The Seed Project Foundation

What The Seed Project Foundation does

The Seed Project Foundation (SPF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 47-2377828) founded in 2015 and headquartered in McKinney, Texas. Its mission centers on combating food insecurity in North Texas through a donation-farm operating model, executed primarily through its McKinney Roots subsidiary, which was launched in August 2020 on a five-acre property and is now relocating to the larger Gray Branch Parkland site. The farm produces organic vegetables and pastured eggs — scaling to roughly 15 tons of produce, 61,000 pounds distributed, and 8,000 dozen eggs cumulatively, with 240,000 supporting bees and a target of 20,000+ pounds of annual output. Output is distributed at no cost to a network of 100+ local organizations, feeding approximately 350 families per week and providing 6,300 meals, supported by 500+ volunteers contributing over 1,000 hours annually and a cumulative $703,837 in pass-through donations to partner organizations.

The foundation operates a hybrid community-grant-and-event fundraising model. Revenue is sourced from individual and corporate donations, an annual grant cycle concentrated October–December, and a recurring event program anchored by the Gala in the Garden (historically grossing $125K–$200K), supplemented by Farm Tours and Supper with a Cause dinners. The leadership team is led by founder and president Rick Wells, a North Texas hospitality entrepreneur whose restaurant businesses (Harvest, Rick's Chophouse) and farm partnerships (Water Boy Farms) form part of the foundation's supply and visibility chain. Executive Director Lenda Fidelman oversees community engagement, while a board including figures from RTX, Texas Instruments alumni networks, the Fairview Town Council, and the regional culinary community provides governance and fundraising reach.

Strategically, SPF has evolved from a single fundraising entity into a regional food-access platform. The 2020 formation of the One Heart McKinney Coalition formalized cross-organization coordination in food distribution, while a 2024 partnership with the Noble Research Institute on Texas Farm-to-Table Symposiums extended SPF's reach into producer education and agricultural research. Affiliation with Texan by Nature (Laura Bush's organization) and back-to-back TxN 20 Honoree designations (2019, 2020) have established brand credibility. The next leg of growth is tied to the Gray Branch Parkland relocation, which is expected to materially expand production capacity, programmatic offerings (including school and community education), and the foundation's addressable donor base in Collin County and the broader North Texas market.

Name

The Seed Project Foundation

Legal name

The Seed Project Foundation

Website

https://spftx.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Seed Project Foundation is a McKinney, Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that combats regional food insecurity by operating the McKinney Roots donation farm, distributing organic produce, pastured eggs, and grants to 100+ North Texas organizations and 350 families weekly.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating (115112), Other Food Crops Grown Under Cover (111419)

SIC

Agricultural Services (700), Agricultural Production-Crops (100)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK)

Keywords

• Sustainable agriculture foundation
• Food security nonprofit
• Community donation farm
• Local food advocacy
• Sustainability grant programs

Headquarters

HQ city

McKinney

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: Individual and corporate donations accepted through website (spftx.org/donate) and by mail (checks payable to Harvest Seed Project Foundation, PO Box 2712, McKinney, TX 75070)
2. Grant Funding: Provides grant funding to North Texas schools and nonprofits that embrace sustainability. Grant application period runs October 1 through December 31 annually.
3. Event Revenue: Fundraising events including Gala in the Garden, Farm Tours, Supper with a Cause dinners, and Farm-to-Table Symposiums generate revenue through ticket sales and auctions. Events like Gala in the Garden have raised $125,000-$200,000.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

The Seed Project Foundation is a nonprofit foundation that operates McKinney Roots, a five-acre donation farm in McKinney, Texas, which grows and distributes organic produce and pastured-raised eggs to combat food insecurity across Collin County. The foundation supplements farm operations with a Grant Program for North Texas schools and nonprofits pursuing sustainability, a Farm Crisis Fund for farmers in distress, and a calendar of community fundraising events including Supper with a Cause dinners, Farm Tours, North Texas Farm-to-Table Symposiums, and Gala in the Garden.

Product overview

The Seed Project Foundation is a nonprofit organization operating as a single unified initiative focused on sustainable agriculture and food security in Collin County, Texas. The organization runs its primary programmatic work through McKinney Roots, a five-acre donation farm, alongside community events including Supper with a Cause dinners, Farm Tours, North Texas Farm-to-Table Symposiums, and Gala in the Garden. The Foundation also administers a Grant Program funding local sustainability causes and a Farm Crisis Fund supporting farmers during disasters.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• McKinney Roots: Donation farm that grows and distributes farm-fresh produce and pastured-raised eggs to help combat food insecurity across Collin County.

Products and services

• McKinney Roots Donation Farm A five-acre donation farm in McKinney, Texas that grows and distributes organic produce and pastured-raised eggs to local nonprofits, churches, and schools to combat food insecurity across Collin County. Operated with two full-time farmers and a dedicated volunteer team.
• Farm Crisis Fund

Quantifiable outcome

• 61,000 pounds of produce and 8,000 dozen eggs donated to over 100 local organizations
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and flagship.

