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Carrot Cache Fund - Ontario - Canada
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Carrot Cache Fund

Funding for local food system projects in Ontario
Carrot Cache
Last Update: May 26, 2026
View official website
Funding available
$ 500 - $ 5,000
Timeline
  • Closing date : December 9, 2025
Location
Ontario, Canada

Overview

Carrot Cache provides small funding for food projects that improve or create change in Ontario’s local food system. It supports eligible farms, small businesses, co-operatives, non-profits, community groups, research and advocacy, and media-based education initiatives.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Reduce environmental 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

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Regional food economy initiatives
  • Local organic agriculture projects
  • Community food strategies
  • Broader food systems initiatives
  • Media-based education on sustainable and just regional food systems

Official resources

Official page

Carrot Cache funding

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Farms
  • Small businesses
  • Worker co-operatives
  • Not-for-profit organizations
  • Community groups
  • Research and advocacy groups
  • Media-based education initiatives

Who is not eligible

  • Organizations that have already received Carrot Cache funding three or more times
  • Organizations currently receiving funding from foundations, corporations, the United Way, or government
  • Projects outside Ontario
  • Emergency food projects such as food hampers

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Travel expenses
  • Individual education
  • HST
  • Conferences
  • Emergency food projects such as food hampers
  • Projects completed and seeking cost recovery
  • Projects outside Ontario

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario

Selection criteria

  • Alignment with the fund’s food system priorities.
  • Projects led by people facing systemic barriers.
  • Projects that benefit communities facing systemic barriers.
  • Strong fit with a sustainable and just regional food system.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Review funding criteria
    • Check the program guidelines to confirm eligibility.
    • Complete the expression of interest when it opens.
  • Step 2: Submit expression of interest
    • Submit the preliminary inquiry form on the website.
    • Wait for the funder’s response after review.
  • Step 3: Receive invitation if selected
    • Invited applicants receive instructions to prepare a final application.
    • Applicants not selected receive a message to apply in a future cycle.
  • Step 4: Submit final application
    • Complete and submit the final application by the deadline.

Processing and Agreement

  • Expressions of interest are reviewed first.
  • Selected applicants receive an invitation to submit a final application.
  • The board selects recipients after review.
  • Successful applicants are notified in late February.
  • Cheques are sent out after winners are announced.

Additional information

  • Applicants from communities facing systemic barriers are prioritized.
  • The fund supports small projects and organizations in Ontario.
  • Recipients are notified in late February.
  • The board selects recipients in February and July.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Carrot Cache Fund Program

What is the Carrot Cache Fund?

Carrot Cache provides small funding for food projects that improve or create change in Ontario’s local food system. It supports eligible farms, small businesses, co-operatives, non-profits, community groups, research and advocacy, and media-based education initiatives.

How much funding can be received?

Carrot Cache Fund Funds up to $5,000 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Carrot Cache Fund program?

To be eligible for the Carrot Cache Fund program, you must: Ontario-based food projects Applicants facing systemic barriers Small teams with limited staff

What expenses are eligible under Carrot Cache Fund?

Regional food economy initiatives Local organic agriculture projects Community food strategies Broader food systems initiatives Media-based education on sustainable and just regional food systems

Where is the Carrot Cache Fund available?

The Carrot Cache Fund program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Carrot Cache Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Carrot Cache Fund is a Grant and Funding

Who are the financial supporters of the Carrot Cache Fund?

Carrot Cache Fund is funded by Carrot Cache