Local Food Fund (LFF) Intake Period Live: Apply by January 16, 2015
The Local Food Fund (LFF) received more than 300 application in the first year, amounting to more than $60 million in funding requests. A highly competitive application process saw the approval of 112 projects, which represent a provincial funding commitment of more than $16.6 million. Based on the popularity and success of the previous round of funding, the Local Food Fund has announced another intake period.
LFF Ontario Government Grant Program Paused from July 1st, 2014-November 24, 2014
On July 1, 2014 The Local Food Fund (LFF) ended its previous intake period. During the ensuing months, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) undertook a formal review of the program during the respite in application intake and as a result have implemented some changes.
Top Changes Made to the Local Food Fund (LFF)
- For Profit businesses will now be able to apply for a maximum of 50 percent funding, however they are encouraged to apply for less, which will make their application more favourable to being funded.
- There will only be one application intake in this the final year of the program. This will ensure that the projects can begin April 1, 2015 and be completed by December 31, 2015.
Ministry: Approval Process May Take Time
For those concerned that the approval process may have taken some time, the ministry is advising applicants to have patience as it may take up to 45 days to review the application prior to the approvals process, which may take additional time.
Funding through LFF Will Not Fund Expenses Retroactively
Applicants are reminded that the program will not cover costs incurred prior to receiving approval for the project. Any costs incurred prior to the approved project start date will be deemed ineligible. Additionally, any costs incurred after December 31, 2014 will also be deemed ineligible.
Applicants May Submit Revised Applications between November 24, 2014 and January 16, 2015
The ministry is reassuring applicants that the “pause” in reviewing applications had no implications on the approval process. While there is no “appeals process” for the Local Food Fund applicants may choose to resubmit a revised application between November 24, 2014 and January 16, 2015. OMAFRA program staff may also be contacted to for a debrief on reasons the application was unsuccessful.
Will Applications Submitted during the Pause be considered for Funding?
No, however applicants can reapply for this intake period. Applications submitted between 12:00 a.m. on July 1, 2014 and 8:59 a.m. on November 24, 2014 will no longer be valid. To be considered, applications must be submitted between 9:00 a.m. on November 24, 2014 and 11:59 p.m. on January 16, 2015.
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