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Call for Proposals: Young Nature Leaders Grant Program (Canada)

Deadline: 20-Feb-2026

Nature Canada’s Young Nature Leaders Grant Program offers a $1,000 grant or bursary to support a youth-led, community-based nature project in Canada. Open to individuals under 30, the program prioritizes projects in 2026 that advance marine conservation, ecological restoration, protected areas, Indigenous-led conservation, and creative storytelling that can be shared widely.

Program Overview

The Young Nature Leaders Grant Program is a national funding opportunity offered by Nature Canada to empower young people to design and deliver impactful nature-focused projects across Canada.

The program supports a single youth-led project that celebrates the role of nature in Canadian culture and identity, while encouraging leadership, advocacy, and community engagement around environmental sustainability.

Funding is awarded as a grant or bursary to help implement the selected project during 2026.

Program Goals and Vision

Nature Canada created the Young Nature Leaders Grant to amplify youth voices in conservation and environmental action.

The program aims to:

  • Support youth leadership in nature protection and sustainability

  • Celebrate nature as a core part of Canadian identity

  • Encourage community-based environmental engagement

  • Highlight innovative and creative approaches to conservation

  • Inspire broader public awareness through storytelling and outreach

Grant Amount and Funding Use

The program provides:

  • A single grant or bursary of $1,000

  • Funding to support project implementation in 2026

  • Flexible use of funds aligned with approved project activities

All funded activities must comply with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) spending guidelines for charities.

Priority Project Themes for 2026

While all eligible nature-focused projects are welcome, special consideration in 2026 will be given to proposals aligned with the following priorities:

  • Oceans and marine conservation

  • Ecological restoration initiatives

  • Protected areas and habitat stewardship

  • Indigenous-led conservation projects

  • Projects that can be supported by Nature Canada’s Women for Nature network through volunteer or promotional assistance

  • Projects suitable for filming and sharing on social media platforms

These priorities reflect Nature Canada’s strategic focus areas and public engagement goals.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicant Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be under 30 years of age at the time of application

  • Be an individual applicant (not an organization)

  • Propose a youth-led, community-based project

  • Plan to carry out the project within Canada

  • Submit only one application

Nature Canada employees, as well as their children or relatives, are not eligible to apply.

Project Eligibility

Eligible projects must:

  • Focus on nature, conservation, or environmental sustainability

  • Take place entirely within Canada

  • Demonstrate clear community engagement or public benefit

  • Align with CRA charitable spending guidelines

  • Be feasible within the scope of a $1,000 grant

Why This Grant Matters

Youth play a critical role in shaping Canada’s environmental future.

This grant matters because it:

  • Recognizes and supports emerging young environmental leaders

  • Provides accessible funding for grassroots conservation efforts

  • Encourages underrepresented and diverse community engagement

  • Strengthens public connection to nature through storytelling

  • Elevates youth-driven solutions to environmental challenges

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit one of the following in English or French:

  • A two-page written essay outlining the proposed project

  • A short video presenting the project idea and intended impact

Application Process

  1. Design a youth-led project focused on nature and sustainability

  2. Align the project with one or more 2026 priority themes, if possible

  3. Prepare a clear and creative proposal explaining goals, activities, and impact

  4. Choose either a written essay or video submission format

  5. Ensure the project will take place in Canada and follow CRA guidelines

  6. Submit the application by the stated deadline

All submissions are reviewed by a volunteer Grant Selection Committee.

How Applications Are Evaluated

Proposals are assessed based on the following criteria:

  • Potential impact and environmental benefits

  • Public engagement and community reach

  • Creativity, clarity, and feasibility of the project

  • Effective and realistic use of the $1,000 grant

  • Engagement of underrepresented or diverse communities

  • Potential involvement of Women for Nature members

  • Suitability for storytelling and media sharing

  • Compliance with geographic and regulatory requirements

Mentorship and Visibility Opportunities

Successful recipients may receive additional non-financial support.

This can include:

  • Matching with Women for Nature mentors based on project scope and location

  • Opportunities to share project outcomes through blogs or videos

  • Promotion of the project via Nature Canada’s website and media channels

These opportunities help amplify the project’s reach and the young leader’s voice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting more than one application

  • Proposing projects outside Canada

  • Overestimating what can be achieved with a $1,000 budget

  • Failing to explain community engagement or public impact

  • Ignoring CRA compliance requirements

  • Missing the submission deadline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding does the Young Nature Leaders Grant provide?

The program awards one grant or bursary of $1,000 to support project implementation in 2026.

2. Who can apply for this grant?

Individuals under the age of 30 living in Canada with a youth-led, community-based nature project may apply.

3. Are organizations eligible to apply?

No. The program is open to individual applicants only.

4. What types of projects are prioritized in 2026?

Priority is given to projects focused on marine conservation, ecological restoration, protected areas, Indigenous-led conservation, and projects suitable for public storytelling.

5. Can projects involve mentorship or volunteers?

Yes. Projects that can engage Nature Canada’s Women for Nature network are given special consideration.

6. What is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on February 20, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.

7. When will applicants be notified of the results?

All applicants will be informed of the Selection Committee’s decision by April 30, 2026.

Conclusion

Nature Canada’s Young Nature Leaders Grant Program offers a meaningful opportunity for young people to turn their passion for nature into real-world impact.

By providing funding, mentorship, and visibility, the program empowers youth to lead community-based conservation projects that celebrate nature’s role in Canadian identity while shaping a more sustainable future.

For more information, visit Nature Canada.