CALGARY YOUTH FOUNDATION
The Calgary Youth Foundation (CYF) began in 1994 as the first program of its kind in Canada with a purpose to turn dreams into reality. Involving youth in a hands-on approach to philanthropy, the Calgary Youth Foundation provides youth with an opportunity to create positive change in their community by allocating grants to community projects, preparing a presentation and pitching to potential funders.
HOW IT WORKS
A committee of 8-12 youth aged 12-18 meets twice a month to organize and prepare for two granting cycles (Spring and Fall) in which they allocate funds to deserving projects around Calgary. The committee reviews all applicants, select the recipients and distribute the funds as a team. In addition, the committee organizes fundraising initiatives that contribute to Youth Central’s endowment fund at the Calgary Foundation. Applications for the youth members of the CYF Steering Committee are available in August/September and are selected in October of each year. We have completed recruiting for the 2022-2023 program year.
For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator at cyf@youthcentral.com
CALGARY YOUTH FOUNDATION GRANTS
The CYF funds projects that directly impact youth in Calgary and the surrounding area. All applications are reviewed and selected by the CYF volunteer committee. The CYF gives priority to youth initiated and youth driven projects. This means that youth, ages 12-18, must be involved in the project in a meaningful way. All applications must be submitted online. Criteria and details for all grants below.
*Please note that all applications will be confirmed by email, reviewed by youth, and funds will be sent via a cheque in the mail.
Questions? – reach out to the the Program Coordinator at 403-266-5448 or cyf@youthcentral.com
Here are the things we don’t fund with any of our grants:
- Non-inclusive activities (those which exclude groups from participating)
- For-profit ventures
- Projects that will pass on our funds to others
- Conference fees, tuition costs, etc. for individuals or groups
- Individuals directly in the form of salary, fees etc..
*Please note that all applications will be confirmed by email, reviewed by youth, and funds will be sent via a cheque in the mail.
We believe youth are awesome and they know how to solve problems. If it matters to you, it matters to us! Check out our current funding opportunities below.
Macrogrant
This seasonal grant is our largest grant that prioritizes youth initiated and driven projects. This means that youth, ages 12-18, must be involved in the project in a meaningful way. Adult support is welcome. This grant is intended for larger ideas with greater community impact.
Scale of Project: Large
Size of Grant: Up to $2,000
Frequency of grant opportunity: Twice a year, October and April
Applications accepted from: individuals (ages 12+), informal grassroots groups, non-profit societies, and registered charities in Calgary and surrounding area (50 km radius).
Follow-up: final report upon project completion, participation tracking, financial documentation, sharing photos if possible
We don’t fund:
- Non-inclusive activities (those which exclude groups from participating)
- For-profit ventures
- Projects that will pass on our funds to others
- Conference fees, tuition costs, etc. for individuals or groups
- Individuals directly in the form of salary, fees etc.
Timeline: Grant applications are accepted year round, but recipients are selected and grants are awarded following the seasonal deadlines twice annually.
Fall Grant deadline: October annually, grants awarded in November
Spring Grant deadline: April annually, grants awarded in May
Microgrant
We believe youth are awesome and we know they have great ideas to build community. Microgrants are intended to be barrier free, easy access to funds for youth, ages 12-18, to get a quick idea off the ground. Youth must be involved in the project in a meaningful way, though adult support is welcome. If it matters to you, it matters to us. Tell us about your idea to make a difference in your world.
Scale of Project: Small
Size of Grant: Up to $200
Frequency of grant opportunity: Monthly
Applications accepted from: individuals (ages 12+) or informal grassroots groups
Follow-up: Send us an email or photo, or give us a call to tell us how it went.
Microgrant funds could be used for, but not limited to:
- Food
- Renting space
- Prizes
- Project Supplies
- Transportation
We don’t fund:
- Non-inclusive activities (those which exclude groups from participating)
- For-profit ventures
- Projects that will pass on our funds to others
- Conference fees, tuition costs, etc. for individuals or groups
- Individuals directly in the form of salary, fees etc.
Timeline: Grant applications are accepted year round, recipients will be selected the month following when the application was submitted. Funds will be awarded shortly after.
For example for a May microgrant deadline: May 17, 2023, grant recipients will be selected and funds awarded in June 2023
Jack Leslie Youth Environment Grant
Established by Jack Leslie, previous mayor of Calgary, and his family in partnership with The City of Calgary, Parks Foundation, and Youth Central to encourage youth to promote and protect the natural environment. This grant prioritizes youth initiated and youth driven projects that benefit the environment in Calgary. This means that youth must be involved in the project in a meaningful way. Adult support is welcome.
Scale of Project: Medium
Size of Grant: $1,000 group / $500 individual
Frequency of grant opportunity: Once a year Jan/Feb
Applications accepted from: individuals (elementary +), informal grassroots groups, schools, non-profit societies, and registered charities.
Follow-up: attending the Jack Leslie Youth Environment Grant Virtual Award Ceremony – Feb 8, 5pm, sharing a group photo if possible.
We don’t fund:
- Non-inclusive activities (those which exclude groups from participating)
- For-profit ventures
- Projects that will pass on our funds to others
- Conference fees, tuition costs, etc. for individuals or groups
- Individuals directly in the form of salary, fees etc.
- Projects without an environmental impact / focus area
- Projects implemented by youth who have graduated from high school
Timeline: Grant applications are accepted from late fall to the deadline in January year round. Grants are awarded the following month. Example 2023 Jack Leslie Youth Environmental Grant deadline: January 18, 2023 -> 2 grant recipients were selected and awarded funds in mid February 2023
THIS PROGRAM IS SUPPORTED BY:
