The Clif Bar Family Foundation is dedicated to supporting initiatives that align with its mission of advancing sustainability, social justice, and climate resilience. The foundation focuses on several priority areas that include regenerative and organic farming, improving food production workers’ health and safety, addressing climate justice, promoting healthy food access, expanding inclusive outdoor access, and advocating for cleaner environments free from pollution.

The Foundation offers two types of grants: Open Call grants and By Invitation Only grants. Open Call grants support general operating costs or specific projects and are available to 501(c)3 organizations, or those fiscally sponsored by them. The grants are reviewed twice a year, with application deadlines on March 1 and August 1. Once submitted, grant announcements are typically made four months after each deadline. Grant amounts typically range between $5,000 and $50,000 and are awarded for a period of one year.

Applicants seeking Open Call grants should be focused on advancing the Foundation's strategic priorities, which include the promotion of regenerative and organic farming practices, improvement of conditions for food production workers, addressing climate justice, and expanding access to healthy and affordable food. Priority is also given to organizations that demonstrate strong community connections and have operating budgets under $3 million. In addition, the Foundation seeks to fund grassroots initiatives that focus on implementing change at the local, state, or national level.

However, there are several areas the Clif Bar Family Foundation does not fund. These include capital construction projects, deficit funding, endowments, faith-based or religious organizations, fundraising events, individuals, local and state public sector agencies, media projects, medical centers, product donations, and sponsorships.

The Foundation strongly emphasizes that applicants must have a well-established presence in the United States and its unincorporated territories. Applications that demonstrate a strong alignment with the Foundation’s values and priorities are given preference, as is the case with those that focus on grassroots-level work in communities.