Deadline: 23-Feb-2026
The Generation Regen Challenge by One Young World supports young Canadian and U.S. leaders driving regenerative and climate-smart agriculture through non-profits and social enterprises. Grants of $60,000 and $20,000, along with summit scholarships, are awarded to projects enhancing soil, biodiversity, water management, and Indigenous food systems.
Overview
The Generation Regen Challenge empowers young innovators to accelerate regenerative and sustainable agriculture in Canada and the United States. The program targets non-profits, charities, and social enterprises implementing climate-smart agricultural solutions that restore ecosystems, improve productivity, and increase resilience.
By combining financial support, global networking, and recognition, the initiative strengthens leaders who address environmental, social, and economic challenges in agriculture.
Program Focus Areas
The challenge prioritizes projects that:
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Strengthen agricultural practices for sustainability, productivity, and climate resilience.
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Enhance soil functionality through carbon sequestration, water retention, and filtration.
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Improve welfare of livestock and wildlife affected by farming practices.
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Protect, restore, and enhance biodiversity on agricultural land.
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Advance water management to create healthier watersheds.
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Implement crop rotation and diverse plant species to maintain soil fertility and reduce pest pressure.
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Support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis/Indigenous agricultural practices, promoting awareness and adoption.
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Increase access to safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food for underserved or at-risk communities.
Why It Matters
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Environmental Impact: Restores degraded land and promotes sustainable food systems.
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Economic Resilience: Supports livelihoods, rural employment, and food security.
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Climate Action: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and enhances soil and water resilience.
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Community Empowerment: Amplifies Indigenous knowledge and local leadership in regenerative practices.
Funding and Rewards
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Grand Prizes: 2 winners receive $60,000 each.
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Finalist Grants: 4 finalists receive $20,000 each.
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Additional Benefits:
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Scholarships to attend the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, including flights and accommodation.
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Lifetime membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community.
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Who is Eligible?
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Age: 18–35 years old.
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Leadership: Must lead a non-profit, charity, or social enterprise registered in Canada or the United States.
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Organization Tenure: Registered for at least one year by January 22, 2026.
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Project Scope: Activities must take place within Canada and/or the United States.
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Financial Use: Social enterprises must allocate 100% of grant funds solely to the proposed project.
How to Apply
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Prepare Your Proposal – Define the project, expected impact, sustainability, and alignment with regenerative agriculture.
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Verify Eligibility – Confirm age, organization registration, and project location requirements.
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Submit Application – Provide a detailed plan, budget, and proof of organizational registration.
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Selection Process – Applications will be reviewed based on innovation, environmental impact, community engagement, and feasibility.
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Award & Participation – Winners and finalists receive funding and invitations to the One Young World Summit.
Tips for Applicants
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Emphasize measurable environmental and social impacts.
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Demonstrate community or Indigenous engagement in project design and implementation.
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Include a clear budget and resource allocation plan.
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Highlight scalability and long-term sustainability of the project.
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Ensure your project aligns with climate-smart, regenerative agriculture principles.
FAQ
1. Who can apply for the Generation Regen Challenge?
Applicants must be 18–35 years old and lead a registered non-profit, charity, or social enterprise in Canada or the U.S.
2. Can social enterprises apply?
Yes, provided that 100% of grant funds are used exclusively for the proposed project.
3. Where must the project take place?
Projects must be implemented within Canada and/or the United States.
4. What types of projects are prioritized?
Projects focusing on regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, soil health, water management, and Indigenous food systems are prioritized.
5. What are the funding amounts?
Two winners receive $60,000, and four finalists receive $20,000 each.
6. Are travel and accommodations included?
Yes, winners and finalists receive a scholarship to attend the One Young World Summit 2026, including flights and accommodation.
7. What is the deadline for eligibility verification?
Organizations must be registered for at least one year by January 22, 2026.
Conclusion
The Generation Regen Challenge is a unique opportunity for young leaders to drive innovation in regenerative agriculture while building sustainable, climate-resilient, and community-focused projects. By providing funding, global networking, and exposure, the program empowers the next generation of agricultural innovators to create lasting environmental and social impact across Canada and the United States.
For more information, visit One Young World.