• McKinney RootscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 August 2020McKinney Roots is the donation farm operated by The Seed Project Foundation, growing and distributing organic produce and pastured eggs to combat food insecurity in Collin County. Became an official part of SPF in August 2020, with goal to grow 20,000+ pounds of food annually.
• Water Boy FarmscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRick Wells' personal farm and site of many SPF events including Gala in the Garden. Home to 24 beehives and one-acre garden. Farms director Jennifer Spring grows flowers for Harvest restaurant.
• Harvest at The Masonic / Harvest Seasonal KitchencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFarm-to-table restaurant owned by Rick Wells (Wells Hospitality Group), co-owned with Andrea Shackelford. Chef Andrea Shackelford creates menus featuring local farmers. Founded 2014, was featured in Dallas Morning News Best New Restaurants 2014 and D Magazine Best Restaurants 2015.
• Rick's ChophousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSteakhouse restaurant in Historic Downtown McKinney owned by Wells Hospitality Group. Site of Symposium events and anniversary celebrations.
• Profound FoodsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal farmer's distribution hub serving over 60 DFW restaurants, sourcing from nearly 40 local farms and ranches. Created from collaboration between Jeff Bednar and Nelson Carter who met at a SPF Symposium. Received $500,000 USDA grant.
• Profound MicrofarmsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHydroponic greenhouse operation in Lucas founded by Jeff and Lee Bednar in 2014. Grows 150+ varieties in 17,000 sq ft of controlled environment. Stop on SPF Farm Tours.
• Pure Land FarmmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPick-your-own farm in McKinney operated by Jack and Megan Neubauer. SPF Executive Director Megan leads the farm. Grows 3 acres of thornless blackberries and 2 acres of annual vegetables. Stop on SPF Farm Tours.
• Cartermere FarmsmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner300-acre farm anchored by 38-acre lake, founded by former tech industry professional Nelson Carter in 2013. Produces natural, organic eggs, chicken, honey, and seasonal vegetables without pesticides or GMOs. Stop on SPF Farm Tours.
• Texan by NatureflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerTexas-led conservation nonprofit founded by former First Lady Laura Bush. Honored SPF/Harvest on TxN 20 list in 2019 and 2020 for conservation and sustainability efforts.
• Empty Bowls McKinneycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner2020 grantee partnering with Community Lifeline Center to help individuals and families experiencing food insecurity through food pantry services.
• Hugs CafecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit restaurant providing meaningful training and employment to adults with special needs. 2020 grantee using funds for website and e-commerce expansion.
• Grow North TexasmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperates Grow Garden Grow program that equips teachers to lead garden curricula. 2020 grantee for pilot in four Title 1 schools in Dallas County.
• Connemara Conservancy FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner72-acre land trust restoring Blackland Prairie by removing invasive species. 2020 grantee for irrigation expansion and native grass seed purchase.
• Good Local MarketsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrower-only markets in East Dallas. 2020 grantee for marketing campaign about farmers, seasonality, and local produce education.
• Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding and RespitecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTherapeutic riding center for people with disabilities. 2020 grantee for mercantile expansion to support programs and create jobs.
• Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTexas nonprofit advocating for small-scale independent family farmers. SPF supported FARFA fundraiser and co-hosts educational events. FARFA's Farm Crisis Fund board includes SPF representatives.
• Noble Research InstitutemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresented at September 2024 North Texas Farm-to-Table Symposium on regenerative agricultural practices to reverse farming challenges.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Heifer International: Global nonprofit applying sustainable agriculture and livestock to alleviate hunger and poverty; shares SPF's farm-to-food-security thesis and grant/donation funding model but at international scale.
• Feeding Texas: Statewide association of 21 Texas food banks; comparable food-security mission across Texas and a natural umbrella/peer for any North Texas anti-hunger nonprofit.
• American Farmland Trust: National nonprofit focused on farmland conservation, sustainable agriculture, and farmer support; overlaps with SPF's sustainable agriculture and Farm Crisis Fund programming and ESG positioning.
• Community Foundation of Texas: Large Dallas-based community foundation that pools and deploys philanthropic capital across North Texas; comparable to SPF as a regional grantmaking vehicle but at much greater scale and broader thematic scope.
• North Texas Food Bank: Regional food bank serving 13 counties including Collin County; addresses the same food insecurity problem at significantly larger scale through donated food distribution, paralleling SPF's hunger-relief mission but operating as a wholesale distributor rather than a donation farm.

Direct peers

• Sustainable Food Center (Austin): Texas-based nonprofit combining sustainable agriculture education, farmer support, and food access programs; closely mirrors SPF's hybrid farm/education/community model though in a different metro.

Regional players

• Meals on Wheels of Collin County: Local Collin County nonprofit delivering meals to food-insecure seniors; serves the same county-level food insecurity mission as SPF and frequently co-serves overlapping beneficiaries.

Others

• Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation: Corporate foundation funding nutrition and sustainable food-system initiatives; represents the type of ESG-oriented funding source SPF could partner with as a grantee.

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/spftx

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Seed Project Foundation