Member Profile: Carrot Cache

Things looking a bit different?

Nope, you're not on the wrong site – we're updating our look and content! Keep your eyes peeled for more changes!

Author: Josie Di Felice

Posted: November 7, 2012

Carrot Cache Community Resources Inc. is a small foundation that was established by The Big Carrot with the admirable purpose to invest in organic agriculture, community food strategies, and worker co-ops. Consequently, Carrot Cache has turned into a great model demonstrating that business profits can indeed be used for beneficial community building. Carrot Cache now successfully funds several local organic food initiatives with the intention to grow the sector and sustain the web of connections and co-operative infrastructure necessary for long-term success.

Over the past 9 years, Carrot Cache has impressively given out over $1.3 million in grants, $263,000 in loans to businesses and co-operatives, and invested $55,000 in non-voting shares. The money is given to people and groups who are working on organic agriculture initiatives, developing regional food economies and/or working on community food strategies. Carrot Cache focuses on individuals and groups that are within the province of Ontario.

Interested in funding? Visit their FAQ – The Carrot Cache Board meet 3 times a year, with applications due approximately 3 weeks in advance. They fund practical projects that are beyond the idea stage and in the implementation stage. Carrot Cache views the following as elements of success: strongly committed key individuals, excellent service or product, strong community support, perseverance and attention to detail, multiple sources of revenue, and the ability to see problems and change direction if necessary.

All of the projects funded have a community component with the assumption that good food is right for all people. Additionally, Carrot Cache also supports groups that are interested in social justice and food security. For many inspiring stories and illustrations of people coming together to build stronger communities, check out Carrot Cache’s newsletters.

By: Josie Di Felice