Information session on CFI Innovate funding
/Safefood is inviting applications for funding under its Community Food Initiatives (CFI) Innovate programme.
CFI Innovate supports organisations to develop and deliver innovative projects that use food to address health and social concerns within their local communities. The funding is available for organisations that may be new to delivering this type of project or organisations already working in this area.
Projects can support participants to develop practical skills and confidence in areas such as cooking, healthy eating, shopping, budgeting and meal planning, or can take a broader approach by exploring the local food environment and ways to improve access to and availability of healthy food. Through a programme approach, CFI Innovate projects support participants over a period of time, creating opportunities for learning, engagement and positive change.
This information session will provide information about what the funding can be used for, the Safefood resources that are available and also show you how to prepare your online application.
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.
CFI Innovate small project
The purpose of this project is to provide the participants with healthy eating skills which can include teaching cooking skills, supporting an increased awareness/knowledge around healthy eating, healthy shopping, budgeting, food/meal planning skills.
We have produced booklets that provide examples of small projects that have been delivered through the CFI funding. Copies of the booklets can be accessed by clicking on this link: https://www.healthycommunities.ie/cfi-booklet-2016-19-2/.
CFI Innovate food environment project
The purpose of this project is to examine the wider food environment and explore approaches to improving access and availability to healthy food in the local community. Follow this link for examples of food environment projects: food environment project: https://www.healthycommunities.ie/theme-6-project-guidance-and-examples/.
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: Thursday, 10th September 2026
Time: 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm
Click on the link to register to attend on the online information session:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1vRry9NbQ9eDT-e1F-8hxg
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 for funding
Click on the link to access the online proposal form: https://www.healthycommunities.ie/
For information about the funding and assistance with preparing your online project proposal, contact Sinéad Conroy in SECAD Partnership:
M: +353 (0)87 354 3606
