CFI Innovate funding
Safefood is inviting applications for funding under its Community Food Initiatives (CFI) Innovate programme.
The Community Food Initiatives programme aims to empower people in low-income communities to make healthier food choices. It funds local projects that improve access to healthy and safe food using a community development approach. Since 2010, over 65,000 people have taken part in a Community Food Initiative activity.
The Community Food Initiatives Programme 2025-28 is funded by Safefood and administered by SECAD Partnership CLG.
Safefood is an all-island implementation body set up under the British-Irish Agreement (1999) to promote awareness and knowledge of food safety and healthy eating on the island of Ireland.
CFI Innovate will fund organisations to deliver one off projects that take a programme approach where participants are supported over a period of time. Funding can also be used to deliver other innovative projects or initiatives that use food as a vehicle to address key health and social concerns for the local community.
There are 2 options for the delivery of a CFI Innovate project:
1. CFI Innovate small project
2. CFI Innovate food environment project.
An overview of CFI Innovate can be viewed through clicking on this link: https://youtu.be/0lXpOQiPxYI.
Funding
Interested organisations can apply for funding up to a maximum of €1,500 or the sterling equivalent to deliver a project in their local area.
Online information session
We will be holding an information session for organisations who would like to hear more about the CFI Innovate funding and what delivering a project will entail.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the CFI Innovate funding.
Information session
Date: Wednesday, 29 April 2026
Time: 11.00 am – 12.00 pm
Click on the link to register to attend on the online information session:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ejvkorQXRPGhD9SCFhmeTg
Applicant Organisation Criteria
Organisations must:
• Be community-led organisations with a legal status and appropriate governance structure
• Be experienced in the management of public funds which support social inclusion initiatives
• Currently employ and manage professionals with community development experience
• Have experience of working with the target group identified
• Be supporting other broader community initiatives through their work
• Provide supports across communities irrespective of age, race or creed.
Closing date for application
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but it is important that applications are submitted as soon as possible. All activities should be completed by Sunday, 15th November 2026.
How to apply
Please contact Sinéad Conroy in SECAD Partnership for details on the programme and how to apply for the funding at: