Seeding Food Innovation:
Frequently Asked Questions

Q:
What are the implications of COVID-19 on Seeding Food Innovation grants and research?
A:
Because of closures of labs and research facilities across Canada, we have temporarily delayed the 2020 Seeding Food Innovation grant program at this time. All current and potential applicants who have registered with us will be notified when the grant application is re-opened. Please contact us at Food.Innovation@Weston.ca if you wish to be added to our mailing list.

Current grantees should reach out to us at the same address if their ongoing work has been delayed. We remain committed to supporting all grantees.

Q:
How are grants given?
A:
Seeding Food Innovation provides grants to Canada Revenue Agency qualified donees. Grants are primarily given through open call for applications which are then reviewed by a Scientific Advisory Committee. We provide seed funding for interdisciplinary research or technology development that help accelerate solutions to sustainable food challenges. Research outcomes should impact primarily Canadians, but also deliver key learnings towards issues of global concern.
Q:
What are the stages of an application?
A:
We have a two-stage application process:

1. Letter of Intent (LOI) Deadline - Delayed Until Further Notice

2. Proposal (if invited) Deadline - Delayed Until Further Notice

At each stage applications will be reviewed by an international panel of experts. Only ~15% of LOIs are invited to the Proposal phase, so that applicants and reviewers can spend their time on Proposals that have an excellent chance of being funded.

Q:
This year, the focus is on Sustainable Intensification. What does that mean to you?
A:
We need to find ways to safely intensify production in our food system, to feed and nourish our growing population, in ways that are sustainable: environmentally, economically and culturally.
Q:
What are the key factors used to assess an application?
A:
At the LOI stage, the primary focus of review will be the innovative aspects of the scientific idea. At the Proposal stage, reviewers will place increased consideration on the feasibility/likelihood of success.

At all stages of the application process, we will typically assess:

  • Scientific rigor and innovation
  • Vision and scope of the proposal
  • Likelihood of success
  • How the project will change practice
Q:
How much can we apply for?
A:
The amount of an award will depend on what the proposal can justify as necessary to fulfil its objectives. Applicants may apply for up to $250,000.
Q:
Why is there an emphasis on collaboration and how is it evaluated?
A:
Because we believe that solutions to these issues will only be found if academic, industry or not-for-profits step outside of traditional boundaries and cooperate, projects must demonstrate substantive, interdisciplinary research partnerships and/or collaborations. All projects must have a minimum of one additional partner and a maximum of ten. Applications will be evaluated on the meaningfulness of the partnership/s and the appropriateness and extent of their collaboration (either financial and/or in-kind).
Q:
What should I consider when building the team to work on this project?
A:
One of the goals of this funding opportunity is to encourage and foster interdisciplinary research partnerships. Examples of partnerships might include teams from the same academic institution but separate schools, different institutions, the private sector, or civil society organizations. We are looking for applications that bring different disciplines and sectors together to help strengthen and test the scientific thesis. Industry or non-profit team members are also expected to contribute to the project, with either cash or in-kind contributions that are meaningful relative to the scale of the partner organization.
Q:
Who is funding this initiative?
A:
These grants are funded by George Weston Limited and Loblaw Companies Limited as part of their philanthropic funding initiatives.
Q:
What is the timeframe for a project length?
A:
18-24 months
Q:
What does Seeding Food Innovation fund?
A:
The total budget that can be applied is up to $250,000.
Will Fund
  • Principal applicant’s salary at a Canadian based CRA-registered institution. Please note, all Canadian universities and colleges have CRA registration numbers.
  • Software (Costs for licenses) and databases (Costs of collecting and archiving data)
  • Materials and consumables
  • Research Assistance
  • Fieldwork and data collection as well as transportation that relates to this collection
  • Travel costs to allow grantees to attend a relevant conference to present funded research
Not Eligible for Funding
  • Capital construction or refurbishment costs
  • Large equipment purchases, or indirect costs
  • Traveling costs to attend conferences/meetings
  • Computer systems & other electronics hardware
  • Facility rent and general office/lab or administrative costs
  • Academic Institutional overheads
  • Existing projects already funded by another grant, but requiring additional funding.
Q:
Who is eligible for funding?
A:
The principal applicant should be at a CRA qualified donee institution located in Canada, but additional applicants may be employed in any sector. We welcome proposals from a broad range of disciplines and encourage applications that involve cross-sector collaborations. Project must be conducted in Canada and up to 35% of the funds can be used to bring unique international resources into Canadian-led work.

All applications will require clear arrangements for the leadership and management of the program.

Principal Applicants must have a full-time and long-term appointment at their institution in order to apply. If a would-be applicant does not have a full-time or long-term position, they must have an Administrative Supervisor listed on the application that has a permanent post at a recognised Canadian post-secondary institution. For example, a postdoctoral fellow wishing to apply must co-apply with a faculty member.

As of now, applicants can apply in as many capacities on as many grants as they wish, and can hold an unlimited number of grants from the Companies.

Q:
What kinds of projects are eligible for funding?
A:
We are looking to fund projects that have the potential to make a tangible difference in the overall quality and/or sustainability of food systems. So, while we do not have any list of preferred topics or areas, we are looking for proposals that have the potential to show impact in a real and meaningful way to sustainably intensify food production. A list of possible key words can be found in the application.

With an unrivalled network of retail stores across Canada, a food-manufacturing business and a world-class supply chain, we can provide not only funding, but a deep understanding of consumer needs as well as an opportunity to help commercialize ideas in the marketplace.

Q:
What kinds of projects have you funded?
A:
See our list of Funded Projects
Other criteria apply; please see Funding Guidelines for details.