Support Local Ontario

• FMO member markets that are in Good Standing
• The incorporated or unincorporated association, or not-for-profit/non-profit corporation that operates the market — one application per organization
• Markets that received funding in 2024 and/or 2025 are eligible to apply again

Overall goal: To promote and support the farmers who grow or produce what they sell at Ontario’s farmers’ markets.

The following activities and expenses are eligible for funding:

• Paid social media advertising (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok — boosted posts and paid ad campaigns)
• Digital display advertising and Google Ads
• Radio advertising spots
• Newspaper and magazine advertising
• Professionally printed signage, banners, and posters for use at the market
• Branded market canopies and tent signage that will be used to promote farmers at the market
• E-newsletter production and distribution costs
• Photography or videography to support any of the above activities
• Point-of-sale materials that prominently feature one or more OFA member farmers

• Equipment, hardware, and general market supplies (other than branded canopies as described above)
• Salaries and administration fees
• Travel and meal expenses
• Costs associated with organizing or running market events or festivals

As a condition of funding, all approved applicants must:

• Include OFA and FMO logos on all funded materials (logos provided upon approval)
• Use #SupportLocalOntario across all funded social and digital content
• Extend a warm invitation to local OFA Board Members and Member Services

Representatives to attend your market and participate in any activities related to the program

A list of OFA Board Directors and Member Services Reps is available at ofa.on.ca.

We strongly encourage applicants to stack this funding with other sources — municipal grants, BIA funding, Tourism funding, and other provincial programs. Stacking stretches your project’s total impact and can strengthen your application. Applicants must disclose all other sources of funding for the project on their application.

To receive the remaining 25% of your grant, you must submit a Final Report by November 14, 2026 (or earlier — we encourage early submission). The report must include:

• A narrative summary of what was done and how it went
• Total actual project expenses and a statement of spending
• Copies of receipts (may be requested by FMO if not included)
• Number of OFA member vendors/farmers currently selling at your market
• Social media reach: platforms used, estimated impressions, follower count change (if applicable)
• Advertising reach: estimated audience for print, radio, or digital ads
• Market impact: any observed or estimated change in attendance, vendor sales, or market profile
• One or two photos or examples of funded promotional materials