Local Food Infrastructure Fund – Small Scale Projects: Step 1. What this program offers

Step 1. What this program offers

Intake period: Open

Applications will be accepted from October 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. However, the application intake period may close sooner if funding has been fully committed or if otherwise announced here.

Applications received from organizations who signed a funding agreement with the LFIF since September 2021 will not be considered or assessed.

The LFIF has a new application process. Don't wait until the last minute to apply. Requests for extensions to apply after the closing deadline will not be accepted.

If you’re an Indigenous applicant, you can contact the Indigenous Pathfinder Service for additional support by email at aafc.indigenouspathfinder-explorateurautochtone.aac@agr.gc.ca or telephone: 1-866-367-8506.

The program ends on March 31, 2027.

The Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) supports projects that strengthen community food security and increase the availability and accessibility of local, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food through food production-focused activities for equity-deserving groups, particularly Indigenous and Black communities.^{Footnote 1}

Program objectives

The LFIF aims to support locally-driven projects that will help improve community food security through the purchase and installation of infrastructure/equipment that will increase access to local, nutritious and culturally appropriate food.

Priority will be given to projects that predominantly serve equity-deserving groups, particularly those that are led by or focus on Indigenous and Black communities.

The program has 2 components

1. Small Scale Projects

• provides grant funding between $25,000 and $100,000
• supports projects that aim to address local food security priorities through the purchase and installation of one or a few pieces of infrastructure/equipment
  • projects must include a production element^{Endnote 2}
• application intake period: October 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024
• total funding of $23.5 million over 3 years starting in 2024-25

2. Large Scale Projects

• provides non-repayable contribution funding between $150,000 and $500,000
• supports projects with multiple infrastructure/equipment needs and partnerships to address community food security in a more comprehensive manner
• projects must include a production element^{Endnote 2} and partnerships (minimum 2) to enhance community food security
• application intake period: January 13, 2025 to February 28, 2025
• total funding of $19.2 million over 2 years starting in 2025-26

Funding

The maximum Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) grant toward a project will normally not exceed $100,000. Applications under $25,000, after ineligible costs have been removed, will not be considered for funding.

Applicants who don't receive funding through the 2024-2025 intake may reapply to the 2025-2026 intake period.

Cost-sharing

AAFC may provide up to 100% in funding toward eligible project costs.