Apply Now: Youth Investment Fund (Canada)

The Youth Investment Fund provides financial support for short-term projects that create positive opportunities for marginalized youth under 19 in Yukon. The fund supports activities that promote inclusion, self-esteem, healthy lifestyle choices, social connection, recreation, and meaningful youth participation.

About the Youth Investment Fund

The Youth Investment Fund is designed to help organizations and groups create accessible opportunities for young people who face barriers, discrimination, or have fewer opportunities to participate in community activities.

The programme focuses on projects that empower young people and encourage them to become active participants in their communities.

Supported activities may provide:

• Social and recreational opportunities.
• Inclusive community activities.
• Youth leadership experiences.
• Opportunities to build self-esteem and confidence.
• Positive lifestyle and wellbeing activities.
• Programs that reduce isolation and exclusion.
• Activities designed specifically for youth experiencing barriers or discrimination.

Funding Available

The Youth Investment Fund provides support through two funding streams:

• Requests of $500 or less: Applications can be submitted at any time.
• Requests from $501 to $5,000: Applicants can request larger amounts for eligible short-term projects, subject to the programme’s application requirements and available funding.

Applicants should request only the amount necessary to deliver the proposed project and provide a clear breakdown of how the funding will be used.

Who Is Eligible?

The fund is intended to support projects benefiting youth under 19 in Yukon, particularly young people who experience barriers, discrimination, or have fewer opportunities.

Projects should clearly demonstrate how they will benefit marginalized or underserved youth.

Applicants should explain:

• Who the project will serve.
• How many marginalized youth are expected to participate.
• What barriers or disadvantages the participants experience.
• How young people will be involved in the project.
• Whether youth will have leadership or decision-making roles.
• What community partnerships will support the project.
• How the project will promote inclusion and engagement.

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

The Youth Investment Fund can support short-term initiatives that provide meaningful opportunities for marginalized youth.

Potential activities may include:

• Youth recreation programmes.
• Social and community-building activities.
• Leadership development projects.
• Youth-led initiatives.
• Workshops and group activities.
• Activities promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
• Inclusive cultural or community events.
• Projects designed to reduce social isolation.
• Programmes that strengthen confidence and self-esteem.

Projects should demonstrate a direct and meaningful benefit to young people with fewer opportunities.

Why the Youth Investment Fund Matters

Young people who experience discrimination, social exclusion, financial barriers, disability-related barriers, or other disadvantages may have fewer opportunities to participate in community activities.

The Youth Investment Fund helps address these gaps by supporting short-term projects that create inclusive spaces where young people can participate, build relationships, develop confidence, and take on leadership responsibilities.

The programme can contribute to:

• Greater youth participation.
• Improved social connection.
• Increased confidence and self-esteem.
• Positive lifestyle choices.
• Youth leadership development.
• Stronger community engagement.
• More inclusive recreational and social opportunities.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare their project information before submitting a request.

1. Identify the Youth Need

Explain the specific need or barrier affecting the young people who will participate.

Describe why the proposed project is relevant to marginalized youth under 19.

2. Develop the Project

Provide a clear description of the activities, expected participants, timeframe, and intended outcomes.

The project should be short-term and focused on creating tangible opportunities for youth.

3. Demonstrate Youth Participation

Explain how young people will contribute to the project.

Where appropriate, highlight:

• Youth leadership roles.
• Youth decision-making.
• Youth-led activities.
• Opportunities for participants to provide feedback.

4. Identify Partnerships

Describe any organizations, community groups, schools, or other partners involved in delivering the project.

Letters of support should be obtained where required.

5. Prepare the Budget

Create a realistic project budget showing how the requested funding will be spent.

The budget should correspond directly with the proposed activities.

6. Gather Supporting Documents

Applicants should prepare the required supporting documentation, including:

• Project description.
• Detailed budget.
• Letters of support.
• Proof of insurance.

7. Submit the Application

Requests of $500 or less can be submitted at any time. Requests between $501 and $5,000 should follow the applicable application process and requirements.

Information to Include in the Application

A strong application should clearly answer several key questions:

• What problem or barrier does the project address?
• Who are the young people who will benefit?
• How many marginalized youth will participate?
• What activities will be delivered?
• How will youth participate in leadership or decision-making?
• What outcomes are expected?
• Which partners will contribute?
• How much will the project cost?
• How will the requested funding be used?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Failing to explain how the project benefits marginalized youth.
• Providing a budget without sufficient detail.
• Not identifying the expected number of youth participants.
• Describing activities without explaining their intended outcomes.
• Failing to demonstrate youth leadership or participation.
• Omitting required letters of support.
• Submitting an application without the required proof of insurance.
• Requesting funding for activities that are not clearly connected to the needs of youth under 19.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposal by:

• Clearly identifying the target youth population.
• Explaining the barriers participants face.
• Showing measurable benefits for participating youth.
• Giving young people meaningful leadership opportunities.
• Demonstrating community partnerships.
• Providing a realistic and transparent budget.
• Linking every requested expense to a specific project activity.
• Including strong letters of support where applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Youth Investment Fund?

The Youth Investment Fund provides financial support for short-term projects benefiting marginalized youth under 19 in Yukon. It focuses on inclusion, youth participation, confidence, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement.

How much funding can applicants request?

Applicants can request up to $5,000. Requests of $500 or less can be submitted at any time, while requests between $501 and $5,000 are subject to the applicable application process.

Who are the main beneficiaries of the fund?

The fund focuses on youth under 19 in Yukon who face barriers, discrimination, or have fewer opportunities to participate in social, recreational, or community activities.

What types of projects can receive support?

Eligible projects can include short-term social, recreational, leadership, wellbeing, community engagement, and inclusion activities that provide meaningful opportunities for marginalized youth.

Does the application need to demonstrate youth leadership?

Yes. Applicants are expected to explain youth leadership roles and how young people will be involved in the project. Meaningful youth participation can strengthen the case for funding.

What documents are required?

Applicants are required to provide a project description, budget, letters of support, and proof of insurance, along with any other information requested as part of the application.

Can applications for $500 or less be submitted throughout the year?

Yes. Requests of $500 or less can be submitted at any time, according to the programme information provided.

Conclusion

The Youth Investment Fund offers an opportunity to create short-term, inclusive projects for marginalized youth under 19 in Yukon. By supporting recreation, social connection, leadership, confidence-building, and positive lifestyle activities, the fund aims to ensure that young people facing barriers have meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute to their communities. Applicants should clearly demonstrate the needs of the youth they intend to serve, provide a realistic budget, and show strong youth involvement and community support.