Calgary Youth Foundation

Learn about philanthropy while planning, promoting, and funding youth-led community projects.

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Fund youth initiatives and create change

The Calgary Youth Foundation (CYF) is a youth-led committee that reviews grant applications and helps decide how funding supports youth initiatives across Calgary. Members thoughtfully assess proposals and collaborate to distribute funds where they’ll make the greatest difference. Along the way, they also raise funds and learn how philanthropy works behind the scenes. It’s hands-on experience in leadership and community investment.

Why should I join?

  • Hands-on philanthropy

    Learn how giving works and how you can use it to create real change in your community.

  • Master the art of pitching

    Prepare and deliver presentations to pitch ideas to potential donors. You’ll gain confidence and real-world skills.

  • Lead change

    Make funding decisions that directly impact youth initiatives in our city.

  • Meet like-minded youth

    Work alongside other students who care about making their communities better.

  • See what’s possible

    Get inspired and motivated by seeing the amazing projects youth like you are creating.

    What’s the commitment

    Consistency is key

    You’ll meet weekly from October to June, spending about 6 hours a month on meetings and project work outside of meetings.

    What’s it like?

    Time commitment

    Expect to spend 4–6 hours per month on meetings, reviews, events, and project tasks. 

    Create hype

    Promote grant opportunities and throw events that celebrate youth change-makers.

    Make the call

    Review funding applications from local youth-led initiatives and decide as a team who to fund. 

    Power up your pitch

    Perfect your public speaking as you research and prep for presentations to potential funders.

    Where is it?

    Most committee work happens at Youth Central’s office, but hybrid sessions mean you can participate online if you can’t be there in person.

    Office location

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    get notified

    Applications are currently closed. Sign up to get updates on the next application cycle. 

    Sign up for updates

    Apply

    Once we notify you, complete our simple written application.

    Interview

    If you’re selected for an interview, you’ll meet with some current committee members and the program coordinator to see if it’s a fit!

    • “Meeting passionate youth from all across Calgary who have a genuine passion to make a difference in their community has helped me develop a stronger connection to my community and a deep interest in philanthropy.”

      Calgary Youth Foundation Participant

    • “It was inspiring to see the change happening at the grassroots level, and also fulfilling to know that I played a role in making that impact a reality.”

      Calgary Youth Foundation Participant

    • “Getting to empower other youth in Calgary to prompt change was so rewarding!”

      Calgary Youth Foundation Participant

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    FAQ

    Applications happen in late summer to early fall. Sign up to get updates on the next application cycle.

    Members are expected to commit 4–6 hours per month. 

    That includes:

    • Additional tasks outside of meeting times—such as reviewing grant applications or helping promote our grants
    • Committee meetings (every second week after school, about 1.5 hours)

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