Deadline: November 17, 2025
Applications are now open for the Canadian Heritage Youth Take Charge Program 2025–2026, a national initiative designed to empower young people across Canada. This programme supports projects that help youth strengthen their sense of belonging, civic engagement, and connection to their communities and country. The Youth Take Charge Program 2025–2026 provides funding to organisations that create meaningful opportunities for youth participation, leadership, and community impact.
About the Opportunity
The Youth Take Charge Program, managed by the Department of Canadian Heritage, aims to foster a strong sense of attachment among youth to Canada through active participation in community development, arts, culture, and heritage initiatives.
The programme seeks to engage young Canadians aged 7 to 30 in projects that encourage them to contribute to their communities and build leadership skills. Each funded project must align with one or more of the programme’s four priority areas and demonstrate clear youth involvement throughout its design and implementation.
Thematic Areas
Eligible projects under the Youth Take Charge Program 2025–2026 must focus on at least one of the following key areas:
- Arts and Culture: Projects that promote youth creativity, artistic expression, and cultural participation.
- Civic Engagement and Youth Service: Initiatives that inspire active citizenship and youth-led community service.
- Economic Activities: Programmes that support entrepreneurship, employability, and innovation among young people.
- History and Heritage: Activities that enhance awareness and understanding of Canada’s rich history and diverse heritage.
These themes reflect the Government of Canada’s commitment to helping youth connect with their cultural and social identity while actively contributing to the nation’s development.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open exclusively to Canadian-based organisations with a proven track record of youth engagement. Eligible applicants include:
- Canadian not-for-profit organisations
- Registered charitable groups
- Indigenous representative organisations (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis)
Additional organisational requirements include:
- At least three years of experience delivering youth programming within the last five years.
- Demonstrated capacity to operate on a national or provincial/territorial scale, reaching beyond a single community and engaging a significant number of youth (generally 200 or more annually).
- Clear and effective security and safety policies for youth projects.
Benefits and Funding Support
Successful applicants will receive funding support to deliver youth-focused projects that strengthen leadership, identity, and civic responsibility. The financial assistance helps organisations expand their reach and deliver initiatives that empower young Canadians through arts, service, culture, and heritage activities.
Application Process
Organisations must complete the General Application Form and attach all required supporting documents. Submissions must be made via email to the address provided in the official call for proposals.
Applicants should include both the organisation name and the project title in the email subject line to ensure proper processing.
It is highly recommended that applicants review all eligibility and thematic guidelines carefully before submitting their proposals.
Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 17 November 2025 at 16:00 (Eastern Time). Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed based on eligibility, alignment with the programme’s objectives, and the potential impact on Canadian youth. Only projects demonstrating clear youth involvement, scalability, and community benefit will be prioritised.
Additional Information
This programme reinforces the Government of Canada’s dedication to empowering young people and supporting organisations that promote youth leadership and engagement. It serves as a platform for building civic pride, fostering innovation, and celebrating Canada’s cultural and historical diversity.
How to Apply
Interested organisations should prepare a detailed project proposal and submit it through the designated email channel. Ensure all required documents are attached and complete before submission.
👉 Read more about the programme
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review.
