Application Information

This Link2feed onboarding grant will ensure that food banks have access to basic and up-to-date technology in order to begin using Link2Feed for active client intake. This fund will be allocated to affiliate members of their provincial association who do not have access to a designated computer for client intake.

Objectives

Successful applicants across Canada will be provided with funds to purchase and procure the minimum requirements needed to conduct client intake through Link2Feed’s Client Intake Software.

All successful applicants will be expected to actively use Link2Feed to conduct client intake.

Active use of Link2Feed stipulates asking all nationally required intake fields from the clients accessing services. This includes at least two of three unique identifiers (name, address, date of birth) in addition to all of the following:

• Gender
• Marital status
• Housing type
• Income type
• Disability
• Time in Canada
• Racial identity 
• Consent

Clients should be made aware that answering the intake questions is completely voluntary, and they do not need to do so in order to access services. The organization cannot deny service if the client does not wish to participate in the Link2Feed client intake survey.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for this grant, organizations must be:

• An affiliate food bank of Food Banks Canada (member of a provincial association) OR  
• A provincial association OR 
• A food bank or food security organization located in a northern community (according to the attached map): https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/190704/mc-a001-eng.htm

Please Note:

Food Banks that are currently using Link2Feed are ineligible

Food Banks are ineligible if they received a previous Link2Feed Technology Grant

Food Banks in Quebec should contact their Provincial Association for more information before submitting an application

Food Bank members of Food Banks Saskatchewan can apply for the grant, however they are ineligible for Link2Feed licensing fees, as their provincial association pays the monthly fees.

Eligible Expenses

Each successful applicant organization will receive funds (Maximum $7,000) to cover  costs associated with: 

• Purchasing a computer or laptop that is designated for client intake (Maximum $2,000)
• Internet access costs (for up to 1 year) and/or internet setup costs (Wi-Fi installation OR Rocket Hub, which may be required for remote locations)
• Link2Feed licensing fees (for up to a year – refer to licensing fees chart)
• Additional training costs that would allow the organization to meet the Fund’s objectives
• Part-time Staffing Costs to support work such as data transferring, conducting intake, and training volunteers.

Expenses not eligible for funding:

• Rent/hydro/utilities
• Construction projects; installation and re-wiring for equipment
• Previously incurred expenses or losses resulting from previous projects

Selection Process

Food Banks Canada will review applications based on  eligibility and the quality of the application. If more units are requested than available funds will allow, successful applications will be selected to ensure regional distribution.

Expectations of Successful Applicants

Successful applicants will be required to:

• Sign a Link2Feed licensing agreement and select a date for Link2Feed onboarding in calendar year 2025
• Actively use Link2Feed to collect client demographics and track visits by December 31, 2025 (see definition of active use above)
• Provide Food Banks Canada with a final report due 12 months after receipt of funds

Supporting Documentation

IMPORTANT! In order to ensure that funds reimbursed through this grant are tracked and properly accounted for, we require that you retain copies of supporting documentation for the expenses outlined in this application. Receipts, invoices, logs, reimbursement forms, financial statements, and other official documentation should be kept on file with your organization for 7 years.

The documents DO NOT need to be submitted with your application.

Important information for completing this grant application

• Complete every question on the grant application form. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Complete the application in the form provided; do not use another format.
• If you have any questions about how to complete this application, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Grants Team via email at grants@foodbankscanada.ca or by telephone at 1-800-986-5280 for assistance.

Please note the deadline for this grant is June 30th, 2025!