Dear Friends:

ReFED is closing out an eventful 2023 by celebrating a truly transformational donation. We are thrilled to let you know that we have received $15 million in funding from Ballmer Group – $5 million per year for three years. The intent of this funding is to build up our programs, further our direct impact – and our measurement of that impact – and achieve new funding streams to carry us beyond this leadership gift.

This is a watershed moment for ReFED, as it positions us to continue doing what we do best – providing a unique combination of systems-level issue leadership paired with tools, resources, and support for the businesses and organizations on the ground who are directly driving change. More importantly, it allows us to scale our work to reduce food waste by cultivating the food community, delivering actionable insights, and accelerating solutions. We’re excited to continue engaging with you all as we expand work in these program areas in 2024 and beyond. 

This is the largest gift in ReFED's history and recognizes our organizational capacity to make a real difference in the food system for the better. Much more needs to be done and so many more partners must be engaged if we are to really make significant progress in reducing food waste by 2030. According to our analysis, philanthropic, public, and private investment of more than $18 billion per year is necessary to reach our food loss and waste reduction goals.

That means the work of ReFED – and so many other organizations out there – is still critically important. As a registered 501(c)(3), ReFED relies on the generosity of partners like Ballmer Group and other supporters to accelerate our work creating a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food system that makes the best use of the food that is produced.

As we thank Ballmer Group for their generosity and belief in our mission, it’s important for us to note that ReFED would not have gotten to this point without the amazing work of friends like you. As always, please accept our gratitude for all that you do.

Warmly,

Dana Gunders, Executive Director
Pamela Murphy, Board Chair