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 for Youth (COFFY).
Youth Initiative Grants Council
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 Central or South Okanagan Similkameen. All applications are assessed by a Youth Initiative Grants Advisory Council (2019 Council pictured at right) who decide which projects are awarded grants.
In partnership with
How to Apply
The 2019 Youth Initiative Grants were awarded in May 2019. Watch for the applications for 2020 early in the year. If you have questions about the application, please contact Reanne Holden-Amadio at reanne@unitedwaysibc.com or call 250-860-2356.
2019 Grant Recipients
YAAC Mental Health Week Campaign, Foundry Kelowna
- tool kits for student lead groups at schools
More LGBTQ+ Friends, Etcetera – The Bridge Youth and Family Services
- marketing of the Etcetera Group and participation in Pride week
Mural Project, Foundry Penticton, One Sky Community Resources
- Mural Project for Youth Centre / Foundry building
Green Screen, Enactus Okanagan College
- Repair of old tech equipment for use by students in need or in Silver Surfers Program
Silver Surfers, Enactus Okanagan College
- Education for seniors on common technology, working with middle school students
“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.
2018 Grant Recipients
- Call Home, Enactus Okanagan College (Kelowna)
- More LGBTQ+ Friends, Etcetera – The Bridge Youth and Family Services (Kelowna)
- Hyphen Project Gardening Initiative, SD53 (Oliver)
- Operation Take Two, Interact Club as part of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo (Kelowna)
- Intergenerational Computer Literacy, Peachland Wellness Centre (Peachland)
- Silver Surfers, Enactus Okanagan College (Kelowna)
- Women’s Shelter Clothing Drive, Aberdeen Hall (Kelowna)
Latest News
Community Youth Led Projects Receive Local Funding
Photo shown above: The Youth Initiative Grant committee – left to right: From Central Okanagan Youth Initiative Grant Volunteers - Amanda Shatzko, Wyatt Slattery, From GenNext Kelowna volunteer Board - Julianne Kublik, Heather McColl, Kayla
Operation Take Two invited to pitch on CBC’s Dragon’s Den
UPDATE - The Operation Take Two team have arrived back home from their whirlwind adventure in Toronto to pitch their project on CBC's Dragon's Den. The team states "We are not allowed to disclose what
Grants up to $2,000 available for youth-led projects
GenNext Kelowna Board members proudly present United Way CSO with their annual contribution to the Youth Initiative Grants. Shown above: Carly Gilmore, Heather McColl, Mercedes Marleau, Nola Lagace, Mitch Larue, and Kayla Caruana. January 15,
Community Youth Led Projects Receive Local Funding
Community Youth Led Projects Receive Local Funding June 7, 2018 – This spring, the Central Okanagan Foundation for Youth (COFFY) and United Way’s GenNext contributed $9,055 to support seven youth led projects based in the