N
Closed
National Food Systems Call for Expressions of Interest
Supports Black-led food sovereignty pilot projects
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 500,000
Timeline
- Closing date : July 25, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
This opportunity funds pilot projects advancing food sovereignty for Black Canadians, with up to $500,000 for implementation. It supports initiatives related to access to land, markets, and tools and technology, with a planning stage that can provide up to $15,000 to develop a detailed proposal and budget.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : July 25, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
Location
- Canada
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
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Nonprofits / charities
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Pilot initiatives improving access to land for food production, community gardening, or agricultural projects.
- Pilot initiatives improving access to markets for Black Canadian food producers, entrepreneurs, and vendors.
- Pilot initiatives improving access to tools and technology for food procurement and production.
- Projects that support knowledge and education tied to food sovereignty, including intergenerational knowledge transfer related to cultivating and distributing culturally appropriate food.
Documents Needed
- Detailed project proposal (for selected applicants in the planning stage)
- Project budget (for selected applicants in the planning stage)
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Black-led, Black-focused, Black-serving not-for-profit organizations
- Black-led, Black-focused, Black-serving charitable organizations
- Informal collaboratives with a B3 trustee or fiduciary partner
Who is not eligible
- Organizations that are not Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving (B3)
- Organizations that are not registered as a not-for-profit or charity (unless applying as an informal collaborative with a B3 trustee or fiduciary partner)
- Organizations not based in Canada
Eligible expenses
- Costs to develop a detailed project proposal (including budgeting) through the planning grant
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Expressions of Interest are reviewed to identify selected applicants.
- Successful Expression of Interest applicants are notified the week of August 25.
- Selected applicants receive planning funding to develop a full pilot project proposal.
- Full pilot project proposals are assessed to select projects for implementation funding.
Additional information
- Selected participants may receive strategic advice and mentorship from an Advisory Committee.
- Learning and evaluation supports are provided to document what works and share insights.
- The initiative encourages bold and innovative approaches, and treats setbacks as part of the learning process.
- Successful Expression of Interest applicants are expected to be notified the week of August 25.
Frequently Asked Questions about the National Food Systems Call for Expressions of Interest Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the National Food Systems Call for Expressions of Interest. 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.
What is the National Food Systems Call for Expressions of Interest?
This opportunity funds pilot projects advancing food sovereignty for Black Canadians, with up to $500,000 for implementation. It supports initiatives related to access to land, markets, and tools and technology, with a planning stage that can provide up to $15,000 to develop a detailed proposal and budget.
How much funding can be received?
National Food Systems Call for Expressions of Interest Funds up to $500,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the National Food Systems Call for Expressions of Interest program?
To be eligible for the National Food Systems Call for Expressions of Interest program, you must:
Black-led, Black-serving (B3)
Registered non-profit or charity
Based in Canada
What expenses are eligible under National Food Systems Call for Expressions of Interest?
Pilot initiatives improving access to land for food production, community gardening, or agricultural projects.
Pilot initiatives improving access to markets for Black Canadian food producers, entrepreneurs, and vendors.
Pilot initiatives improving access to tools and technology for food procurement and production.
Projects that support knowledge and education tied to food sovereignty, including intergenerational knowledge transfer related to cultivating and distributing culturally appropriate food.
Who can I contact for more information about the National Food Systems Call for Expressions of Interest?
You can contact The Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC).
Where is the National Food Systems Call for Expressions of Interest available?
The National Food Systems Call for Expressions of Interest program is available across Canada.
Is the National Food Systems Call for Expressions of Interest a grant, loan, or tax credit?
National Food Systems Call for Expressions of Interest is a Grant and Funding
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