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Application Guidelines – Youth Take Charge Program

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Objectives and expected results for the Youth Take Charge Program

The Youth Take Charge Program aims to strengthen youth attachment to Canada through engagement. Under this program, youth is defined as individuals aged 7 to 30.

The Program supports youth-led projects that include activities in 1 or more of 4 thematic areas:

Arts and culture

Engages youth in Canada's arts and culture, which encompasses diverse forms of creative expression, storytelling, and cultural participation, including music, dance, theatre, literature, film, textile arts, new media, sculpture, and paintings. Experiences may reflect personal identity, community heritage, or broader cultural narratives, and may draw from diverse traditions including Indigenous and multicultural perspectives.

Civic engagement and youth service

Engages youth in individual and collective actions designed to identify and address Canadian social and community issues. This theme can take many forms, such as volunteering, democratic participation, advocacy, participation in community projects, and organizational involvement to electoral participation.

Economic activities

Engages youth in the economic sphere of Canadian life. This engagement strengthens their attachment to Canada by way of activities focused on Canadian entrepreneurship, trade, public spending, and financial literacy, for example. In the context of the Program, this theme does not extend to employment or skills development.

History and heritage

Engages youth on significant events, places, people or artefacts that have shaped life in Canada; and/or, accounts of diverse traditions and cultural practices that have had, and continue to have, an influence on the lives of Canadians.

The Program ultimately aims to provide participants with experiences that contribute to strengthening their sense of attachment to Canada through engagement, based on 4 key objectives:

  • participants are better aware of the importance of being an active and engaged citizen
  • participants are more engaged in communities
  • participants have a better sense of shared Canadian identity
  • youth-serving organizations are relevant to youth

Who can apply

The following organizations are eligible for funding:

  • Canadian registered not-for-profit organizations
  • Canadian registered charitable groups
  • Indigenous representative organizations: Indigenous governments and equivalent organizations that represent the interests of the First Nation, Inuit or Métis communities

To be eligible for funding, the organization must also meet all of the following requirements:

  • have at least 3 years of active experience delivering youth programs over the past 5 years on a significant national or provincial/territorial scale (refer to Glossary - Geographic scale of a project definition), which entails:
    • geographic reach: The organization’s regular activities extend beyond its immediate regional community
    • youth reach: The organization actively engages with a significant number of youth each year (direct engagement of at least 200 youth, on a case-by-case basis)
  • have adequate security and safety policies and procedures in place for the delivery of a youth project similar to the one proposed in the application

The following organizations are not eligible for funding:

  • for-profit entities
  • governments (federal, provincial/territorial or municipal administrations)
  • crown corporations or other federal institutions
  • public or parapublic groups or organizations (for example, schools, colleges, universities, school boards, public libraries)

Eligibility

The Program is responsible for determining the eligibility of each applicant, the proposed project and project-related expenses.

The Youth Take Charge Program is highly competitive. Requests for funding typically exceed available resources. Even if the organization and project are eligible, submitting an application does not guarantee funding.

Eligible projects

Eligible projects for funding must include activities designed to achieve measurable objectives and positive outcomes. Activities are eligible only if they take place within one of the following timeframes:

  • during the period of April 1 to March 31 of the year following the application date
  • by March 31 of a subsequent year if funding is requested for more than 12 months

To be eligible for funding from the Youth Take Charge Program, the project must meet all of the following requirements:

  • actively engage a significant number of youth aged 7 to 30 (established to a minimum of 200 youth annually, to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and with consideration given to projects serving under-represented populations)
  • be youth-led (meaning youth play a significant role in the design, delivery and evaluation of the project)
  • demonstrate support from community partners and other external sources, either through cash contributions or in-kind resources
  • support the achievement of the Program’s objectives and expected results by actively contributing to youth sense of attachment to Canada through engagement activities that:
    • provide opportunities for participants to be engaged in their community
    • involve participants in collaborative activities
    • help participants develop a sense of shared Canadian identity
  • propose activities in one or more of the Program's thematic areas:
    • arts and culture
    • civic engagement and youth service
    • economic activities
    • history and heritage
  • integrate digital tools, platforms and communications technologies to support engagement and collaboration among participants

The following projects are not eligible for funding:

  • projects consisting of activities that primarily take place outside of Canada
  • activities that are primarily religious in nature or advocate for specific political parties
  • projects that forecast a deficit
  • projects that have costs primarily related to the creation and/or maintenance of a website unrelated to the Program’s objectives
  • projects that are receiving support through the Exchanges Canada Program

Eligible expenses

Only project-related expenses, which can be of cash and in-kind value, are eligible; these may include:

Costs directly related to the development, management, implementation, delivery, coordination and logistical support of youth-led projects

  • artists and performers
  • event / venues
  • hospitality fees
  • professional consultant fees directly related to project delivery
  • promotion and communication
  • printing (resources)
  • project evaluation
  • salaries (e.g.: project coordination)
  • security measures and insurance
  • youth participants and adult supervisors recruitment and training

Travel expenses

  • Reasonable round-trip transportation, accommodation and meal costs for youth participants, supervisors and staff involved in the delivery of the project

Travel expenses must not exceed the rates permitted for travel on government business.

