Empowering local economies is core to DoorDash’s mission. In the past year, we facilitated delivery of more than 100,000 meals for non-profits, funded more than $300,000 in small-business grants, and supported dozens of community organizations from Nanaimo to St. John’s. Here’s a closer look at how we helped strengthen communities across Canada in 2025.
“Supporting the communities where we operate and facilitating opportunities for entrepreneurship are central to our mission,” said Brian Kaufmann, Head of Policy for DoorDash Canada. “Neighbourhoods only become stronger when there is access to opportunity. This year’s impact shows what’s possible when we invest in local businesses, increase access to food, and work closely with partners serving Canadians every day.”
Increasing Access To Necessities With Community Credits
DoorDash’s Community Credits program helps non-profit organizations provide meals, groceries, and essential items to people facing hardship. More than 20 organizations across Canada received a total of $100,000 in Community Credits via DoorDash gift cards in 2025, supporting families and individuals during some of the toughest moments of the year.
“The holiday season is an especially difficult time for many families, and the Community Credits from DoorDash will make a meaningful difference for people across Nanaimo,” said Peter Sinclair, Executive Director of Loaves and Fishes Nanaimo Community Food Bank, which received community credits to support distribution of essential toiletries to people in need. “Providing access to personal essentials through DoorDash gift cards offers immediate, practical support for our neighbours and helps ensure they can access the resources they need.”
Other organizations that have benefitted from DoorDash Community Credits in 2025 include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, Ronald McDonald House Canada in Ontario and Saskatchewan, Community Care Northumberland, Ottawa Christmas Cheer, the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg, and Seeking A Cure.
Combatting Food Insecurity Through Project DASH
Project DASH is a program designed to help food banks and community organizations connect people facing food insecurity with groceries, meals, and essential items by leveraging DoorDash’s logistics and technology platform. A 2023 Urban Institute study found that programs like Project DASH reduce stigma, improve access for hard-to-reach populations, and help organizations better manage their limited resources.
Project DASH supported communities across Canada in 2025 by delivering more than 100,000 meals — and additional period supplies in British Columbia — through 9,000 deliveries for non-profit partners like United Way British Columbia.
Fuelling Youth Nutrition With A National Partnership
DoorDash became the exclusive on-demand delivery partner of the Northern Super League as the professional women’s soccer league launched its inaugural season in January. Through this partnership, DoorDash partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada to provide $60,000 in support of youth nutrition programs across the six cities with Northern Super League clubs: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Halifax.
Removing Barriers and Creating Opportunities
Small and family-owned businesses are at the heart of Canada’s culinary scene. DoorDash invested more than $300,000 in 30 Black-owned restaurants through #BlackFoodEnergy, where recipients received a $10,000 grant and a Restaurants Canada membership to help expand connections within the culinary community.
“As a family-owned business, we know that food is more than just a meal and is rooted in our community,” said Marilyn and Kennedy Anyanwu, Co-Founders of Mills Kitchen. “Through receiving a #BlackFoodEnergy grant from DoorDash, we will be able to continue sharing authentic Nigerian flavours throughout Ottawa as a go-to place for our community."
This year also marked the launch of DoorDash’s Festival Activation Fund, which helped 15 restaurants participate in summer festivals by covering up to 50% of their fees (to a maximum of $3,000) in cities across Canada.
Supporting Recovery Through Tough Times
When a major ice storm hit central-eastern Ontario in March, many local businesses were forced to close for days due to power outages and damage. Through the Local Business Disaster Relief Fund, DoorDash provided $30,000 in grants – $10,000 each to three restaurants in Peterborough and Orillia – to help them recover and reopen.
“We put our heart into every dish we make, and the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund support reminded us that our effort matters,” said Manish Choudhry, Co-Owner of Agave By Imperial in Peterborough. “It wasn’t just financial relief after the storm — it was encouragement to keep pushing forward and to keep offering the bold flavors, margaritas, and atmosphere that make Agave a special part of Peterborough’s dining scene. The support of this community means everything to us.”
Local Business Disaster Relief Fund grants are available to local businesses in areas impacted by government-declared natural disasters. Applications for the latest round are open until January.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Business Owners
DoorDash partnered with Futurpreneur, a leading national non-profit organization that supports young and diverse entrepreneurs, to help create more inclusive pathways for the next generation of Canadian business owners.
The collaboration launched with a series of Founders Socials in Winnipeg, Toronto, and Vancouver, with Montreal still to come. These high-energy events brought together young founders to build peer networks, access new resources, and gain business momentum.
“Building powerful communities and mentorship opportunities for diverse young entrepreneurs is imperative for the future of their business endeavours,” said Mona-Lisa Prosper, Senior Director, Community Engagement at Futurpreneur. “Founder Socials is all about breaking down barriers — especially for entrepreneurs from equity-deserving communities, who haven’t always had a seat at the table — and creating spaces where connection, confidence, and opportunity can grow.”
