How much funding can be received?

Your not-for-profit organization could get funding to improve access to safe, healthy and culturally-diverse food and to promote environmentally sustainable food systems while supporting local communities.

grant_single_labels|projects

The grant supports projects focused on food production that enhance community food security, specifically for equity-deserving groups such as Indigenous and Black communities. Eligible activities are centered around purchasing and installing infrastructure or equipment for food production and related processes.

Purchase and installation of equipment to produce food
Purchase and installation of equipment to process, distribute, store, and/or transport food, when the project includes a food production element
Building a community garden with an irrigation system
Installing a greenhouse with solar panels
Establishing a food forest

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$120,000

Vancouver

Renovating a local food bank to improve food storage and distribution capabilities

$250,000

Montreal

Launching a mobile farmers market to deliver fresh produce to underserved areas

$180,000

Halifax

Building a community kitchen to teach cooking skills and nutritional awareness

$350,000

Winnipeg

Expanding a local food distribution network to reach more underserved areas

$300,000

Calgary

Upgrading a local food co-op with new equipment to enhance food processing capabilities

$200,000

Toronto

Establishing a community garden to provide fresh produce to local residents

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) supports projects that aim to improve community food security through infrastructure related to food production, giving priority to initiatives led by or serving Indigenous and Black communities. To be eligible, organizations must meet specific criteria regarding their type, mission, and operational status.

You are one of the following organization types:
Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) organizations, including communities, governments, or not-for-profit associations/organizations
Not-for-profit organizations with a mandate to provide community food services
Municipal administrations
Your organization fosters equity, diversity, and inclusion to provide equal access to opportunities and resources for all individuals, particularly Two-Spirit, LGBTQIA+, Black, and Indigenous communities.
Your organization must have been operational for at least two years as a legally incorporated entity capable of entering into legally binding agreements by the application submission date.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Local Food Infrastructure Fund is designed to support specific types of organizations rather than companies. Eligible applicants include Indigenous organizations, not-for-profit organizations with a mandate to provide community food services, and municipal administrations, provided that they foster equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) organizations, including community and governments, not-for-profit associations, and not-for-profit organizations.
Not-for-profit organizations such as associations, corporations, and local community, charitable or voluntary organizations with a mandate for community food services.
Municipal administrations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Certain types of companies are not eligible for the LFIF grant. These include educational institutions and for-profit entities, among others.

Schools, school boards, as well as academic and educational institutions
For-profit entities
Unincorporated entities

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for the Local Food Infrastructure Fund grant include those that fall within set program cost categories and relate directly to the purchase and installation of equipment aimed at improving community food security through food production activities.

Equipment to produce food, such as those for growing and harvesting food
Equipment to process, distribute, store, and/or transport food, provided the project includes a food production element
All costs must be included in the project application form budget and related to the activities included in the application
Costs incurred before AAFC project approval may not be reimbursed

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant program is available to organizations across Canada, with special provisions for Quebec-based organizations to comply with the M-30 legislation. There is a focus on projects that serve equity-deserving groups, especially in Indigenous and Black communities.

All provinces and territories in Canada
Quebec-based organizations must comply with the M-30 legislation
Priority given to Indigenous and Black communities

grant_single_labels|criteria

The LFIF grant application will be competitively reviewed and evaluated based on criteria such as the project's relevance, the organization's ability to manage the project and achieve results, the impact on the community, expected results, and the comprehensiveness of the financial information provided. Additional factors such as diversity, geographic distribution, and the prioritization of equity-deserving groups will also influence funding decisions.

Relevance of the project for the organization
Requested infrastructure/equipment is targeted and related to the expected increase of the organization's capacity to produce food, and/or to complement the food production via processing, storing, and/or distribution of food.
Ability to manage projects and achieve results
Applicant demonstrates a reasonable project timeline and a clear risk mitigation strategy.
Impact on the community
Applicant demonstrates how the proposed infrastructure/equipment will address local food security-related issues and increase access to local, nutritious and culturally appropriate food for equity-deserving groups.
Expected results
The project results in an increased level of service, demonstrated in the Table of Metrics and application responses. Any additional benefits of the project are also explained in the application.
Financial information
Budget information is clear, reasonable, well-described, and amounts align to provided quotes.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: What this program offers
Intake period for Small Scale Projects: October 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024.
Intake period for Large Scale Projects: January 13, 2025 to February 28, 2025.
LFIF supports community food security through infrastructure/equipment funding.
Priority will be given to projects serving Indigenous and Black communities.
Two components: Small Scale ($25,000-$100,000), Large Scale ($150,000-$500,000).
Step 2: Eligibility
Ensure your organization meets eligibility criteria.
Eligible organizations: Indigenous, Not-for-profit, Municipal Administrations.
You must promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Organizations must have existed for at least 2 years as a legal entity.
Eligible activities are focused on food production for equity-deserving groups.
Step 3: Before you apply
Ensure application aligns with the program's purpose and objectives.
Get in touch with Indigenous Pathfinder Service if applicable.
Check that your application includes all necessary documentation.
Step 4: How to apply
Applications are accepted between October 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024.
Submit only one application; only the first one will be assessed.
Download and complete required forms and documents, such as:
Detailed Project Budget
Table of Metrics
Certificate of Incorporation
Quotes for costs over $5,000
Other applicable permissions and resolutions
Secure your required sign-in method to submit your application.
Submit the completed application with all required documents.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) application process includes certain specific guidelines and criteria to ensure the funding serves its intended purpose, focusing especially on equity-deserving groups. Applicants must adhere to multiple submission restrictions, and additional support is available for Indigenous applicants.

