Blue Diamond’s Community Giving Program

Blue Diamond Growers’ Community Giving Program is a philanthropic initiative aligned with the cooperative’s five core values: Act with Integrity, Work as Partners, Deliver Quality Every Day, Innovate, and Play to Win. The program is administered by Blue Diamond Growers, an agricultural cooperative best known for almond products, with manufacturing facilities located in Sacramento, Salida, and Turlock, California. This community-centered funding opportunity aims to support nonprofit organizations serving communities within a 25-mile radius of these three facilities. The Community Giving Program targets nonprofit organizations with missions that align with one or more of its three strategic pillars: STEM education, particularly in agriculture and nutrition for underserved K–12 children; agriculture workforce development, including training and skills acquisition for careers in modern agriculture; and nutrition and food assistance services for individuals experiencing food insecurity. All projects must be tied geographically to the areas near Blue Diamond’s operations and must reflect the cooperative’s values in their programming or delivery. Grant awards typically range from $500 to $15,000. These funds can be used to support programmatic costs within the outlined priority areas but are not available for capital campaigns, support for individuals, political efforts, or third-party fundraisers. While programs affiliated with religious organizations may be considered, sectarian initiatives will not be eligible. Likewise, the fund does not support general financial aid to institutions of higher education unless the specific program meets one of the priority categories. Applications for the 2025 funding cycle open on June 16, 2025, and close on July 31, 2025. All applications must be submitted online, and only 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to apply. Selected recipients will be notified via email in late August or early September 2025. Funding distribution will begin in late September 2025, contingent on successful completion of an online post-award process and submission of an invoice. Evaluation of applications will be based on alignment with the program’s pillars, geographic proximity to Blue Diamond facilities, and demonstrated need or community impact. The program specifically supports organizations operating locally in Sacramento, Salida, and Turlock, California. Applicants are advised to clearly demonstrate their connection to these communities and explain how their work aligns with at least one of the three funding pillars. Interested applicants may reach out to Blue Diamond Growers at support@bdgrowers.com for additional information. Although no specific contact person or phone number is provided, this email serves as the primary point of communication for inquiries. The application portal and instructions will be made available through Blue Diamond’s website starting June 16, 2025.