Circular Food Innovators Fund (CFIF) Program 2026

🏙️ About City of Toronto CFIF Program

The City of Toronto has launched the second round of the CFIF to eliminate waste from the food and beverage sector. By providing financial resources to small businesses, the program incentivizes the shift from the “take-make-dispose” model to a circular system that prioritizes product longevity and reuse.

💰 Benefits of City of Toronto CFIF Program

The City has allocated a total of $275,000 for the 2026 intake across two streams:

• CFIF Projects: Grants ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 for system implementation or enhancement.
• Green Workforce Projects: Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 for staff training and development (available only to CFIF Project recipients).

✅ City of Toronto CFIF Program Requirements

The program is designed for small-scale, local stakeholders who can implement changes within the City of Toronto.

Eligible Organizations:

• Small For-Profit Businesses: Fewer than 99 full-time employees.
• Non-Profits and Charities: Registered organizations, including Business Improvement Areas (BIAs).
• Academic Institutions: Publicly funded colleges or universities.

Operational Requirements:

• Service Type: Must provide food/beverages for takeaway or delivery, or provide the infrastructure (e.g., specialized washing) to those businesses.
• Location: Must be physically located in Toronto or implement the project within the city’s boundaries.
• Indigenous Organizations: Urban off-reserve Indigenous-led organizations are eligible, even if delivering culturally-based programming outside the city.

📅 Application Date and Process

The 2026 application window is open from January 5 to March 1, 2026.

Steps to Apply:

1. Assess Your Project: Ensure your proposal either implements a new reuse system or provides a significant enhancement to an existing one.
2. Download Templates: Visit the official City of Toronto website to download the mandatory Project Plan and Project Budget templates.
3. Gather Evidence: Collect proof of business address, incorporation documents, and recent financial statements.
4. Draft Your Pitch: Describe the specific problem your project solves and outline the anticipated impact on waste reduction.
5. Submit Online: All applications must be submitted via the City’s online portal by 11:59 p.m. on March 1, 2026.

📌 Application Deadline

March 1, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

View details of the City of Toronto CFIF Program.

Apply for the City of Toronto CFIF Program.

• Grants from $5,000 to $35,000 for system implementation or enhancement.
• Grants from $500 to $5,000 for staff training and development (available only to CFIF Project recipients).