How much funding can be received?

The AgriAssurance Program: Kosher and Halal Investment Component offers up to $350,000 per year for eligible not-for-profit organizations to develop quality assurance systems tailored to the Canadian kosher and halal red meat sectors. The program supports activities such as creating guidance documentation, integrating systemic approaches, and enhancing market credibility for kosher and halal products.

Financing terms and conditions

Not-for-profit organizations can receive up to $350,000 per year in funding, with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) contributing a maximum of 75% of eligible costs.
For-profit organizations can receive up to $50,000 per year, with AAFC contributing up to 50% of eligible costs.
The portion of costs not covered by AAFC must be contributed by the organization and can be a mix of cash and in-kind contributions.
In-kind contributions can only account for up to 10% of your cost-share and are not reimbursed by AAFC.
All eligible costs must be incurred within the timeframe indicated in the work plan and be part of the project application form budget.
Costs incurred before the application is deemed complete or approved are ineligible for reimbursement.
Funding is contingent on demonstrating alignment with program objectives and sufficient detail to merit funding as per established criteria.
Intellectual property created with project funding remains with the recipient, but AAFC retains the right to utilize it for governmental purposes.
Compliance with the M-30 Act is necessary for Quebec-based applicants.

Eligible projects & activities

Develop, maintain, integrate, and implement assurance systems, standards, and tools.
Communicate and facilitate knowledge transfer and dissemination of standards, systems, and tools.
Acquire expertise to develop best practices guides for the sector, such as train-the-trainer documentation.
Develop additional downstream guiding materials for slaughter plant employees to help them efficiently implement new tools and processes.
Update existing tools and standards as needed.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 45,000

Launch a community-driven recycling program

$ 60,000

Provide job training for marginalized youth

$ 50,000

Construct a sustainable urban garden space

$ 70,000

Set up an e-learning platform for indigenous languages

$ 65,000

Develop a mobile app for local farmers' markets

$ 40,000

Create an artisan skill-sharing workshop series

Eligibility criteria of the AgriAssurance Program — Kosher and Halal Investment – Not-for-profit program

The applicant must be a not-for-profit organization operating for social welfare, civic improvement, pleasure or recreation, or another non-profit purpose, including associations of workers and/or employers, community, charitable, voluntary organizations, sector councils, or not-for-profit corporations.
The applicant can also be an Indigenous organization, which includes First Nations, Inuit, or Métis communities and/or governments, associations, or not-for-profit organizations.
The applicant must have the ability to deliver a national scope project, encouraging stakeholder participation and support, and implementing it on a national scale.
The applicant must be a legal entity capable of entering into legally binding agreements.
Eligible activities include developing, maintaining, integrating, and implementing assurance systems, communicating and facilitating knowledge transfer, developing best practices guides, and updating existing tools and standards as needed.

Who is eligible?

Not-for-profit organizations operating for social welfare, civic improvement, or similar non-profit purposes, including associations of workers or employers, local community groups, and sector councils.
Corporations registered as not-for-profit entities.
Indigenous organizations, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and their respective associations, both not-for-profit and for-profit.

Eligible expenses

Costs related to the development, maintenance, integration and implementation of assurance systems, standards, and tools.
Expenses incurred for the communication and facilitation of knowledge transfer and dissemination of standards, systems, and tools.
Consulting fees for obtaining expertise to create best practices guides for the sector, such as train-the-trainer documentation.
Expenditures for the creation of additional guiding materials for slaughter plant employees to efficiently implement new tools and processes.
Funding for the update of existing tools and standards as needed.

Eligibility criteria of the AgriAssurance Program — Kosher and Halal Investment – Not-for-profit program

Completeness of the application and eligibility of the proposed project.
Alignment of proposed activities with program objectives.
Identification of all funding sources, including in-kind support.
Capacity to deliver the project, considering resources, timelines, and history with AAFC programming.
Reasonableness and necessity of proposed activities and costs to meet objectives.
For not-for-profit organizations: Demonstrating a current or potential market need or opportunity.
Potential for the project to influence the sector over the next 5 to 10 years, addressing urgency of demand or need.
Contribution to government priorities such as diversity, inclusiveness, sustainability, economic growth, and public trust building.

How to apply to the AgriAssurance Program — Kosher and Halal Investment – Not-for-profit program

Understand program details

Check the intake period: open until September 30, 2027
The program ends March 31, 2028
Program contributes up to $350,000/year for not-for-profits
Priority on projects addressing consumer confidence and market demand

Confirm eligibility criteria

Eligible organizations include not-for-profit entities and Indigenous organizations
Ensure you can deliver a project nationally
Projects must support program objectives and outcomes

Prepare for eligibility assessment

Identify all sources of funding, including your contributions
Your project costs should be eligible as of April 1, 2025
Consider federal, provincial, and partner contributions

Compile application documents

Gather necessary documentation such as financial statements and incorporation certificates
Download and complete all required forms including project budget and implementation plan
Ensure accuracy in detailing project activities and objectives

Submit complete application

Submit completed application with all supporting documents
Ensure your application meets all eligibility and assessment criteria
Verify the application form is filled out in full detail

Await application results

Wait for notification regarding your application's status
Be prepared to provide additional information if requested
Expect communication from AAFC about the decision timeline

Additional information

The intake period for application submissions may close earlier than the set deadline if the funding has been fully committed.
Projects are required to align with the government’s priorities, such as diversity, inclusiveness, sustainability, and economic growth.
The program encourages early communication with AAFC for confirmation of eligibility and valuation of in-kind contributions to avoid potential disallowance or undervaluation later in the process.
The intellectual property created through the funded project will be owned by the recipient but must grant usage rights to AAFC for government purposes.
Quebec-based applicants must demonstrate compliance with the Province of Quebec's M-30 legislation during the application process.