The Power of Youth Community Projects stream focuses on supporting young Black leaders by providing funding to create community driven projects aligned with the principles and demands of the Halifax Declaration.
The first phase of this initiative, Power of Youth – Community Projects, was first launched in 2023, with major support from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation as well as the Definity Foundation and the Vancouver Foundation. Through this initial investment, up to $5,000 in funding was awarded to 35 youth-led projects, designed and led by Black leaders aged 16–30 across Canada. These projects span diverse sectors, including education, mental health, entrepreneurship, the arts, civic engagement, and more.
Throughout the program, these young leaders strengthen skills such as project management, partnership development, public presentation, budgetary oversight and many more. In recognition of their dedication and impact, Power of Youth Community Projects leaders were supported to travel to Montreal and present their projects at the 4th National Black Canadians Summit.
In April 2025, the Foundation launched a second call for applications for Black youth-led projects across Canada, made possible through funding from the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) administered by Employment and Social Development Canada. The SBCCI supports Black-led solutions and initiatives that strengthen civic and economic participation within Black communities.
This new call for proposals invited young leaders to submit innovative project ideas aimed at strengthening community resilience, advancing social justice, and promoting economic and civic engagement. The response was strong, with more than 80 applications submitted from across the country, representing significant growth compared to the first call in 2023, which received over 60 submissions. Following a rigorous selection process, 25 projects were selected, with each initiative receiving $5,000 in funding to support the development and implementation of their work.
- 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.
PARTNERS
In April 2025, the Foundation launched a second call for applications for Black youth-led projects across Canada, made possible through funding from the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) administered by Employment and Social Development Canada.
The launch of our flagship Power of Youth program marked a significant milestone. It provided direct funding to a first cohort of 35 inspiring youth-led projects—an investment that has been instrumental in anchoring the sustainability of their new ventures. We are profoundly grateful to the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Definity, CMHC and the Vancouver Foundation for their generous support in making this possible.
