Applications are now open until Feb. 18 for the Young Nature Leaders Grant — a $1,000 funding opportunity aimed at supporting youth-led, community-based environmental initiatives in Canada. Successful recipients will be announced by March 31.

The grant is established by Women for Nature, leaders from all sectors of society who care deeply about nature and wish to inspire others to make change.

To date, there have been 42 recipients from 10 different provinces and territories since the grant was established in 2017, with six recipients selected last year. These youth-projects have reached over 5,800 Canadians across the country according to Nature Canada — the oldest national nature conservation charity in Canada.

Young Nature Leader coordinator Amal Zeidan said that the grant was created to empower and support young people who were passionate about leading community-based projects centered on the environment. “The creation of the Young Nature Leaders Grant was inspired by the Canadian Parks council’s The Nature Playbook, which encourages a new generation to connect with nature by immersing themselves in the outdoors.”

“Nature is at the heart of Canadian identity,” said Zeidan. “Our vast country, with its diverse landscape of rivers, oceans and mountains, is defined by the natural world.

“Yet, nature is under threat as beloved species face rapid decline. It is imperative that all Canadians unite to defend, restore and protect the nature that shapes our culture and sustains our future.”

Zeidan explained that the grant is reserved for individuals under 30, citing that they represent the future leaders who will safeguard and look after the natural world.

“Together, we are fostering the resilience, hope and courage necessary to protect the nature we all value,” stated Zeidan.

The grant encourages youth to propose projects that highlight the vital role nature plays in Canadian culture and identity. Applicants are required to submit either a two-page essay or a short video in English or French outlining their projects.

The grant selection committee will evaluate applications based on the project’s potential impact and benefits, public engagement and reach, participation of Women for Nature members, creativity and clarity, effective use of grant funds and the inclusion of diverse and underrepresented communities.

All projects must take place within Canada and comply with the Canada Revenue Agency spending guidelines for charities. Each applicant is limited to submitting one proposal for consideration.

Successful grant recipients may also be paired with Women for Nature mentors, providing guidance to help execute their project. Successful recipients will also be asked to share their experience through a blog or video which may be published by Nature Canada and other forms of media.

A compelling essay or video submission shows the impact of the project in the applicant’s community, according to Zeidan.

“They showcase this through tangible and specific examples such as the number of seed flowers planted in their communities, illustrating how the youth were engaged in their communities and the continued impact after the project was completed,” said Zeidan.

“Since the project empowers youth to introduce different communities to nature-related activities, it fosters long-lasting partnerships with them.”

For more information and application details, visit naturecanada.ca/young-leader-grant.