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National Food Systems Call for Expressions of Interest

Q: How much funding can be received?

National Food Systems Call for Expressions of Interest Funds up to $500,000 of admissible expenses.

Q: 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

Q: 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).

Q: 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.

Q: 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

Last Update: March 4, 2026

Canada

Supports Black-led food sovereignty pilot projects

Grant and Funding

The Foundation for Black Communities

Processing And Agreement

Other info

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.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Integrate new technologies

Increasing 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

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 485,000

Pilot urban farming hub with cold storage and market distribution

$ 472,000

Shared commercial kitchen and e-commerce platform for Black food vendors

Documents Needed

Detailed project proposal (for selected applicants in the planning stage)
Project budget (for selected applicants in the planning stage)

Eligibility

The applicant must be a Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving (B3) organization.
The applicant must be a registered not-for-profit organization or a charitable organization.
The applicant must be based in Canada.
Informal collaboratives are eligible if they have a B3 trustee or fiduciary partner.
The project must align with improving food sovereignty for Black Canadians.

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

How to apply

Step 1: Submit Expression of Interest

Prepare an initial overview of your pilot project idea aligned with the program’s areas of interest.
Submit the Expression of Interest to begin the two-stage process.

Step 2: Develop full pilot project proposal (selected applicants)

Use the planning support to develop a detailed project proposal.
Prepare a project budget as part of the proposal development.
Follow the timelines and instructions provided by the funder for Phase 1 proposal requirements.

Step 3: Implementation funding decision

Submit the completed pilot project proposal for assessment.
If selected, receive funding to implement the pilot project.

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.

Apply to this program

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?

How much funding can be received?

Who is eligible for the National Food Systems Call for Expressions of Interest program?

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.