Rural, Remote and Indigenous Food Action grants

• First Nations Bands and health centres
• Metis societies and associations 
• Indigenous organizations
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Municipalities and Regional Districts
• Community organizations and service agencies

Projects can focus on one or more factors affecting food security and Indigenous food sovereignty. 

Your project may aim to:

• Revitalize and strengthen Indigenous foodways
• Help communities plan, start, run or evaluate programs and services that support food security and Indigenous food sovereignty
• Bring people and communities together strengthen Indigenous food sovereignty

Our grants DO NOT cover:

• Projects outside of the Northern Health region
• Large scale food aid/charitable food projects (for example: providing food to community via food banks, food bag programs, Meals on Wheels, soup kitchens, etc.).
• Individuals or personal businesses 
• Academic research 

Northern Health employees, programs, or facilities cannot apply for funding but can be listed as a support or partner in the project

Do I need a project partner to apply?

No, however projects are often strengthened by working in partnership with other community groups outside your organization.

Can my group apply for a Rural, Remote & Indigenous Food Action grant if we have previously received other funding from Northern Health?

Yes, applicants who have previously received funding from Northern Health can apply for this funding opportunity. However, priority will be given to those applicants who have not previously received rural, remote and Indigenous food action grant funding.

How detailed should my application be?

Your application should clearly describe what you plan to do, why you are doing it, and how you will do it. Clear and detailed applications help the screening committee understand and review applications.

Our project requires a lot of funding to achieve our goal. Can we apply for a “donation” to our funding pot?

These funds are intended to support successful applicants with achieving timely projects. If other funding is also being used to support a project, it should be confirmed and complete. Donations to large capital projects with unsecured external funding will not be eligible.

What are some examples of past projects? Or what types of projects are usually funded?

Some past projects funded have included: 

• Building food knowledge and skills across generations 
• Strengthening community gardens and greenhouse systems
• Revitalizing and building food forests.
• Hosting food-centric community events and celebrations
• Developing community-specific food security plans and resources
• Paying living wages for community food roles
• Purchasing equipment to support safe food processing of food (including protein rich foods)