KWCF Youth Advisory Council launches Canadian Heritage Pilot Program for Youth-Led Community Initiatives

(Waterloo, ON - March 15, 2006) - The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council is excited to announce the launch of The Canadian Heritage Pilot Program. The Department of Canadian Heritage is implementing a pilot program with several Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committees across the country to promote youth engagement in their communities. The program will fund projects proposed by youth, selected by youth and implemented by youth. This pilot may potentially be expanded nationally.

Youth between the ages of 11 and 25 are encouraged to design and create an innovative project that will promote youth activity in their community. Youth may apply for a grant to help fund fifty percent of their project, up to a maximum of $2500.00, on the condition that they obtain matching funds from their community. The community matching funds can be in the form of financial support or in-kind support. In-kind support includes services and donations such as food for the volunteers, use of a building, vehicle loan, tutoring/mentoring, shovels and brooms, etc. Projects must be overseen by an adult supervisor. Eligible expenses for project budgets may include promotional costs, materials related to the project, transportation costs, or food and lodging for volunteers.

Grant Applications and guidelines can be found on the Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation website: YAC grants on KWCF Website. You may also pick up hard copies of the materials at the KWCF office.

For more information please contact the Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation at (519 725-1806 x 3) or email YAC at kwcfyac@gmail.com