Special measures expenses

Special measures expenses are designed to ensure representative participation and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. They may include:

  • participation costs for young people from low-income families
  • basic travel expenses for those accompanying young people with disabilities and the cost of suitable transportation
  • hiring of a sign-language interpreter for youth who are deaf or hard of hearing

Exceptional expenses to meet official languages requirements

English and French are the two official languages of Canada. When activities are intended for an audience that includes both official language groups, or when such activities could have an impact on the bilingual character of the country, the Program will ensure that the funding agreement specifies the appropriate measures to be taken in this regard.

  • Any product or resource, including informational and promotional materials distributed to the target audience (such as registration forms, agendas, web content, and others), must be available in both official languages simultaneously.
  • Funding may be requested for this purpose. Related expenses and their nature must be included in the budget section of the application and may include costs for simultaneous interpretation and translation of public content as part of the project.

Administrative expenses

Eligible administrative expenses for the direct delivery of the project may not exceed 15% of the total approved funding, and may include:

  • book-keeping services and accounting
  • office supplies
  • telecommunications
  • postage and courier fees
  • rent for office space
  • audit or legal costs

In-kind contributions are considered real contributions to the cost of the proposed project but are not reimbursable. Donated goods and services may be considered in-kind contributions if they:

  • are essential to the project's success
  • are eligible and would otherwise have to be purchased or paid for by the organization
  • can be measured at fair market value (i.e. in relation to similar goods and services)
  • are balanced by an equal revenue in the budget (i.e. total in-kind expenses equal total in-kind revenues)

The Program cannot fund expenses incurred before April 1 of the year following the application deadline. If expenses are incurred for the project before receiving written confirmation of the funding approval, the organization will be doing so at its own risk.

The following expenses are not eligible for funding:

  • capital expenses (purchase of equipment and/or furniture, cost related to a contingency fund, acquisition of land, building, vehicle)
  • ongoing operational expenses that are neither directly linked to the project nor to the Program’s objective
  • purchase and/or commission of items produced for commercial purposes
  • alcoholic beverages

Limits of government assistance

To ensure the success of the project, other funding sources are required. This may include contributions from the organization, the private sector or other levels of government.

The total financial assistance received from the Youth Take Charge Program and other levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) cannot exceed 100% of the total eligible project-related costs.

The maximum level (stacking limit) of total federal government assistance, including the Youth Take Charge Program, will not exceed 75% of the project’s eligible expenditures.

The Program can fund up to $50,000 per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31) in the case of grants and up to $500,000 per fiscal year in the case of contributions. However, the average amount awarded by the Youth Take Charge Program generally ranges between $20,000 and $100,000 per project.

Applying for more than 12 months

Funding may be requested for the same activities for a number of fiscal years. The capacity to complete the planned activities on an annual basis must be detailed and demonstrated with realistic results and budget projections as well as sound governance.

Requesting funding for multiple years does not guarantee funding over more than one year.

How to apply

Read these Application Guidelines in their entirety before completing the application.

Please contact the Program to request the forms and other documents required to submit in the application.

All eligibility requirements must be met and a complete application package must be submitted to be considered for funding.

A complete application package includes the following documents:

  • Completed Application Form (Annexes A,B,C), including:
    • Annex A: Document Checklist
    • Annex B: General Application Form (signed by an authorized representative)
    • Annex C: Application Questionnaire
  • Completed Application Form (Annexes D and E), including:
    • Annex D: Anticipated Demographic Distribution Form
    • Annex E: Budget including Annual Anticipated Expenses and Annual Anticipated Revenues
  • Supporting documents:
    • copy of the organization’s letters patent and documents of incorporation, if applicable
    • copy of the organization's charitable status, with certificates and registration numbers, if applicable
    • copy of the organization’s rules and bylaws, if applicable
    • copy of the organization’s financial statements for last three fiscal years
    • list of the organization’s current Board of Directors
    • letters of financial or in-kind support from community partners or other external sources
    • proof that all individuals signing the General Application Form are authorized to represent the organization. Authorized representatives have the authority to perform certain legal duties (such as signing the General Application Form for funding, the contribution agreement, and related reports), according to the organization's rules or bylaws, or as established by a resolution by its Board of Directors
    • security plan detailing adequate and appropriate safety policies and procedures for delivering a youth project similar to the one proposed in the application
    • proof of comprehensive general liability insurance with a coverage at a minimum of $2 million covering the organization, the Board of Directors, its employees, and all participants; or a commitment to obtaining the required coverage if the project is funded

Application process

To submit the application:

  • the General Application Form must be completed, signed and dated
  • all required supporting documents must be attached
  • the application package must be submitted electronically at the following email address: lesjeunessengagent-youthtakecharge@pch.gc.ca
  • the name of the organization and the name of the project must be included in the title of the email

If the application package cannot be sent by email, the Program must be contacted prior to the deadline.

