Provides up to $5,000 to support Ontario food projects that improve local food systems. Eligible activities include initiatives related to regional food economies, local organic agriculture, community food strategies, and broader food systems work.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increasing community impact

Develop strategic partnerships

Reduce the ecological footprint

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 5,000 $
Minimum amount : 500 $

Timeline

Closing date : December 9, 2025

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Location

Ontario

Legal structures

Non-profit

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

3 employees maximum

Audience

All groups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Economic, Social and Community Development
Diversity and Inclusion

Target groups

All the groups

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

All dimensions

Activities funded

Projects strengthening regional food economies.
Initiatives supporting local organic agriculture.
Development of community food strategies.
Broader food systems initiatives that improve a sustainable and just food system.
Research, advocacy, or media-based education advancing a sustainable and just regional food system.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 4,900

Pilot a cooperative Good Food Box sourcing organic local produce

$ 5,000

Transform surplus produce into preserved foods with community training

Eligibility

Applicant is a non-profit, grassroots group, or worker co-operative led by people from the community they serve, with members facing systemic barriers.
Project supports improvements to a sustainable and just local food system and supports communities facing systemic barriers.
Organization has 3 or fewer full-time, year-round staff.
Organization has no staff dedicated solely to fundraising.
Organization has no funding from family foundations, corporations, government, United Way, or similar sources.

Who is eligible?

Farms
Small businesses
Worker’s co-operatives
Not-for-profit organizations
Community groups

Who is not eligible

Organizations with more than 3 full-time, year-round staff.
Organizations with staff dedicated solely to fundraising.
Organizations receiving funding from family foundations, corporations, government, United Way, or similar sources.

Eligible geographic areas

Ontario

Processing and Agreement

The Board meets in February and July to select recipients.
Invitations to apply are sent in January.
Grant recipients are notified in late February.

Additional information

Invitations to apply are sent in January.
Grant recipients are notified in late February.
The Board meets in February and July to select recipients.
The Preliminary Inquiry Form deadline listed is 2025-12-09.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Carrot Cache Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Carrot Cache Fund. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.