This program supports young people up to age 25 to develop and run projects to improve their communities. Youth Initiative Grants are proudly supported by United Way, GenNext and Central Okanagan Foundation.

Eligibility

These grants are available to young people up to age 25 who are partnering with an organization to create positive change in their local community. The partner organization can be a school, church or charity and youth must reside in either the North, Central or South Okanagan Similkameen. All applications are assessed by a Youth Initiative Grants Advisory Council who decide which projects are awarded grants.

This Council is made up of members of GenNext and the COF Youth Committee.

How to Apply

WANT TO CREATE A COMMUNITY PROJECT?
Apply for a Youth Initiative Grant for up to $2,000

Fill out the application form below either in digital format or print out, complete and sign, scan and email back to Naomiw@uwbc.ca.
At this time we cannot accept mailed applications, please call us to identify a drop-off location.

Deadline: Monday March 4, 2022 at 3pm

Application Form

For more information:
abbie@centralokanaganfoundation.org | 250-861-6160
NaomiW@uwbc.ca | 250-860-2356

In partnership with

2021 Grant Recipients

The Youth Initiative Grant recipients for 2021 are:

  • Amazing Race, CRIS Adaptive Adventures
  • Composting Project, Okanagan Mission Secondary (Central Okanagan Public Schools/SD #23)
  • Increasing Inclusion and Awareness through Arts, South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services
  • Penticton Overdose Response Project, UBC Okanagan Campus Health in collaboration with Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy
  • Westside Learning Centre Farm Initiative, Central Okanagan Public Schools/SD #23

2020 Grant Recipients

Green Screen, Enactus Okanagan College

Repair of old tech equipment for use by students in need or in Silver Surfers Program

Adaptive Scavenger Hunt, CRIS Adaptive Adventures

Outdoor and adventure event empowering youth with disabilities.

Youth Advisory Council, YMCA Okanagan 

Youth leadership council developing  engagement opportunities for local youth members.

“Project Green Screen focuses on environmental sustainability and repurposing neglected technology. With the involvement of youth from schools in the community, we are able to teach the importance of re-using and recycling technology. The funding received from the Youth Initiative Grant will allow us to refurbish a greater amount of technology. This will further provide more technology for those unable to gain access to the technology they need.” 

Isaac Hossmann, the student project manager of the Green Screen – Enactus Project.

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