About
Our mission is to advance the well-being of communities, organizations, and families in areas where BRANDT and its sister companies operate by empowering established 501(c)(3) organizations. We focus on fighting food insecurity, promoting agricultural education, and reducing food waste. By leveraging the collective expertise of BRANDT and its sister companies, we aim to create lasting, positive impacts.

Our History

 

Established in 2012 as the philanthropic extension of BRANDT, Inc., the BRANDT Foundation was built on the Brandt family’s longstanding commitment to supporting the communities they call home. As BRANDT grew, so did its ability to give back, creating new opportunities to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

 

"BRANDT has always tried to be a generous company and we believe in doing well by doing good.” -Rick Brandt, President & CEO of BRANDT

 

Today, the BRANDT Foundation continues to expand its reach by building strong partnerships with companies that share its commitment to addressing food insecurity, advancing agricultural education, and reducing food waste. Guided by a diverse board of representatives from across the BRANDT family of companies, the Foundation remains dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities it serves.

 

Partner Companies

 

Grant & Funding Opportunities

Open Grant Opportunities

The BRANDT Foundation welcomes grant applications from eligible nonprofit organizations supporting two key priorities: Agricultural Education and Food Waste Reduction.

Agricultural Education

Investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders through education, leadership development, and advocacy.

Focus Areas

  • Educational Support: Fund scholarships and training through organizations like FFA and 4-H.
  • Advocacy: Support youth-focused agriculture advocacy programs.

Food Waste Reduction

Help reduce food waste by shining a light on the issue, educating consumers on how to reduce waste and providing alternatives to throwing away food.

Focus Areas

  • Prevention Programs: Support nonprofits reducing food waste through redistribution and education.
  • Creative Diversion: Support organizations that divert unused food from the waste stream, with particular attention to innovative uses for waste.

Grant Guardrails

Key requirements and considerations for organizations seeking funding from the BRANDT Foundation.

  • Mission Alignment: Projects must directly address agricultural education or waste reduction.
  • Nonprofit Status: Funding will be considered only for U.S.-based organizations in good standing for at least three years as a 501(c)(3).
  • Impact & Sustainability: Priority will be given to initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact and offer long-term sustainability.

Grant Range

The average grant size is between $1,000 and $10,000.

Foundation-Selected Grants

The BRANDT Foundation directly identifies and selects organizations that align with its Food Security priorities. Applications are not currently being accepted for this initiative.

Food Security

Improving access to food by supporting organizations that advance food production, provide food education, and deliver essential resources to communities in need.

Focus Areas

  • Agricultural Support: Supporting innovative farming practices, food production initiatives, and educational programs that strengthen food systems and improve long-term food security.
  • Food Charities: Partnering with nonprofit organizations that provide food, resources, and education to individuals and families facing food insecurity.

Funding & Selection

The BRANDT Foundation directly selects recipients for Food Security funding and does not accept formal grant applications for this initiative.

If you believe your organization would be a good fit and would like to be considered, please send an email to foundation@brandt.co. To qualify, organizations must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least three years.

Our Leadership

The BRANDT Foundation is guided by a board that strives to fulfill our mission and grow the Foundation.
Rick Brandt
President
Karl Barnhart
Vice President
Alex Lovdahl
Secretary
Raegan Weaver
Treasurer
Evelyn Brandt Thomas
Board Member
Sierra-Shae Brandt
Board Member
Brent Wallner
Board Member
Chris Linhares
Board Member
Samantha Auby
Board Member
Danielle Knox
Board Member
Moritz Hoerner
Board Member
Carissa Pfeiffer
Board Member
Wil Lunt
Board Member
Cayla Keyes
Board Member
Dalton Farr
Board Member
Emily Cour
Board Member
Maggie Erhgott
Board Member