We aim to incentivize and support students’ interest and care for their communities. This will enable students to create change by:

  • Promoting their efforts in schools across the district
  • Connecting them with partners who align with their work
  • Providing them with the platform to share their initiatives and offer input about their education

Program to Invest in Student-Led Initiatives

We will create a program led by designated staff to support student initiatives. This will provide easier access for students to the WRDSB. It will also support student-led initiatives that are being developed or already in progress. Based on their needs, we can support them with resources or promotions through WRDSB platforms.

This strategy intends to encourage students to invest in their communities. It also aligns their educational experiences with Learner Profile attributes.

Grants and Funding for Student and Youth-Led Initiatives

We are working to support the next generation of leaders by connecting them to funding to make their projects a reality. Below, you’ll find grants tailored specifically for youth in Waterloo region. These grants are designed to support creative, innovative, and equity-focused projects.

If you need help with your project or applying for grants listed below, email Delia Loveless, Student Engagement Officer, at delia_loveless@wrdsb.ca.

CANConnect Micro-grant

Through the CANConnect program, GLOCAL Foundation of Canada aims to empower Canadian youth. The program focuses on equipping participants with the resources, civic knowledge and digital skills to promote civic engagement and democratic participation in Canada through project-based initiatives.

160 microgrants are available to Canadian youth applicants from across Canada. These microgrants serve as a means to empower youth and enable them to actively engage in civic activities that positively contribute to their communities.

Learn more about the CANConnect program and how you can apply.

 

City of Waterloo Neighbourhood Fund

The City of Waterloo offers different types of funding to support neighbours in their efforts to build strong, connected communities. Whether you are planning a small project that costs $50, or a large placemaking project that will cost $7000, there is funding available to support your initiative. Visit the links below for more details on the different types of funding available.

Learn more about the Neighbourhood fund.

Love My Hood via the City of Kitchener

Love My Hood fosters vibrant and connected neighbourhoods in Kitchener.

The LoveMyHood Matching Grant Selection Committee reviews applications during seasonal review periods. Submissions are due on the following dates:

  • Review Period 1 – Thursday, March 13, 2025
  • Review Period 2 – Thursday, June 12, 2025
  • Review Period 3 – Thursday, November 13, 2025

Groups will be notified of the outcome of their application as soon as possible, but typically within 4 to 6 weeks of the intake date.

Learn more about the Love My Hood grant.

N:OW for Net-Zero program

N:OW for Net-Zero funds Canadian student projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and/or improve net-zero literacy in their communities.

Grades 6-12 students can apply and may receive up to $15,000 in funding for their projects.

Applications are currently closed.

Learn more about the N:OW for Net-Zero program.

Ontario Summer Company Program

The Government of Ontario’s Summer Company program provides students aged 15 to 29 with the training and grants they need to launch and run their own summer businesses.

Successful applicants get:

  • up to $1,500 upfront to help with start-up costs
  • up to $1,500 when you successfully complete the program requirements

Learn more about the Ontario Summer Company program.

Peace Innovators Scholarship

The Peace Innovators Scholarship provides scholarships to students committed to creating a more peaceful world.

Applications for 2025-26 are open until Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Learn more about the Peace Innovators Scholarship.

RISE Fund: Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Equity

The RISE Fund supports initiatives that address equity, diversity, and inclusion in Kitchener.

Applications for Spring 2025 will open in April 2025.

Learn more about the RISE Fund.

Youth Climate Action Fund

GreenHouse has partnered with the City of Kitchener to deliver Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund. This fund provides $68,000 in micro-grants for youth-led climate projects in Kitchener.

Projects supported include:

  • tree-planting
  • public education campaigns
  • recycling or waste reduction initiatives
  • climate change mitigation planning or preparedness program

Learn more about the Youth Climate Action Fund.

Youth Creativity Fund

The Youth Creativity Fund aims to fuel the creativity of youth. It does so by funding art, community, and tech projects led by youth aged 15-18. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis.

Learn more about the Youth Creativity Fund.

Youth Impact Project

The Children and Youth Planning Table and Smart Waterloo Region Innovation Lab are bringing the worlds of innovation and local data together! The Youth Impact Project is a chance for youth, with support from community organizations, to pitch their solutions to challenges they’re seeing in the Youth Impact Survey results. The pilot phase of the Youth Impact Project wrapped up in December of 2024 and we’re exploring what the next phase will look like.

Learn more about the Youth Impact Project, and funded ideas, hereMore information about 2025 opportunities coming soon!

Youth Opportunities Fund

The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) invests in community-led projects that are essential in creating safe spaces, empowering youth and families, supporting career pathways and addressing issues faced by our communities.

YOF prioritizes grassroots groups that are looking to address the experiences of Indigenous (First Nation, Metis or Inuit) and/or Black youth who continue to face systemic barriers and oppression.

Whether your group wants to pilot a new project or expand an existing one, YOF offers a range of grants that may be the right fit for your group.

Learn more about the Youth Opportunities Fund.

Youth Take Charge

The Youth Take Charge Program funds projects to strengthen youth attachment to Canada through engagement.

The Youth Take Charge Program supports youth-led projects that include activities in 1 or more of 4 thematic areas:

  • arts and culture;
  • civic engagement and youth service;
  • economic activities;
  • history and heritage.

Learn more about the Youth Take Charge Program.