Local Food Infrastructure Fund
Canada
Funding for non-profits to support local food systems
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateOctober 01, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateNovember 01, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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
This grant is available to organizations across Canada, as specified by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The program aims to enhance local food infrastructure nationally, aiming for broad geographic distribution of supported projects.
- All provinces and territories within Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$120,000
Renovating a local food bank to improve food storage and distribution capabilities
$250,000
Launching a mobile farmers market to deliver fresh produce to underserved areas
$180,000
Building a community kitchen to teach cooking skills and nutritional awareness
$350,000
Expanding a local food distribution network to reach more underserved areas
$300,000
Upgrading a local food co-op with new equipment to enhance food processing capabilities
$200,000
Establishing a community garden to provide fresh produce to local residents
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for this grant, organizations must meet several defined criteria focused on organizational type, mission, and operations.
- The organization must be either an Indigenous group (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) or a not-for-profit organization with a mandate to provide community food services. Eligible entities include Indigenous communities/governments, not-for-profit associations, corporations, and municipal administrations.
- Organizations must be committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring all individuals, particularly from equity-deserving groups, have equal access to opportunities and resources.
- The organization must have been in operation as a legal entity for at least 2 years by the application submission date, capable of entering into legally binding agreements.
- Schools, school boards, academic institutions, for-profit entities, and unincorporated entities are not eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is designed for organizations in Canada focusing on enhancing community food security through locally-driven projects. It aims to benefit particularly Indigenous and Black communities and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Indigenous organizations: First Nation, Inuit, or Métis communities and their respective governments, associations, or non-profit organizations.
- Not-for-profit entities with a mandate or mission to provide community food services, including local community, charitable or voluntary organizations.
- Municipal administrations with a focus on promoting community food security.
- Organizations that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion by ensuring access to opportunities for marginalized groups, such as Two-Spirit, LGBTQI+, Black, and Indigenous communities.
- Organizations incorporated as a legal entity for at least 2 years and capable of entering legally binding agreements.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are utilized to support community food security initiatives.
- Schools, school boards, as well as academic and educational institutions.
- For-profit entities.
- Unincorporated entities.
- Organizations that have signed a funding agreement with the LFIF since September 2021.
- Applications submitted by a third party, such as consultants applying on behalf of an eligible applicant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant is intended to enhance community food security by supporting projects focused on food production for equity-deserving groups. These initiatives emphasize increasing access to nutritious and culturally appropriate local food.
- Building a community garden with an irrigation system.
- Installing a greenhouse with solar panels.
- Establishing a food forest.
- Purchase and installation of equipment to grow and/or harvest food.
- Purchase and installation of equipment to process, distribute, store, and/or transport food, when linked to food production.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant supports costs associated with specific activities and equipment necessary to improve community food security through food production.
- Purchase of equipment to produce food, such as equipment for growing and harvesting food.
- Installation of equipment for food production.
- Purchase of equipment to process food, provided there is a food production element in the project.
- Installation of equipment to distribute, store, or transport food, conditional on an included production element.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria focusing on the project's relevance, management capacity, community impact, expected results, and financial clarity to ensure alignment with the LFIF's objectives.
- Relevance of the project for the organization: The requested infrastructure/equipment must be directly related to increasing the organization's capacity to produce and/or complement food production through processing, storing, and/or distribution.
- Ability to manage projects and achieve results: The applicant must demonstrate a reasonable project timeline and a clear risk mitigation strategy.
- Impact on the community: Evidence must be provided on how the proposed infrastructure/equipment will address local food security issues and increase access to local, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food for equity-deserving groups.
- Expected results: The project must show increased levels of service and demonstrate additional benefits in the application and Table of Metrics.
- Financial information: Budget details must be clear, reasonable, and well-documented with amounts matching provided quotes.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Prepare Application
- Ensure eligibility by reviewing the program criteria.
