project verification.

Announcements

Application period is now closed. Next application round TBD.

Justice and diversity are essential to building a better food system

Black, Indigenous, multiracial and people of color-led companies face systemic barriers and marginalization along every aspect of the supply chain. The Equitable Transfer Program is designed to address some of the barriers BIMPOC-led companies face in accessing more sustainable supply chains and gaining greater visibility for their products.

The Equitable Transfer Program is the first of its kind for us at the Non-GMO Project. “As a predominantly white-led organization, we are on a learning journey to understand the role we play in systemic racism and what we can do to transfer power and resources to people of color who own and lead businesses in the natural products industry. Our hope is that this equity program represents a small, but meaningful first step into even more meaningful relationships,” says Megan Westgate, Executive Director of the Non-GMO Project.

The program will transfer funding to cover or offset the costs associated with Non-GMO Project verification, up to a maximum of $5,000. The program will run for two consecutive quarters — the first in January-March; the second round in June-August.

The Non-GMO Project's Equitable Transfer Program Committee will evaluate the program's success throughout the round to further our learning and reflection and improve programming in the future. We welcome any and all feedback so we may continue to pursue our goals of supporting an equitable food system. Any questions can be directed to getstarted@nongmoproject.org.

Find the recipient announcement from 2023 of the first round of the program here and the second round here.

To be eligible to apply, your business must:

Self-identify as a Black, Indigenous, Multiracial & People of Color-led company, and
Be enrolling or renewing eligible products in the Product Verification Program. All such products must likely comply with the current version of the Non-GMO Project Standard (the “Standard”).

The application process

1. Check eligibility 

Applicants must meet all program eligibility requirements.

Please review our Program Terms and Conditions and the Non-GMO Project Standard section 2.1 Product Categories.

See Terms and Conditions
2. Connect with a technical administrator

A technical administrator will review the product portfolio the applicant is submitting for verification.

3. Obtain a cost estimate
At your request, the technical administrator will provide an estimate outlining the projected verification costs. If you are already a program participant, please provide your TA invoice.
4. Submit your completed application before the deadline
Fill out the Equitable Transfer Program application, with all relevant materials included, and submit before 6:00 PM PST on February 29, 2024.
5. Application review period
The Non-GMO Project will review submissions between March 1-29, 2024. Once a recipient is selected, they will be notified with instructions on the next steps.
Learn about selection criteria

Start the application form

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application form

Review the verification process

website icon equitable transfer program verification process
steps to verification
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