BMO’s Generation Regen Challenge in Canada and United States

Deadline: 23-Feb-2026

The Generation Regen Challenge, organized by One Young World, provides funding and support for young innovators advancing regenerative and sustainable agriculture in Canada and the United States. The program targets soil health, biodiversity, water stewardship, animal welfare, crop diversity, Indigenous practices, and food security, offering grants, summit participation, and lifelong ambassador network membership.

Overview

The Generation Regen Challenge accelerates regenerative and sustainable agriculture by funding non-profits and social enterprises that innovate to improve food systems, environmental resilience, and community wellbeing. The program emphasizes:

• Sustainable farming practices

• Soil carbon sequestration and water retention

• Animal welfare and biodiversity protection

• Indigenous and culturally informed agricultural practices

• Food security for underserved communities

With a total funding pool of $200,000, the program awards:

• Two Challenge Winners: $60,000 each

• Four Challenge Finalists: $20,000 each

• Scholarships for participation in the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town, including flights, accommodation, and lifelong membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community.

Why It Matters

• Strengthens resilient agricultural ecosystems in North America

• Promotes climate-smart farming and sustainable land use

• Enhances food security and access to culturally appropriate nutrition

• Supports youth leadership and innovation in agriculture and environmental stewardship

Focus Areas

1. Local Farming: Strengthen productivity, sustainability, and climate resilience on farms

2. Soil Health: Improve carbon sequestration, water filtration, and soil functionality

3. Animal Welfare: Promote humane treatment of farmed livestock and wildlife

4. Biodiversity: Restore and enhance ecosystem diversity on farms

5. Water Stewardship: Implement sustainable water management practices

6. Crop Rotation & Diversity: Enhance soil fertility and reduce pest pressure

7. Indigenous & Cultural Practices: Support First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Native American food and agricultural traditions

8. Food Security Systems: Improve access to safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food

Who Is Eligible?

• Age: 18–35 years old

• Organization type: Non-profits, charities, or social enterprises registered in Canada or the U.S.

• Non-profits: Must be Canadian-registered or U.S. 501c3 entities

• Social enterprises: 100% of grant funds must be used for the proposed social-purpose project

• Registration: Organizations must have been registered for at least one year by 23 February 2026

• Geography: Projects must be delivered within Canada and/or the United States

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Confirm eligibility: Ensure your organization meets age, registration, and geographic criteria.

2. Develop a project proposal: Highlight your project’s regenerative agriculture focus, methodology, expected outcomes, and impact.

3. Budget planning: Demonstrate clear use of funds, especially for social enterprises allocating 100% to project activities.

4. Submit the application: Include organizational details, project description, and alignment with program focus areas.

5. Selection and awards: Winners and finalists receive funding, summit scholarships, and ambassador network membership.

Common Mistakes / Tips

• Ineligible applicants: Check age and organization registration requirements carefully.

• Insufficient project focus: Clearly align your proposal with one or more program focus areas.

• Budget clarity: Social enterprises must allocate all funds to project activities.

• Geographic scope: Projects must operate in Canada and/or the United States.

• Missed deadlines: Submit before 23 February 2026.

FAQs

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. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects must focus on regenerative and sustainable agriculture, including soil health, water stewardship, biodiversity, animal welfare, crop diversity, Indigenous practices, or food security.

3. How much funding is available?
Two winners will receive $60,000 each, and four finalists will receive $20,000 each.

4. Are there additional benefits besides funding?
Yes, all winners and finalists receive scholarships to the One Young World Summit 2026 and lifelong membership in the One Young World Ambassador Community.

5. Can social enterprises apply?
Yes, but 100% of the grant funds must be used solely for the proposed project.

6. When must projects be implemented?
Projects must be delivered by the applying organization and executed in Canada or the U.S. after grant approval.

7. What is the application deadline?
All applications must be submitted by 23 February 2026.

Conclusion

The Generation Regen Challenge empowers young innovators to transform agriculture and food systems in Canada and the U.S. By funding projects that advance sustainable farming, soil health, biodiversity, water stewardship, and Indigenous practices, the program fosters resilient ecosystems, climate-smart agriculture, and equitable food access, while promoting youth leadership and cross-community collaboration. This initiative represents a strategic opportunity for young leaders to drive meaningful environmental and social impact in their communities.

For more information, visit One Young World.