- Gather necessary documents: Certificate of Incorporation, Detailed Project Budget, Table of Metrics, and Quotes for cost items over $5,000, among others.
- Download the relevant forms to your computer from the AAFC portal.
- Step 2: Access Program Information
- Choose a secure sign-in method on the AAFC portal.
- Sign in or sign up to access the application portal.
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Start a new application by selecting Local Food Infrastructure Fund – Small Scale Projects.
- Enter the Project title and save your progress.
- Complete the online application form with all necessary details.
- Step 4: Attach Required Documents
- Attach all required documents, such as incorporation documents, budget, quotes, and relevant letters.
- Ensure all attachments are complete and adhere to the application guidelines.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Review the application and all attachments for accuracy and completeness.
- Submit the application through the portal before the deadline.
- Step 6: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive an automated confirmation email confirming receipt of the application.
- Save the confirmation for your records.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Requests for extensions beyond the closing deadline for application submissions will not be accepted, stressing the importance of timely application.
- All funding decisions are influenced by criteria like priority populations, geographic distribution, and the diversity of projects in order to ensure equitable support.
- If an applicant organization has various branches or departments, only one application can be submitted per legal entity.
- Quebec-based applicants must ensure compliance with the Province of Quebec's M-30 legislation, including obtaining necessary authorizations.
- Ownership of eligible equipment funded by the grant must be maintained for at least two years following the project completion date.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-866-367-8506
Apply to this program
Strengthening Community Food Security with LFIF Grants
The Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) offers crucial financial support aimed at enhancing food security within Canadian communities by facilitating access to funding for infrastructure aimed at improving local food production and distribution. This initiative prioritizes empowering Indigenous and Black communities to foster equitable access to culturally appropriate and nutritious food resources.
In-Depth Understanding of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund
The Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) operates with a mission to bolster community resilience through access to sustainable, nutritious, and culturally significant food sources in Canada. This fund is pivotal in addressing food security concerns, with a dedicated focus on supporting Indigenous and Black communities, as well as other equity-deserving groups. The LFIF facilitates this by providing grants for projects that augment local food production and distribution infrastructure, which are crucial for achieving stable and sustainable food environments within communities.
Financial backing through this grant is divided into two primary pathways: Small Scale Projects and Large Scale Projects. Small Scale Projects offer grant funding ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, targeting the procurement and installation of key infrastructure or equipment that directly responds to regional food security priorities. Applications for these projects must demonstrate a production component and are accepted from October 1 to October 31, 2024. On the other hand, Large Scale Projects extend non-repayable contribution funding between $150,000 and $500,000, supporting initiatives with more extensive infrastructure requirements typically involving multiple community partnerships. These applications are accepted from January 13 to February 28, 2025.
Eligibility for this program is strictly defined. It requires applicants to be legal entities in operation for a minimum of two years, fostering inclusivity and diversity to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure equitable food access. However, institutions such as schools and for-profit entities are ineligible. For Indigenous applicants, the Indigenous Pathfinder Service provides additional support to navigate the application process effectively.
One of the unique features of the LFIF is its cost-sharing aspect, which allows the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to cover up to 100% of eligible project costs, though the maximum grant for a project typically does not exceed $100,000. Applicants can reapply if they are unsuccessful in securing funding during an intake period, and multiple locations of a single organization are treated as one entity for application purposes.
Projects aiming for LFIF funding are expected to showcase substantial community impact, enhancing local food environments and strengthening overall community food security. These projects should illustrate how increased infrastructure will directly contribute to these outcomes, and must include detailed budget information and projected metrics for measurement. This emphasis on measurability ensures that funded projects align with the program’s strategic goals and are capable of delivering tangible results.
Ultimately, the LFIF represents an opportunity for community organizations to secure the necessary funding to spearhead projects aimed at developing sustainable food systems. By improving access to local, nutritious food, organizations not only contribute to community well-being but also support the broader goal of fostering resilient and self-sufficient food environments in Canada.
