Our Grants

Youth Investment Fund

Summary

Granting Priorities:

Applications Open: Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 - Sunday, November 15th, 2026

Funding Range: $25,000 in total to be granted out in 2026

The Youth Investment Fund (YIF) is a component of the Unnamed Youth Project (UYP) a large initiative funded by the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area, that is being led by our friends at Kingston Community Health Centre, with partners Youth Diversion and Southeast Public Health.

The Youth Investment Fund is guided by a Youth Advisory Circle (YAC). The YAC provides a platform for youth to advise local policy makers, advocate for better supports and opportunities for youth in KFL&A, and make decisions about funding for youth priorities.

The Youth Investment Fund will allocate a total of $25,000 in 2026 to community-based programs and initiatives that align with youth-identified priorities emerging from the 2025 KFL&A Unnamed Youth Project  engagement process.

Investment Themes of the Youth Investment Fund
  1. Mental/emotional health supports
  2. Youth voice and leadership.
  3. Education and career access.
  4. Transportation and infrastructure.
  5. Community safety and belonging.
  6. Family-based support.
  7. Housing and stability.
  8. Communication and awareness
  9. Access to care
About The Unnamed Youth Project

The KFL&A Unnamed Youth Project (UYP) is guided by the aims of enhancing community opportunities for youth, strengthening family support systems and fostering youth voice and leadership. The long-term vision of the UYP is to reduce early substance exposure and substance use among intermediate and secondary school youth, but our work is far more than that.

Our belief is that creating positive opportunities for youth serves as a “protective factor” that buffers them from the stresses and challenges of childhood. We also believe that when youth have goals and a sense of purpose, they are less likely to engage in risky behaviours such as substance use. Lastly, we believe that when youth feel like they matter and have a voice, they are more likely to become contributing and engaged citizens. 

When we increase youth opportunities, voice and engagement, we build protective factors for youth, which leads to better outcomes for youth, and ultimately, better outcomes for Kingston and area. 

Geographic Area

Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington.

Specific Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must either:

  • be a not-for-profit organization or a school board or
  • be a youth or adult ally partnered with a not-for-profit organization

All projects, programs, or initiatives must:

  •  Have a clearly defined purpose related to at least one of the nine Investment Themes
  • Include youth in the planning or execution of the project, be youth led, or have a purpose of enchancing life for youth in the community.
  • Clearly explain and demonstrate financial need.
  • Support communities in the KFL&A geographical catchment area.

All projects, programs, or initiatives must not be:

  •   Profit generating projects or activities
  • Sectarian, religious, or political purposes and activities
  • Annual fund drives or projects to replace fundraising deficits.

Need Help?
If you are a youth with an idea and are not yet connected with an organization, reach out to UYP@kchc.ca to learn more about how to get connected.

Application Process

Step 1: Read the Applicant Guide
Applicant Guide

Step 2: Apply Online
Complete the online application
You will be asked for contact information, description of project, budget breakdown, and information on youth involvement. Applications open on September 15th, 2026 and close on November 15th, 2026.

Step 3: YAC Review
The YAC will review all applications after the deadline. They will then select up to 8 proposals that align best with the Nine Investment Themes to continue to the next step.

Step 4: Invitation to Pitch Party
Applicants that are selected for the next stage will receive an invitation to our Pitch Party. The pitch party will be taking place on November 27th, 2026 in Kingston, ON.

Step 5: Create Your Pitch
Once you have received an invitation it is time to start preparing, if you haven’t already. If you face any challenges with giving a pitch please reach out to UYP@kchc.ca.

Step 6: Pitch Party
It is time to present your pitch! All selected applicants will have a time slot to present their pitch. There will be time to mingle and ask questions after the presentations.

Step 7: YAC Final Review
After the Pitch Party the YAC will discuss which applicants will be receiving funding.

Step 8: Formal Decision
Applicants will be notified of the results of their application.

Other Information

Questions?

For any questions or if you experience any challenges during the application process, please contact  UYP@kchc.ca

Learn how to apply for this grant!

grants@cfka.org

613.546.9696, ext 105

Land Acknowledgment

The Community Foundation for Kingston & Area is situated on Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat territory. We acknowledge the significance of this land and all that is within it for the Indigenous Peoples who lived and continue to live here and who are sustained by this land.

It is our understanding that this territory is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee to share and protect this land. In the spirit of peace, friendship and respect, all subsequent Indigenous Nations and newcomers were invited into this living treaty to care for this land and its resources.

We affirm our commitment to continuously listen, learn, and honour Indigenous histories and perspectives as we work towards building a more resilient and welcoming community. We affirm our commitment to be a space for reconciliation in action.