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 BC, GenNext and Central Okanagan Foundation, North Okanagan Community Foundation, and South Okanagan Similkameen 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
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.
Latest News
Youth Initiative Grants Are Open!
The Youth Initiative Grants is a program led by the Central Okanagan Foundation and United Way BC – Southern Interior. We are proud to announce that, thanks to the success of these youth-led projects, this
Record response for local Youth Initiative Grants
April 19, 2021 – Every year, the Central Okanagan Foundation and United Way’s GenNext put out a call for applications for youth-led projects that support people or programs in the community. This year proved to
Local Youth-led programs receive funding
June 18, 2020 – This spring, the Central Okanagan Foundation and United Way’s GenNext contributed $6,000 to support three youth led projects based in the Central Okanagan. These grants are available to young people up
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