The Youth Take Charge Program for 2025–2026 is now open for applications, providing a unique opportunity for organizations across Canada to develop and deliver projects that engage young people and strengthen their connection to Canadian society. The program is designed to empower youth, aged 7 to 30, to take an active role in their communities while promoting civic engagement, cultural awareness, and a sense of national identity.
Program Objectives
The Youth Take Charge Program is built around four primary objectives aimed at fostering active and informed citizenship among young Canadians:
- Promoting Active Citizenship: The program encourages youth to recognize the importance of their involvement in community development and civic life. By participating in meaningful projects, young people gain a better understanding of their responsibilities and the impact they can have in shaping their communities.
- Encouraging Community Engagement: One of the key goals of the program is to increase youth participation in community-based initiatives. Through project involvement, young people develop leadership skills, learn teamwork, and experience the satisfaction of contributing to positive social change.
- Fostering a Sense of Belonging: The program emphasizes building a connection between youth and Canadian society. Participants are encouraged to explore Canada’s diverse cultural heritage, history, and traditions, fostering pride and a strong sense of national identity.
- Supporting Youth-Oriented Organizations: The program also aims to strengthen organizations that serve youth by providing them with funding to deliver projects that are relevant, effective, and responsive to the evolving needs of young people.
Eligible Project Areas
Organizations seeking funding through the Youth Take Charge Program must design projects that align with one or more of the program’s thematic areas:
- Arts and Culture: Initiatives that encourage creativity, cultural expression, and participation in artistic activities.
- Civic Engagement: Projects that motivate youth to participate in volunteer work, community leadership, or social initiatives.
- Economic Activities: Programs that promote skills development, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment for young Canadians.
- History and Heritage: Projects that raise awareness of Canada’s history, heritage, and shared values.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, registered charities, and Indigenous representative organizations such as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis governments and their equivalents. To qualify, organizations must demonstrate:
- At least three years of experience delivering youth programs at the national or provincial/territorial level within the last five years.
- Geographical reach beyond a local community, ensuring that programs can impact a broad population of youth.
- Regular engagement with a significant number of youth participants each year, typically at least 200, demonstrating ongoing commitment to youth development.
- Implementation of appropriate safety and security policies for programs involving youth, ensuring projects are delivered responsibly and safely.
Application Process
Applications for the Youth Take Charge Program are submitted electronically and must include a completed General Application Form along with all required supporting documents. Each application should clearly indicate the organization’s name and the project title.
The application window opens on October 20, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time and closes on November 17, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Why Apply
The Youth Take Charge Program provides an excellent opportunity for organizations to make a tangible difference in the lives of young Canadians. Beyond funding, the program helps organizations develop innovative approaches to youth engagement, strengthen community networks, and promote cultural and civic awareness. By participating, young people not only gain practical skills but also experience personal growth, enhanced confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging to the Canadian community.
This initiative represents a significant investment in the next generation of leaders and citizens, reinforcing the importance of youth voices in shaping Canada’s future. Organizations are encouraged to apply and contribute to creating vibrant, inclusive, and engaged communities across the country.
Deadline: 17th November,2025
