As part of the BCAFM ongoing commitment to building an equitable, just, inclusive and resilient food system and local economy, the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets is proud to offer a 2026 BCAFM Inclusion Grant for Farmers’ Markets!
Everyone gains when our farmers’ markets reflect the diversity of our communities. It’s good for business, good for food security, and good for social cohesion. Markets become more vibrant, attract new customers, and develop relationships with new sectors of the community. Ultimately, there will be more abundant and diverse farmers and food producers, and a stronger local economy.
The BCAFM Inclusion Grant for Farmers’ Markets is open to BCAFM member farmers’ markets who are working to reduce systemic barriers in their market and create a more inclusive and diverse environment for market staff, vendors and customers.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applications are open to BCAFM member farmers’ market governing organizations. Retroactive projects are not eligible for funding.
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
Grant funds can be used to support a BCAFM member farmers’ market’s inclusion journey. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
Everyone gains when our farmers’ markets reflect the diversity of our communities. It’s good for business, good for food security, and good for social cohesion. Markets become more vibrant, attract new customers, and develop relationships with new sectors of the community. Ultimately, there will be more abundant and diverse farmers and food producers, and a stronger local economy.
The BCAFM Inclusion Grant for Farmers’ Markets is open to BCAFM member farmers’ markets who are working to reduce systemic barriers in their market and create a more inclusive and diverse environment for market staff, vendors and customers.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applications are open to BCAFM member farmers’ market governing organizations. Retroactive projects are not eligible for funding.
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
Grant funds can be used to support a BCAFM member farmers’ market’s inclusion journey. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Equity, justice and decolonization (EJD) workshops
- Signage for markets
- Translation services
- Accessibility audits
- Paying for First Nations Elders to attend farmers' market opening ceremonies
EXAMPLES FROM PAST GRANT RECIPIENTS
- Invited local First Nations cultural groups to perform or open/close the market for the season
- Strengthened relationship with local First Nations and reduced barriers to required certification by covering Foodsafe/Marketsafe course fees for food vendors
- Created reusable signage with welcome greeting, accessibility information, and/or inclusivity messaging in multiple languages
- Implemented strategic planning consultation to improve community inclusion and support within the farmers' market, and invite actionable change
- Created rack cards with information about the commonalities of the region's First Nations culture and local agriculture
FUNDING DETAILS
A total of $2,500 in funding is available, with a maximum ask of $250 per applicant.
KEY DATES
- Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at noon PT: Application deadline. Applications will not be accepted after the noon deadline.
- Early to mid June, 2026: Applicants notified of application status.
- July 31, 2027: Deadline for successful applicants to complete grant activities
- October 31, 2027: Deadline to submit a brief grant report to BCAFM.
We invite interested applicants from all regions of the province to submit a grant application.
If you’re a vendor, our 2026 BCAFM Inclusion Vendor Grant will open in the fall of 2026.
Questions? Please get in touch with BCAFM Grant Administrator, Stacey Santos, at grants@bcfarmersmarket.org.