Youth Leadership for Change

The Youth Leadership for Change program aims to build a culture of service and volunteering among racialized youth in Ottawa aged 15-30, with activities that strengthen youth resilience, build an inclusive Canada and promote civic engagement.

The Canada Service Corps (CSC) through the Social Planning Council of Ottawa (SPCO) will provide funding to youth, in the form of micro-grants, to take ownership of an issue that is important to them, propose a solution, and implement it at the local community level, while developing their leadership, budgeting, and planning skills.
The Youth Leadership for Change program funded by Canada Service Corps offers micro-grants to empower youth aged 15-30 in the Ottawa-Gatineau region to develop, lead, and implement community-based projects, gain experience and build important skills while giving back to their community.
These grants aim to:
Build a culture of service and volunteering among youth.
Address systemic challenges, such as equity, inclusion, anti-discrimination, and resilience.
Enhance community safety and promote mental wellness.
Strengthen connections between youth, schools, grassroots organizations, and communities.
Learn more at Canada.ca/CanadaServiceCorps.
Grants range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the scale and impact of the initiative.

Apply for a grant today

FAQ

Who can apply for this grant?

Youth aged 15 to 30 can apply for the grant. Projects must be led by a group of at least 3 youth, and all major decisions should be made by the youth themselves.

If you’re from Gatineau or Quebec, your project must clearly benefit the Ottawa community to be eligible. This grant is not able to fund projects in the Gatineau/ Quebec region.

No — this grant is for youth-led groups. You need to apply with a team of at least three members, with all youth playing an active role in the project.

We fund community-based projects that promote:

  • Civic engagement and volunteerism
  • Equity, inclusion, and anti-discrimination
  • Mental wellness and social connection
  • Youth leadership and advocacy
  • Creative, tech, or innovative approaches to community challenges
  • Safety, healing, and resilience in high-priority communities
  • Career readiness, education, and skill development



Projects that are one or two time, with a one- time event impact are NOT ELIGIBLE. This grant focuses on projects have show long term impact on the community.

Yes. The following are not eligible:

  • Solo projects or youth applying individually
  • Projects based solely in Quebec without Ottawa impact
  • Sports clubs focused only on competition
  • Religious or political organizations promoting ideology
  • Large mainstream charities (unless the project is independently youth-led)
  • For-profit businesses or individuals without a nonprofit partner
  • One-time events with no ongoing engagement or outcomes

Besides funding, we offer:

  • Mentorship and coaching to support your project
  • Workshops on budgeting, leadership, and planning
  • Grant-writing support and help with future applications
  • Recognition opportunities through SPCO events and outreach
  • A chance to connect with other youth leaders across Ottawa

All funded groups are expected to:

  • Submit a mid-term update and a final report
  • Track spending with receipts and logs
  • Share photos, videos, or testimonials showing youth engagement and impact

You’ll need to complete our online application form here. If you’d like help with your idea or proposal, we’re happy to support you!
Just email us at YLC@spcottawa.on.ca 

We accept applications on a rolling basis. That means you can apply at any time — but the sooner you apply, the better your chance of receiving funding this cycle.

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