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Source verified October 6, 2026
CEF Agriculture Program
Funding for agriculture community initiatives
Latest source updateLast Update: October 6, 2026Latest change: The City Enrichment Fund Agriculture guidelines and application guide now show the 2026–27 intake timeline, updated applicant eligibility, and new submission and reporting instructions.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 6, 2026
Latest change: The City Enrichment Fund Agriculture guidelines and application guide now show the 2026–27 intake timeline, updated applicant eligibility, and new submission and reporting instructions.
CEF Agriculture guidelines updated
The CEF General Guidelines now publish the 2026–27 intake schedule, including the Agriculture deadline of December 7, 2026 at 4 pm, the August 1, 2027 hold deadline, the November 1, 2027 funding-agreement deadline, and final reports due February 1 to April 30, 2028. They also add updated eligibility rules for new applicants, including one full year of incorporation or one year of demonstrated activity before applying, plus broader exclusions and viability requirements. The Agriculture Application Guide adds new application instructions and required attachments, including a mandatory Board of Directors list and financial statements, with audited statements required for requests of $30,000 or more. It also adds a completeness review step, post-award reporting requirements, and confirmation that CEF funding must be used in the year it is awarded, with the final report due by February of the following year.
Funding available
$ 35,000
Deadline
December 7, 2026
Location
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Agricultural and rural-based not-for-profit organizations (registered and unregistered)
See full eligibility
Overview
The program offers up to $35,000 for agriculture-related community initiatives in Hamilton. It supports the planning, delivery, and administration of recurring programs and events that celebrate and educate around agriculture and rural life.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 35,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Hamilton
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Activities that promote, educate and celebrate agriculture and its contribution to the economy and quality of life in Hamilton.
Documents Needed
- Board of Directors list
- Financial Statements. If audited financial statements are not available, then unaudited statements are required; for grant requests greater than or equal to $30,000 audited financial statements are mandatory.
- Program Marketing Material
- Program Specific Material, if applicable
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Agricultural and rural-based not-for-profit organizations (registered and unregistered)
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
- Organizations with a charitable number
- Community associations
- Unincorporated groups with not-for-profit goals and governance structure
Who is not eligible
- Organizations that do not have an agriculture or rural-based mandate and/or do not have an agriculture or rural-based focused program and/or event
- Religious or political organizations
- Individuals
- For-profit organizations and ventures
- Organizations that have been incorporated for less than a year
Eligible geographic areas
- Hamilton
Selection criteria
- Applications are scored out of 100.
- A = 100 - 80, B = 79 - 70, C = 69 - 60, and D = 59 - 0; A, B and C ratings qualify for funding.
How to apply
- Submit the application online at https://cityofhamilton.smapply.io/
- Create a profile in the online submission platform
- Upload support material and attach documents within the online submission platform
- Review the application for completeness by selecting Review
- Submit the completed application through the online platform
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are assessed for eligibility and completeness using the Submission Standards and Accountability Framework
- Submitted applications are assessed and scored by adjudication teams made up of City staff and external community members
- If your application receives a fair rating or above (C rating and final score of at least 60), your score and recommended level of funding will be presented to the City of Hamilton Grants Sub-Committee for review and approval in spring of the following year
- You will receive confirmation of funding by email, and the email will include instructions to receive your funding and a timeline of when funds will be released
- You must complete a Final Report and submit it to CEF staff by February of the following year
Additional information
- A handbook is available for applicants.
- An information session is offered for new and returning applicants.
- Registered attendees receive the meeting link by email.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- CEF Appeals ProcessAppeals review for City Enrichment Fund applicants
- CEF Arts ProgramSupports Hamilton arts organizations and artists
- CEF Communities, Culture & Heritage ProgramSupports community identity in Hamilton
- CEF Community Services ProgramStrengthens Hamilton human services capacity
- CEF Digital Program – Digital Equity Initiatives StreamSupports digital equity and inclusion initiatives
- CEF Environment ProgramFunds environmental initiatives in Hamilton
- CEF Sport & Active Lifestyles ProgramSupports Hamilton sport and active living projects
Frequently Asked Questions about the CEF Agriculture Program Program
What is the CEF Agriculture Program?
The program offers up to $35,000 for agriculture-related community initiatives in Hamilton. It supports the planning, delivery, and administration of recurring programs and events that celebrate and educate around agriculture and rural life.
How much funding can be received?
CEF Agriculture Program Funds up to $35,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is December 7, 2026.
Who is eligible for the CEF Agriculture Program program?
To be eligible for the CEF Agriculture Program program, you must:
Agricultural or rural-based not-for-profit.
Must meet CEF general eligibility.
What expenses are eligible under CEF Agriculture Program?
Activities that promote, educate and celebrate agriculture and its contribution to the economy and quality of life in Hamilton.
Who can I contact for more information about the CEF Agriculture Program?
You can contact City of Hamilton by email at grant.coordinator@hamilton.ca or by phone at 905-546-2424 ext. 4524.
Where is the CEF Agriculture Program available?
The CEF Agriculture Program program is available the province of Ontario.