A legacy of the National Black Canadians Summit, the Power of Youth initiave empowers young Black leaders to shape the future of their communities—one project at a time. It began with a vision: a Canada where racial equity is not just a promise but a reality. At the National Black Canadians Summit, youth, community leaders, and policymakers came together to shape that vision, resulting in the Halifax Declaration—a bold action plan for justice, recognition, and development. 

But declarations don’t create change. People do. 

This initiative supports visionary young changemakers in launching and growing community-based projects that promote recognition, justice, and development within Black communities across Canada. 

The first cohort successfully supported 35 youth-led projects across the country, spanning diverse sectors including education, mental health, entrepreneurship, the arts, civic engagement, and more. 

  • 60+ applications from every region of Canada
  • 35 projects selected by a peer review panel led by the FMJF Youth Advisory Committee
  • >$150,000 in community project grants
  • >$25,000 in travel support, enabling youth to attend the 2025 National Black Canadians Summit in Montreal

This second cohort will continue to elevate the Halifax Declaration as a vital, living framework—one that guides meaningful and actionable steps toward racial equity and systemic transformation. 

  • Equip young leaders with the resources to launch or scale innovative projects that address issues within their communities, rooted in recognition, justice, and development for Black Canadians. 
  • Elevate the Halifax Declaration by positioning it at the heart of youth-led action plans and community transformation. 
  • Foster entrepreneurial thinking, leadership growth, and professional development among emerging changemakers from Black communities. 
  • Strengthen a growing national network of young Black leaders united by a passion for community development and transformative change. 

Procedures 

The Michaëlle Jean Foundation will manage the application process through an online form. Projects approved for funding will be selected by a pan-Canadian group of youth leaders. All applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s website. Any applications not fully completed will not be accepted. Please, make sure to connect with the Foundation, if you have questions or concerns through the application process, prior to submission. 

The grant application period will open on April 25th, and the Foundation will accept applications until May 9th, 2025. 

Applications will be assessed, and grant recipients will be announced in June 2025 

Disbursement 

All project funding will be disbursed upon the signing of the Grant Acceptance Agreement. Completion bonuses may be provided for complete and timely reporting. 

Reporting 

All approved grants will be required to submit a mid-term and final project report on their outcomes, what they learned through the project, community impact and next steps. 

Final reports will be submitted by November 17th , 2025.  

The Foundation will provide a reporting template and offer necessary support throughout the process. We also offer flexibility in terms of reporting format to accommodate different communication styles and project types, including written, visual, or multimedia submissions. 

Grant Recognition of the Foundation 

Grant recognition provides an opportunity for grantees to promote and celebrate the work they do in their communities. To do so, grantees will recognize the Michaëlle Jean Foundation and its partners by publicly acknowledging their funding (e.g., branding project materials, promotional materials, and social media posts).  

Grant eligibility  

  • Open to youth of African descent between the ages of 16 and 30 who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. 
  • Both individuals and groups are welcome to apply. Groups must designate one representative who meets the eligibility criteria. 
  • Projects must be based in Canada and clearly address a community-specific issue aligned with the principles and intentions of the Halifax Declaration (e.g., identify a challenge, propose an innovative solution, and implement it locally). 
  • Projects may be brand new or represent a significant enhancement of an existing initiative. 
  • If you are under the age of 18, you are still eligible to apply. However, you must fill out this waiver form

Q: Is there a limit to the number of projects that can be proposed by a single applicant?

A: An applicant may only submit for one project.

Q: I have intersecting identities including Black ethnicity, can I still apply?

A: As long as the applicant identifies as a Black youth, you can apply.

Q: Can the grant funding be used for personal expenses or travel?

A: Applicants must show that the personal expenses and travel expenses are project related.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the types of organizations or mentors that can provide support letters?

A: Endorsement letters can be provided by any existing and active community organization or a mentor, recognized as a leader in the community. If you have questions about your endorsement letter, contact the Program Officer: benazir@fmjf.ca.

Q: If my grant application is unsuccessful, will I be notified?

A: You will receive an email that will inform you whether your application has been successful or not.

Q: Are there any specific requirements for the mid-term and final project reports?

A: The Michaëlle Jean Foundation requires that all grant recipients submit mid-term and final project reports. These reports can be made in writing or virtual interview in combination with media (pictures, videos, recorded interviews).

Q: I previously received a Power of Youth grant. Can I apply again?

A: No, previous recipients—whether as individuals or as part of a group—are not eligible for a second round of funding. The program is designed to support new projects led by new applicants each year.

Q: Can I submit the PDF version of the Power of Youth application instead of the Google Form?
A: No, the PDF version is provided only to help you prepare your answers. To officially apply, you must complete and submit the Google Form. Only applications submitted through the Google Form will be considered. This PDF is provided for reference only to help you prepare your answers. Please note that only submissions completed through the Google Form will be accepted. Make sure to fill out the online form for your application to be considered.

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