Resilient local food systems

Role: Loan Review Committee
Organization: Fair Finance Fund
Location: virtual, anywhere in Canada
Hours: 2-5 Hours per Month, 2-Year Term

Do you have experience in the food business, finance, lending, agriculture, economic development, entrepreneurship, or community development? Are you looking for a meaningful way to contribute your skills toward building more resilient local food systems?

The Fair Finance Fund is seeking volunteer members to join our Loan Review Committee—a diverse group of professionals and community leaders who help assess loan applications from food and farm enterprises across Canada.

FFF is a nonprofit social finance fund providing flexible loans and mentorship to businesses that strengthen local economies, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and community-rooted food systems. To date, the Fund has issued more than 80 loans, investing millions into Canada’s local food economy.

As a Loan Review Committee member, you will help support enterprises ranging from ecological farms and apiaries to local food processors, breweries, retailers, cooperatives, and social enterprises.

What Committee Members Do

Committee members review and evaluate loan applications submitted by food and farm enterprises seeking financing through the Fair Finance Fund.

Responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing business plans and financial information
• Assessing social, environmental, and economic impact
• Participating in collaborative review meetings
• Providing insight and recommendations on applications

The committee meets virtually as needed, typically weekly, for approximately 45–60 minutes. Workloads are rotated among members to ensure flexibility and balance. Members are only required to attend meetings when assigned as primary or secondary reviewers.

We believe diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making and better reflect the communities we serve. Fair Finance Fund is committed to building a more equitable and inclusive food and finance system. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from equity-deserving communities, including:

• Indigenous peoples
• Black and racialized communities
• Women and gender-diverse individuals
• People with diverse lived experiences and backgrounds

New committee members receive onboarding, mentorship, and training support. No previous loan committee experience is required—just a willingness to learn and contribute thoughtfully.

Interested?

To learn more or request the full Terms of Reference, please contact:

Johanna Mercedes
Loans Officer
johanna@fairfinancefund.org

Website: fairfinancefund.org

Please mention you saw this at rcen.ca or goodwork.ca.