Background

As a legacy of the National Black Canadians Summit, the Power of Youth is a one-time grant program that aims to support young people to realize projects that benefit their own communities, working towards recognition, justice and development for Black Canadians.

Projects will spotlight the Halifax Declaration as a vital and living document identifying an action plan towards racial equity.

Objectives

  • Empower young people to realize projects to benefit their own communities, working towards recognition, justice and development for Black Canadians.
  • Spotlight the Halifax Declaration as a vital and living document identifying an action plan towards racial equity.
  • Serve as an opportunity for young people in Black communities to develop personal, professional and leadership skills.
  • Help to build a network of young Black leaders who are passionate about social change and community development.

Eligibility

  • Must be a Black youth between the ages of 16 and 30 who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Individuals are eligible to apply as well as groups that must select a representative who meets all the eligibility requirements.   
  • Each project must be based in Canada and address a specific issue in the community, aligned with the objectives, intentions, and statements in the Halifax Declaration (e.g. identify an issue, propose a solution and implement it within their community).
  • The proposed project can also be a new component or an expansion of an existing initiative. 
  • Must provide a letter of support from a community organization/mentor endorsing the applicant (s) as well as the proposed initiative.

Other program information

Applicants can access a maximum grant of $5,000 for a project benefiting their local communities in Canada.

All applications will be assessed and successful projects announced by the end of September 2023.

Projects are expected to be executed before April 2024.

Project leaders may make a presentation at the 2024 National Black Canadians Summit in Montreal.

The Halifax Declaration can be found here.

Application

The grant application period will open on July 17th, and the Foundation will accept
applications until August 14th, 2023.

Click below for more info:

FROM THE HALIFAX DECLARATION TO NOW

Raising awareness, by Black youth, for all

The Power of Youth will contribute to increasing community capacity around the issues presented in the Halifax Declaration and the role that Black Canadian youth can play in advancing solutions and promoting recognition, justice, and development.

Information

Program team