The Youth Take Charge Program is a Canadian Heritage initiative designed to empower young people aged 7–30 by fostering meaningful engagement and strengthening their connection to Canada. This program provides funding to youth-led organizations and initiatives that aim to develop civic responsibility, encourage active participation in community life, and promote a shared sense of Canadian identity. Applications for the 2025–2026 funding cycle are now open.
Program Objectives
The program is structured around four key objectives:
- Cultivating a deeper understanding of civic responsibility and active citizenship among youth.
- Promoting youth participation in community initiatives at local, regional, and national levels.
- Fostering a sense of Canadian identity and belonging through diverse engagement activities.
- Supporting youth-focused organizations to remain responsive to the evolving needs of young people.
By meeting these objectives, the program aims to ensure that youth become informed, engaged, and empowered members of Canadian society.
Eligible Themes
Projects seeking funding must be youth-led and fall under at least one of the following thematic areas:
- Arts and culture
- Civic engagement and youth service
- Economic activities
- History and heritage
Projects should provide opportunities for young people to lead initiatives that reflect these themes, allowing them to develop leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include Canadian not-for-profit organizations, registered charities, and Indigenous representative organizations, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis groups. Organizations must demonstrate at least three years of experience delivering youth-focused programs within the past five years and should engage a substantial number of youth, typically at least 200 annually.
Applicants are also expected to maintain adequate safety and security policies to ensure the well-being of all participants. Certain organizations, such as for-profit businesses, municipal or provincial governments, public schools, universities, and libraries, are not eligible for funding.
Project Requirements
To qualify for funding, projects must demonstrate significant youth involvement in all stages, from planning to implementation and evaluation. Community support, either in-kind or financial, is strongly encouraged. Eligible projects should align with program objectives by offering experiences that build community connection, collaboration, or a sense of shared Canadian identity.
Projects must leverage digital tools, communication platforms, or other technologies to facilitate participation and engagement. Activities that primarily take place outside Canada, focus on religious promotion, partisan politics, or routine administrative work are not eligible.
Funding and Duration
Funding is available in the form of grants or contributions, depending on the nature of the project. Projects may run up to 12 months, typically aligning with the fiscal year from April 1 to March 31. Administrative costs, including office supplies and operational expenses, are capped at 15% of the total budget.
Contribution recipients may be required to provide audited financial statements if receiving substantial funding. Maximum contributions can reach up to CAD 500,000 per fiscal year, although most projects receive between CAD 20,000 and CAD 100,000. Organizations are also required to maintain general liability insurance throughout the duration of the project.
Additional funding considerations are available for projects that support low-income participants, youth with disabilities, or bilingual initiatives. This may include coverage for interpreter services, translation, and accessibility accommodations to ensure equitable participation.
Application Process
Organizations interested in applying must complete the general application form and submit all supporting documentation electronically. The submission must include the organization’s name and project title clearly identified. Successful applicants will enter into a funding agreement with Canadian Heritage and will be required to report on project outcomes and overall impact.
The Youth Take Charge Program provides an opportunity for young Canadians to take the lead in shaping their communities, fostering engagement, and building a lasting sense of civic pride. By supporting youth-led initiatives, the program encourages innovation, collaboration, and active participation in the civic and cultural life of Canada.
Contact Information
For inquiries and application submissions, applicants can reach the program office via email or by contacting the Canadian Heritage office directly. Support is available to guide organizations through the application process and to ensure proposed projects meet all eligibility and program requirements.
Deadline: 17th November, 2025
