Equitable Transfer Program

Non-GMO Project fine line food crop illustration

BIPOC-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 open! All applicants must submit completed materials before 6 pm Pacific on February 28, 2025.

Justice and diversity are essential to building a better food system

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

The ETP will transfer funding to cover or offset the costs of Non-GMO Project verification, up to a maximum of $10,000 USD to grant recipient(s) in each round. The program's first round runs in January-March; the second in July-September.

The Non-GMO Project supports the ETP Committee to continually evaluate the program's success, increase its impact and improve future programming.

We welcome any and all feedback so we may continue to pursue our goals of supporting an equitable food system. Questions can be directed to getstarted@nongmoproject.org

Non-GMO Project Staff at Supply Side West 2024 with Mohammad Salehi from Heray Spice and Stefanie Turner from Tuyyo

From left to right: James (Non-GMO Project), Megan (Non-GMO Project), Mohammad (Heray Spice), Stefanie (TUYYO), and Alycia (Non-GMO Project) at SupplySide West 2024

To be eligible to apply, your business must:

Self-identify as a Black, Indigenous & 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 value in Non-GMO Project verifcation is a recognizable symbol for those who don't know us. People who look for the Butterfly know the companies have taken extra steps to show that their products are quality."
Sheila Bommakanti & Elizabeth Golay
Tiffin Asha
ETP Recipient 2023
"As the founder of a company addressing the needs of an often ignored customer base, I truly feel seen, heard and acknowledged and am thankful for such an incredible opportunity."
Dr. Linda Alvarez
Levelle Nutrition
ETP Recipient 2024
"The ETP grant allowed Heray Spice to complete Non-GMO Project verification for five of our products, including Afghan Saffron, caraway seeds, wild cumin, fennel seeds, and our mint leaves. This certification strengthens our commitment to transparency and quality, enhancing consumer trust and aligning with our mission of ethical and sustainable practices."
Mohammad Salehi
Heray Spice
ETP Recipient 2024

The application process

1. Check eligibility

Applicants must meet all program eligibility requirements. Connect with Sam to learn more about the steps to verification and eligibility questions.

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

2. Connect with a Technical Administrator

A Technical Administrator (TA) 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 the invoice from your TA.

4. Submit your completed application before the deadline

Fill out the ETP application with all relevant materials included, and submit before 6 pm Pacific on February 28, 2025.

5. Application review period

The ETP Committee will review submissions between March 3-31, 2025. Once a recipient(s) is selected, they will be notified with instructions on the next steps. Learn more about the selection criteria.

Meet past recipients

The ETP Committee has awarded $25,000 in grants to nine BIPOC-led businesses to date. We are thrilled to feature some of the past recipients! Learn more about each of the amazing brands by clicking on the images below and/or checking out their press releases.

TUYYO Press Release

Heray Spice Press Release

La Morenita Press Release

Complimentary marketing opportunities

Recipients of the Equitable Transfer Program are welcome to participate in our complimentary marketing opportunities. Once your products are Verified, work with our Marketing & Communications team on potential partnerships such as a national press release, guest blog, social media collaboration, newsletter highlights and more. Take advantage of the Non-GMO Project’s audience and reach, elevating your brand’s visibility. We look forward to working with you!

Start the application form

application form

Review the verification process

steps to verification

Support our work

The Non-GMO Project is the only nonprofit, third-party certification program working toward GMO transparency and non-GMO food choices. Your donation helps to build a more just food system and supports continuity of the Equitable Transfer Program.

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