Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Rising Sun Food Drive Foundation (RSFDF)

Rising Sun Food Drive Foundation (RSFDF) is a charitable non-profit based in Scarborough, Toronto, dedicated to relieving poverty and hunger. Created in 2019 by experienced food security activists, the foundation responds to growing demand on local food banks and rising food insecurity documented across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). RSFDF operates as a registered charity and maintains funds that are applied to other registered charities under the Income Tax Act of Canada.

The foundation’s work focuses on organizing and coordinating food drives, leveraging donations from individuals, businesses and community groups, and converting these contributions into concrete support for frontline organizations. Food banks are described as the foundation’s clients: RSFDF facilitates access to nutritious food and other basic supplies, and provides operational resources they need to serve vulnerable populations.

RSFDF channels both in-kind and financial resources to community food banks, faith-based food programs and social service organizations. Its stated pillars include supporting food banks that have charitable status, operating food drives, and offering similar programs designed to relieve poverty in local communities. In addition, RSFDF receives and maintains one or more funds and allocates principal and income from these funds to registered charities, effectively operating as a grantmaking foundation within the food security sector.

The foundation’s partner list includes numerous food banks and community agencies across Scarborough and Toronto, such as Agincourt Community Services Association, Malvern Food Bank, Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities, YMCA Scarborough Town Centre and others. This illustrates a portfolio of funded or resourced organizations spanning community services, faith communities and children and family supports.

RSFDF emphasizes accountability, transparency and compassion. Through its “Our Impact” section and published annual reports (e.g., 2020–2022 and 2022–2024), the organization documents how donations are used, the geographic spread of its logistics operations, and the social outcomes for clients and volunteers. Financial reporting highlights how funds are maximized for impact, while social and environmental lenses showcase testimonials, volunteer experience and sustainable practices such as reuse, composting and reduced carbon footprint.

The primary beneficiaries of RSFDF’s funding and resource distribution are low-income individuals and families facing food insecurity, accessed mainly through partner food banks and community hubs. By coordinating large-scale food drives, engaging volunteers and business sponsors, and maintaining structured funds for redistribution, the foundation extends the capacity of multiple community organizations rather than operating as a single food outlet.

Beyond direct relief, RSFDF works to build networks of "Change Makers"—funder partners, community groups and businesses that provide recurring financial support. This network model deepens RSFDF’s ability to sustain and expand its support to food banks across Scarborough and, over time, beyond its initial geographic focus.