Only one application will be accepted per eligible applicant during the intake period, with exceptions potentially applied for Indigenous applicants.
Applications from organizations that signed a funding agreement with the LFIF since September 2021 will not be considered or assessed.
Funding under Small Scale Projects is intended for projects requiring just one or a few pieces of infrastructure/equipment for community food security initiatives.
Quebec-based organizations need to comply with the Province of Quebec's M-30 legislation before entering a funding agreement.
Indigenous applicants have access to additional support through the Indigenous Pathfinder Service.
Ownership of eligible equipment must be maintained for a minimum of two years after the project completion date.

grant_single_labels|documents

Local Food Infrastructure Fund

grant_single_labels|contact

1-866-367-8506

Apply to this program

Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) Program Overview

The Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) aims to enhance community food security and accessibility to local, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food through funding for infrastructure and equipment. Projects focusing on equity-deserving groups, particularly Indigenous and Black communities, are prioritized for funding from this Canadian government initiative.

Comprehensive Guide to the Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF)

The Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) is a crucial initiative designed by the Canadian government to bolster food security across communities by improving access to local, nutritious, and culturally suitable food. This program offers substantial financial support to projects that can install or improve infrastructure focused on food production, particularly benefiting equity-deserving groups such as Indigenous and Black communities. Understanding the intricacies of this grant can help organizations effectively apply for and utilize these funds to maximize their impact on community food security. ### Eligibility and Key Criteria To qualify for the LFIF, your organization must adhere to specific eligibility criteria. Primarily, applicants should fall under categories such as Indigenous organizations, not-for-profit entities, or municipal administrations. Importantly, organizations need to have fostered equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities and resources for all individuals, including marginalized communities. By the submission date, your organization must have operated as a legal entity for at least two years, capable of entering into legally binding agreements. It's crucial to note that schools, school boards, academic institutions, and for-profit enterprises are not eligible for this grant. ### Program Objectives and Components The LFIF's core aim is to back locally-driven projects that boost community food security through improved infrastructure for food production. The fund is divided into two main components: Small Scale Projects and Large Scale Projects. 1. **Small Scale Projects**: These offer grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. They focus on projects addressing local food security priorities through purchasing and installing infrastructure or equipment. 2. **Large Scale Projects**: These provide non-repayable contributions between $150,000 to $500,000 for comprehensive community food security initiatives involving multiple infrastructure needs and partnerships. This component demands partnerships (at least two) to enhance community food security efforts. ### Funding Opportunities and Limits The LFIF allows Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to potentially cover up to 100% of eligible project costs, within stipulated funding caps. For Small Scale Projects, up to $100,000 is available, and applications under $25,000 are not considered. Large Scale Projects are suitable for organizations with multiple infrastructure needs, offering up to $500,000. Notably, if an organization receives funding in one intake period, it can't apply again during the same fiscal cycle. Exceptions apply for Indigenous applicants, who may benefit from more flexible terms in certain scenarios. ### Application Process and Timeline The application process for Small Scale Projects is open from October 1 to October 31, 2024, with the Large Scale Projects intake running from January 13 to February 28, 2025. Organizations are encouraged to apply early, as the application period could close if funds are fully allocated. Applicants should ensure their budgets are comprehensive, including details like a certificate of incorporation, quotes for cost items over $5,000, and any necessary permissions or resolutions. Applications must align with the specified program objectives, illustrating how the proposed infrastructure/equipment enhances food security and community benefits. ### Assessment and Selection Criteria Applications undergo a competitive review based on several criteria: - **Relevance to Organizational Mission**: The project must align with and support the organization's food security goals. - **Infrastructure Necessity**: Justification for requested infrastructure or equipment in relation to food production enhancements is crucial. - **Impact on Community**: How well the project addresses local food security challenges for equity-deserving groups. - **Project Viability**: A reasonable timeline, risk management understanding, and a clear financial plan. Decisions will also factor in priority populations, geographic considerations, and the diversity of proposed projects. The Minister retains discretion over final funding decisions, meaning even eligible projects may not always secure funding. ### Strategic Considerations for Applicants Given the competitive nature of this grant process, organizations must focus on developing strong applications with comprehensive, detailed project proposals. Understanding the alignment of your project with LFIF’s goals, clearly articulating the community impact, and meticulously planning your budget are vital. Organizations should pay attention to project metrics and ensure they can effectively demonstrate how the project outcomes will meet the LFIF objectives. Additionally, seeking partnerships and collaborations can significantly bolster an application, particularly for Large Scale Projects. ### Conclusion The LFIF stands as a pivotal opportunity for organizations committed to enhancing community food security and contributing to sustainable local food systems. By thoroughly understanding the eligibility requirements, application timelines, and program objectives, eligible organizations can seize this opportunity to drive meaningful change in their communities. The focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion underscores the importance of projects that uplift marginalized communities, ensuring equitable access to nutritious food and fostering resilient food systems across Canada.