Deadline: 16-Jan-2026
The Jack Leslie Youth Environmental Grant in Calgary provides youth-led groups and individuals with funding of up to $1,000 for projects that improve local environments. Administered by The City of Calgary, The Parks Foundation, and Youth Central, the grant empowers students from elementary to high school to lead initiatives promoting cleaner, greener, and more beautiful community spaces.
What is the Jack Leslie Youth Environmental Grant?
This grant supports Calgary youth passionate about environmental stewardship. Funded annually, it recognises projects that reflect Jack Leslie’s vision for a cleaner, greener city. The program encourages youth leadership in planning, organizing, and implementing environmental initiatives that benefit community spaces and natural areas.
Funding Details
Total Funding Available: $2,500 annually
Grant Distribution: Two group grants of $1,000 each; one individual grant of $500
Eligible Uses: Youth-led environmental projects demonstrating care for nature, local parks, or community spaces
Program Focus: Projects must be primarily directed and led by students, with adult guidance limited to mentorship or support
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Youth from elementary to high school age
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Groups, classes, schools, community groups, and non-profit or charitable organizations
Leadership Requirement: Projects must be student-led, with youth directing planning and execution; adults may provide guidance but not lead
Why This Grant Matters
The Jack Leslie Youth Environmental Grant:
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Encourages youth to take active roles in environmental stewardship
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Promotes creativity and problem-solving through real-world environmental projects
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Builds leadership and teamwork skills among young people
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Honors Jack Leslie’s legacy of community care and environmental improvement
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Strengthens Calgary’s public spaces and fosters a culture of sustainability
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility Ensure applicants are youth-led and fall within the age range of elementary to high school students.
Step 2: Develop Project Plan Include project goals, activities, expected environmental impact, and roles of youth participants.
Step 3: Submit Application Follow the official submission process through The City of Calgary, The Parks Foundation, or Youth Central.
Step 4: Implement Project Execute the project with youth leading planning, organization, and implementation.
Step 5: Acknowledge Support Recognize grant funding in project communications and reporting as required.
Common Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
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Ensure youth are leading all aspects of the project, not adults.
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Clearly define environmental benefits and community impact.
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Keep budgets realistic and aligned with grant amounts ($500–$1,000).
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Avoid projects outside Calgary or unrelated to environmental improvement.
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Submit complete and accurate applications before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum grant amount? $1,000 for group projects; $500 for individual projects.
2. Who can apply? Youth from elementary to high school age, either individually or in groups, including schools or community organizations.
3. Can adults lead the project? No, adults may guide or mentor but cannot lead the project.
4. What types of projects are eligible? Any youth-led environmental initiative that improves community or natural spaces.
5. How many grants are awarded annually? Three grants: two group grants and one individual grant.
6. Is funding limited to Calgary? Yes, projects must be located in Calgary.
7. How does this grant honor Jack Leslie? By encouraging youth to lead initiatives that make Calgary cleaner, greener, and more beautiful.
Conclusion
The Jack Leslie Youth Environmental Grant empowers Calgary youth to lead meaningful environmental projects while fostering leadership, creativity, and community engagement. Through this initiative, students turn their ideas into tangible improvements for local spaces, continuing Jack Leslie’s legacy of environmental care and civic responsibility.
For more information, visit City of Calgary.