Need funding for a youth project in Calgary?
Grants
Access Grants for Youth-Led Projects
We’re all about empowering youth to make a positive impact in their communities. That includes grants and funding for youth-led projects. If you’ve got a passion for change and a spark of creativity, you’ve come to the right place!
What We Do
We believe in hands-on philanthropy. We give young people the tools and support they need to fund and launch amazing projects that make a difference. Our youth-led committee reviews every application to select projects that are meaningful, inclusive, and impactful. Take the quick pre-screen quiz below to see if your project might be a fit.
1. Does your project exclude certain groups?
2. Is your project a business for-profit venture?
3. Will your project pass funds on to another organization or individual?
4. Does your project include conference fees, tuition, or similar costs for individuals or groups?
5. Are any salaries or fees for individuals included in your project budget?
If you answered yes to any of the questions, then unfortunately we cannot fund you. If all of your answers were no, then read on to find the right grant for you.
Our Grants
Jim Button Youth Grant: Big Ideas Wanted!
Got a big idea that can change the city? The Jim Button Youth Grant is perfect for you! This grant is all about empowering youth, ages 12 – 18, to lead projects that make a splash in the community, just like Jim did. We’re looking for projects with big dreams and even bigger impacts.
Size of Grant: Up to $2,000
Who Can Apply: Individuals (ages 12+), informal grassroots groups, nonprofit societies, and registered charities within 50 km of Calgary.
When to Apply: Twice a year in mid-October and mid-April.
Turnaround: Funds are awarded to successful applicants in November and May. Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified at these times.
Follow-up Required: Within one year of receiving the grant, share your success with a simple 1 -3 page final report, participation tracking, financial documentation, and photos.
Next Application Deadline: April 13, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Microgrant: Quick and Easy
We know youth have awesome ideas that can make a difference right now. Our Microgrant is designed to be quick and easy, giving you the boost you need to get started right away. If it matters to you, it matters to us!
Please note: Since our microgrant is intended to be quick and easy, we are unable to provide specific feedback to each applicant on their application.
Size of Grant: Up to $200
Who Can Apply: Individuals (ages 12+) and informal grassroots groups
When to Apply: Applications are accepted monthly throughout the year.
Turnaround: Funds are awarded to successful applicants the following month. Unsuccessful applicants are notified at the same time.
Follow-up Required: Just drop us an email, send a photo, or give us a call to share your success story.
Next Application Deadline: Third Monday of the month at 9:00 a.m.
Jack Leslie Youth Environmental Grant: Go Green!
Are you passionate about the environment? The Jack Leslie Youth Environment Grant is your chance to shine! In partnership with The City of Calgary, Parks Foundation, and Youth Central, this grant supports youth-led projects that benefit our planet.
Size of Grant: $1,000 for groups / $500 for individuals
Who Can Apply: Individuals (elementary+) who haven’t graduated from high school yet, informal grassroots groups, schools, nonprofits, and charities.
When to Apply: Once a year in January.
Turnaround: Funds are awarded to successful applicants in February.
Follow-up Required: Attend the Virtual Award Ceremony and share a group photo.
Next Application Deadline: January 2026
Airdrie Macrogrant: $1500 for your big ideas in Airdrie
Specifically for youth in Airdrie, Alberta, this is a pilot project to provide grants to Airdrie youth (aged 12-18) who want to positively influence their community. We’re looking for projects with big dreams and even bigger impacts.
Size of Grant: Up to $1,500
Who Can Apply: Airdrie youth may apply independently or as part of a group. Applicants may propose an independent-led project, or a project that partners with a school, local not-for-profit organization, or grassroots organization.
When to Apply:
First Deadline: April 14, 2025
Second Deadline: June 9, 2025
Turnaround: Funds are awarded to successful applicants in May and June. Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified at these times.
Follow-up Required: Within one year of receiving the grant, share your success with a simple 1 -3 page final report, participation tracking, financial documentation, and photos.
Next Application Deadline: April 14, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Airdrie Microgrant: $300 for your quick and easy ideas in Airdrie
Specifically for youth in Airdrie, Alberta, this is a pilot project to provide grants to Airdrie youth (aged 12-18) who want to positively influence their community. We’re looking for projects with big dreams and even bigger impacts.
Size of Grant: Up to $300
Who Can Apply: Airdrie youth may apply independently or as part of a group. Applicants may propose an independent-led project, or a project that partners with a school, local not-for-profit organization, or grassroots organization.
When to Apply:
3 opportunities to receive a grant from now until September 29, 2025
First Deadline: April 14, 2025
Second Deadline: June 9, 2025
Third Deadline: September 29, 2025
Turnaround: Funds are awarded to successful applicants in May, June and October. Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified at these times.
Follow-up Required: Within six months of receiving the grant, drop us an email, send a photo, or give us a call to share your success story.
Next Application Deadline: April 14, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Reach out to our Program Coordinator at cyf@youthcentral.com.
Youth Grants at Other Organizations
Volunteer Alberta offers grants of up to $5,000 for new or pre-existing community projects. Applicants must be aged 16+ and Canada Service Corps alumni.
The Calgary Foundation provides up to $1,000 of grant support available for local community projects that build connections in our communities. To qualify, informal grassroots groups must partner with a charity or non-profit society on the project and application.
CANConnect Diversity Micro-Grants
GLOCAL Canada Foundation offers up to $5,000 grants to young Canadians aged 15 – 30 to lead and create innovative civic engagement projects.
CANConnect Diversity Micro-Grants
GLOCAL Canada Foundation offers up to $5,000 grants to young Canadians aged 15 – 30 to lead and create innovative civic engagement projects.
We know organizations can be hesitant to fund youth-driven projects. If you are familiar with other sources of youth funding but don’t see it listed here, please email cyf@youthcentral.com.