The Leadership Fund
The Leadership Fund
**The Leadership Fund is no longer accepting applications for 2025. Applicants will hear about the status of their application in June 2025.**
We know it can be very hard to access professional development opportunities in the non-profit sector, especially for people working in small and grassroots organizations with limited resources. We also know that having a sustainable impact on systemic issues like food insecurity requires a talented and diverse group of leaders – especially leaders who reflect the communities most impacted by food insecurity and poverty.
The Leadership Fund is a new grant program the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security piloted in 2024. Based on feedback from the 2024 grantees, we have made small changes and are offering the grant again in 2025.
The Leadership Fund is for emerging and experienced people leaders working for small-to-medium non-profits that work in food insecurity in Canada. The Fund is intended to support these leaders on their journey to gain the skills or practices they need to unlock the next level of impact in their career. The purpose of the Fund directly aligns with the Centre’s commitment to build capacity within the Canadian non-profit sector to address food insecurity and to alleviate the disproportionate impact of food insecurity among Black and Indigenous communities.
The Leadership Fund is no longer accepting applications for 2025.
Examples of how the Leadership Fund could be used
Grants of $1,500 or $3,000 will be available to individual applicants to cover costs associated with self-directed learning opportunities – including attending workshops, knowledge-sharing gatherings, gaining certification, completion of courses, or fees associated with professional coaching or mentoring.
Applicant eligibility
- Paid staff of charities, non-profits, or grassroots organizations based in Canada with an annual budget up to $2 million in the 2024 tax year. These organizations must have a mission or vision that aligns with the Centre’s focus on food insecurity. The organization must provide their services in Canada.
- Have the support of their organization to apply for the Leadership Fund (grant funds will be transferred to the organization itself).
- Be an emerging or experienced people leader.
- Be able to spend the funds by July 2026.
The application process for the Leadership Fund was clear and user-friendly, which I found to be highly commendable.
Vivian Etuka, Bethel Outreach Community Services in Brampton, ON.
I am grateful for the support from the Leadership Fund, which enabled me to participate in training programs and acquire the vital skills and knowledge necessary for proficient grant writing.
This opportunity has significantly impacted our organization. This has empowered us to effectively seek out more substantial funding opportunities to improve our food distribution programs and community outreach efforts. Moreover, the insights I’ve acquired have empowered us to establish enduring, impactful initiatives with enhanced proficiency in grant writing.
How to apply for the Leadership Fund
The Leadership Fund is not currently accepting applications for 2025.
You will need to answer three questions, either in writing or by video. You can respond in English or French. If you choose to write your answers, please use the space on the form (up to 750 words). If you prefer to record a video, upload your video file to the form. (up to 3 mins in length and max 1 GB, total).
- What skill, competency, or practice could the Leadership Fund help you achieve?
- How would having this skill, competency or practice help you overcome a challenge you have encountered and unlock the next level of your career? Please provide an example or anecdote.
- What specific expenses are you hoping the Leadership Fund will help to cover?
Applications will be assessed for fit with the following criteria
- The applicant demonstrates a high degree of self-awareness of the skills, competencies, or practices they need to grow in their career
- The applicant can clearly connect the skill, competency, or practice to the next step(s) in their career journey or their career goals
- Applicant has a plan for how they might start gaining this skill, competency, or practice with the help of the Leadership Fund
Preference will be given to applicants who are Black, Indigenous, or identify as a person of colour.
Reporting requirements
To help us improve the grant program, people who receive the leadership fun will be asked to share their reflections and feedback on the application process and how the funds have supported their professional development. This will involve a short meeting with a member of Maple Leaf Centre staff in early 2026.
We are eager to receive applications from impactful emerging leaders who are working to make a difference to food insecurity in their communities!
FAQs
How are you defining leader?
We have a broad definition of leader not defined by your job title. If you or your peers see you as a leader, we want to hear from you!
What types of expenses can I use the funds for?
You can use funds for anything that helps you gain your desired leadership skill, competency, or practice. In 2024 people used their Leadership Funds for travel expenses, registration fees, childcare costs, hiring a leadership coach, and honoraria for mentors.
Does my organization need to be a registered charity?
No, your organization does not need to be registered as a charity to receive funds. Your organization does need to be not-for-profit.
Who reviews my application?
Centre staff will first screen your application. Then Maple Leaf Foods team members across Canada review applications using a shared rubric based on the criteria listed above. These team members have experience as leaders or developing leaders. We have found that it is a powerful experience for team members to gain a better understanding of the joys and challenges of working in the food security sector.
How do I decide whether to apply for $1,500 or $3,000?
Choose the grant amount which will best meet your learning goals. You don’t need to provide exact costs of your learning activities, but providing some information will strengthen your proposal.
How many grants are you giving out?
Last year, we gave out ten grants for a total of $30,000. This year we will also give out $30,000 through this fund. The number of grants will depend on the amount requested by successful applicants.
When will I know whether I was successful? When will I receive funds and by when do I need to use the funds?
We expect to notify applicants about their application status in late May or early June. Funds will be sent in July, and we ask that you use the funds by the end of June 2026.
If you have other questions not answered here, or would like to set up a phone call, please email info@feedopportunity.com.
Click here to download a PDF version of the 2025 application process.