Grants to support youth action

Do you know an engaged youth or group of youth that are keen to turn their ideas for environmental stewardship into action? Alberta youth ages 16 - 25 can now apply to Alberta Ecotrust for up to $5,000 of support for an environmental stewardship project in their community.   Successful applicants will receive project management training and mentor support.  Visit the Ecotrust website for complete details about the YES Grant Program and to download the application form.

The Fellowships are targeted towards emerging Canadian leaders who demonstrate potential to enhance Canada's role on the world stage, and will provide successful candidates with a cash award of $20,000 as well as other forms of support. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents between 24 – 35 years of age with previous international experience – paid or volunteer. They also need to demonstrate a sustained commitment to international issues through studies, career choices and volunteer activities. The deadline for applications was April 10th, 2008. More information can be found by visiting the website.

The Barron Prize honors young people ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet. Each year, ten winners from the U.S. and Canada each receive $2,000 to support their service work or higher education. Half of each year's winners are chosen for their work to protect the environment. Nomination deadline is April 30. For more information and to nominate, visit the website.

Shell provides financial support for grass-roots, action-oriented projects that improve and protect the Canadian environment.  The SEF provides up to $5,000 per project.  Applications for more than $500 must reach the Shell Environmental Fund office by the Spring or Fall deadline dates (February 28 and September 30).  Click here for more information, and to apply for funding.

TransAlta's grassroots environmental program supports youth working to improve the communities and environment around them: protecting, conserving and restoring the natural diversity of neighbourhoods, communities or schools; or  maintaining clean, healthy, and safe land, water, and air for all living things.  Click here for more information, and to apply for funding.

To enter, kids between the ages of six and 12 submit a letter outlining their contributions to helping protect the planet. Winners in three different age groups (6-7 years, 8-9 years and 10-12 years) become an Eco-Action Kid and join a community of young people working to protect the earth. Each winner will also receive $1,000 to donate to the environmental charity of their choice and a $1,000 cash award. Visit the website.  Also on this site: a handy eco-checklist and footprint calculator. The entry deadline is January 21, 2008.

Open to graduating Canadian high school students who have distinguished themselves through environmental community service, extracurricular and volunteer activities, and academic excellence.   $5000 grants are applied to university costs. Deadline: 31 January 2008.  Learn more.

Post-secondary students earn money for developing and delivering their own environmental education programs on their university or college campus, or in their communities.  Learn more.  Deadline: 30 November.

Video Contests

Calgary-based Quantum Shift TV is challenging students from grades one to twelve to work on a social or environmental project of their choice, and document their progress in two short videos to be uploaded on the Web. In addition to making a difference in their community, students have an opportunity to win up to $50,000 in prizes for their school. An entertaining puzzle game woven into the contest stimulates cross-pollination of ideas by encouraging youth to watch each others videos. Teams receive points for social network activity as well as viewer ratings of their videos.  Learn more.