Community Grant Information Indigenous Youth Community Grants
The Indigenous Youth Community Grants is a multi-level funding initiative managed by the Native Council of Nova Scotia (NCNS) in collaboration with the Youth Development Initiative (YDI), a year-round support program provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services. The program is designed to support community-driven, youth-led projects throughout Nova Scotia. Funding is allocated through specific them streams that address distinct community needs.
Please be advised that funding is limited and that not all applicants will be approved.
The Indigenous Youth Community Grants program will not fund projects that are political in nature, or that involved the distribution of substances (i.e, alcohol, non-traditional tobacco, any cannabis/marijuana related products, illicit substances, etc.).
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Timelines
|
Stages |
Intake Dates |
|
Application Opens |
August 1st, 2024 |
|
Application Deadline |
October 30th, 2024 |
|
Decisions Released |
January 1st, 2024 |
Questions
NCNS encourages applicants to reach out if they have any questions. Please email ydi@ncns.ca to speak with a member of the team.
Empower our Youth (Stream A)
The Empower our Youth Stream offers up to $15,000.00 in funding to Indigenous youth-led groups, non-profit organizations, and school groups to run programs and initiatives focused on support for Indigenous youth to enhance their skill-building and stay engaged in educational spaces. Projects must actively involve Indigenous youth (ages 12 to 20) in all phases, including guidance, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Funding Stream Priorities
This stream prioritizes:
- Indigenous grassroots groups and collectives
- Schools, Indigenous student centres, and school groups
- Organizations with experience in program and project management looking to expand or innovate
- Projects that have an appropriate scale and scope for the funding provided (i.e engagement numbers and frequency that makes sense for the funding requested)
Project Focus Areas
Awarded projects must fall within the following areas. Please note that projects can fall within multiple focus areas.
- Mentorship Opportunities
- Skill Developments
- Education Resources and Support
- Student Communities
Eligibility
Please note: For the Indigenous Youth Community Grants program, NCNS defines Indigenous as status First Nation, Inuit, and Metis people in Canada. Non-Status Indigenous individuals must qualify through NCNS programs and services. To confirm eligibility, please contact 1-800-565-4372.
Eligible groups include:
- Unincorporated/grassroots youth groups/councils compromised primarily of Indigenous Youth
- Projects run by incorporated groups/registered charities with strong Indigenous youth leadership/participation (operating budget less than $500,00.00)
- Projects must primarily serve Indigenous Youth
Sacred Pathways (Stream B)
The Sacred Pathways stream offers up to $5000.00 in funding to Indigenous youth-led groups, Indigenous non-profit organizations, and First Nation communities/community members to run programs and initiatives focused on increasing the resilience, engagement, and wellness of Indigenous youth. Projects must actively involve Indigenous youth (ages 12-20) in all phases, including guidance, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Funding Stream Priorities
This stream prioritizes:
- Indigenous grassroots groups and collectives
- Projects that are focused on land, health, and wellness
- Groups that have some experience running programming and projects, but are looking to scale a new level or try something new
Project Focus Areas
Awarded projects should focus on providing programming, training, or capacity building opportunities for Indigenous youth ages 12 to 20. Below are some possible examples of eligible projects. Please note, these examples do not include every type of project eligible to be funded:
- Programs, workshops, or events for youth to participate in recreational wellness, and/or arts-based programming.
- Cultural programming, including ceremonies, land-based activities, or teaching circles
- Intergenerational programs that provide youth opportunities to work with Elders, families, parents, and children, etc.
- Programs that increase youth leadership skills
- Projects that target making resources (such as mental health or cultural services) safer and more accessible
Eligibility
Please note: For the Indigenous Youth Community Grants program, NCNS defines Indigenous as status First Nation, Inuit, and Metis people in Canada. Non-Status Indigenous individuals must qualify through NCNS programs and services. To confirm eligibility, please contact 1-800-565-4372.
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Timelines
Applications for the Sacred Pathways Stream will be accepted on a continuous intake basis from September 1st, 2024, until January 31st, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.
Questions
NCNS encourages applicants to reach out if they have any questions. Please email ydi@ncns.ca to speak with a member of the team.
How To Apply
Timelines
Our team will accept Kirk Arsenault Memorial Fund applications anytime between July 1st, 2024 to January 31st, 2025, or until we run out of funds.
Questions
If you have questions or need help with your application, please email us at ydi@ncns.ca to speak with a member of the team.
Kirk Arsenault Memorial Fund (Stream C)
The Kirk Arsenault Memorial Fund was created to honour the memory of Kirk Douglas Anthony Arsenault (August 22, 1963 – October 27, 2022). Kirk, who was a Board of Director for the Native Council of Nova Scotia, was known for his dedication in helping Indigenous youth and support their artistic talents.
What You Can use the Funds for
If you are an Indigenous youth between 12-20 years old, you can apply for the funding to:
- Kickstart or improve your small business
- Participate in community or cultural activities
Examples of Eligible Projects
- Purchasing materials to create inventory for upcoming powwows or community events (e.g., beadwork, crafts, etc.)
- Funding to attend powwows across the province (e.g., covering costs for hotels, gas, or food)
- Starting a small business selling handmade crafts or artwork
- Organizing cultural workshops or events in your community
Eligibility
Please note: For the Indigenous Youth Community Grants program, NCNS defines Indigenous as status First Nation, Inuit, and Metis people in Canada. Non-Status Indigenous individuals must qualify through NCNS programs and services. To confirm eligibility, please contact 1-800-565-4372.
Eligible groups include:
- To be eligible for this fund, you need to be:
- An Indigenous youth between 12 to 20 years old
- Non-Status/Registered Indigenous youth must complete an intake through the Youth Development Initiative before you are able to apply
- Have a project that aligns with the fund’s goal