The fourth annual Youth Initiative Grant has now been expanded and welcomes youth from north, central and south Okanagan-Similkameen.
Central Okanagan Foundation and United Way BC – Southern Interior lead the program and provide $2,000 for youth-led projects.
In 2022, the funding partnership was expanded to include Community Foundation North Okanagan and Community Foundation South Okanagan-Similkameen.
Youth, up to the age of 25, have the chance to develop and run projects that benefit their communities while partnering with local charities, First Nation organizations, schools, or other organizations.
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For example, last year, OneWorld Youth Crew (OWYC) heard that the Okanagan Falls Legion Branch 227 issued a call to local artists requesting a mural of a female soldier. OWYC started researching and discovered Mary Greyeyes – the first Indigenous military officer.
The two groups partnered to create a mural that honours Mary Greyeyes on the exterior wall of the Legion building.
Another project was led by a team of volunteers that partnered with CRIS Adaptive Adventures and organized an “Amazing Race” along Kelowna’s Mission Creek Regional Park.
Youth with disabilities and their families spent the day completing fun, engaging, team-building activities, using adaptive equipment where necessary.
Other youth-led projects funded last year included Penticton Overdose Response Project, which was a partnership with Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy and UBC Okanagan Campus Health.
To download the application and find out more information, visit this link.
To find out more about eligible organizations who can apply click here.