The Program may be contacted to verify the eligibility of applicant and project before submitting an application.

How applications are evaluated

The Youth Take Charge Program funds projects that have clear objectives and measurable results. Funding decisions are based on the number and quality of applications received for each application deadline. The application will be reviewed for eligibility and then evaluated based on the criteria below by a Review Committee who will compare it with other applications and prioritize it in relation to the funds available.

Failure to comply with any conditions of a previously funded project will be considered in the evaluation of the organization’s new application and could result in the rejection of this new application.

Evaluation criteria

The Program will evaluate all eligible applications using the following criteria:

Anticipated impact of the project

  • The extent to which the proposed activities implementation support the Program’s objectives and priorities
  • The application describes clear and concise activities and results are specific, measurable, achievable and realistic
  • The extent of youth leadership - the project is youth-led and they play a significant role in design, delivery and evaluation of the project
  • The reach – number of youth actively engaged
  • The extent to which the proposed activities contribute to the Program’s efforts to reach a broad participation of youth in Canada, that is representative of provincial/territorial youth populations, and to encourage participation of under-represented groups (including, but not limited to, Indigenous youth, racialized youth, youth with disabilities, and youth from rural or isolated regions)
  • The organization’s ability to provide access to participants in both official languages and include participants from official language minority communities (if applicable)
  • The integration of digital tools, platforms and communication technologies to promote engagement and collaboration among youth participants

Organizational capacity

  • The application demonstrates how the organization has the stability, financial capacity, necessary staff and expertise to successfully manage and deliver the project
  • The application reflects that the organization has experience in carrying out similar activities (minimum of three years’ experience) and is supported by a network of partners
  • The application clearly demonstrates that the organization has appropriate and adequate safety policies and procedures

Budget

  • The budgeted expenses are realistic, reasonable and in line with the proposed activities
  • The budget includes information demonstrating how expenses were forecasted (i.e. calculations, quotes)
  • The budget includes other sources of funding (cash and/or in-kind) from partners (federal, provincial or municipal governments, private sector)
  • The projected revenues balance with expenditures
  • A comparative analysis will be made to determine which projects demonstrate the most value for money (e.g., number of participants, cost per participant)

Funding priority may be given to projects that focus on one or more of the following priorities. If the project supports these priorities, it must be clearly articulated in the application.

  • Reconciliation – projects that bring together youth from across Canada and from diverse backgrounds to promote dialogue, action, or implementing initiatives on the theme of reconciliation.
  • Diversity and inclusion – projects that bring together youth from across Canada and from diverse backgrounds to address issues related to diversity and inclusion, and with the goal of fostering respect, openness, and social cohesion.
  • Official language minority communities – projects that promote the growth and development of youth from Francophone communities residing outside Quebec, and from Anglophone communities residing in Quebec.

Application processing time

Please refer to the Service standards for Canadian Heritage funding programs or contact the program.

The Program will acknowledge receipt of the application within two weeks of reception. If no acknowledgement is received within this timeframe, the Program must be contacted.

Funding decisions

The Program reserves the right to target funding to specific projects or priorities. It should be noted that all decisions regarding eligibility and funding amounts are final.

How funding is provided

The Program will determine if funding will be disbursed as a grant or as a contribution.

A contribution is a conditional payment issued to an organization for a specific purpose, as outlined in a funding agreement. The agreement is signed by the organization and by the Program and specifies the terms and conditions to receive payment. A final report must be submitted at the end of the project.

A grant is a payment issued to a recipient for a project. The conditions agreed to by the organization at the time of application will apply. A report and/or participation in the evaluation of the results may be required at the end of the project.

Funding conditions

The organization may be required to submit interim reports and cash flows during the project. If $250,000 or more are received as a contribution, an audited financial report will be required.

The organization must maintain a minimum $2 million general liability insurance for the duration of the project. Additional conditions may apply and, if applicable, will be included in the funding agreement.

Anti-racism and anti-hate

Canadian Heritage is committed to address systemic racism, promote diversity, and create environments where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered. We strive to challenge discriminatory beliefs and practices, cultivate understanding and empathy, and champion policies and programs that advance equality for all.

Organizations receiving funding, including any representatives whether employees, consultants, or other persons directly affiliated with the organization, must take steps to ensure they respect the values underlying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy.

Workplace well-being

The Government of Canada is strongly committed to promoting healthy workplaces where harassment, abuse and discrimination are not tolerated. Organizations that receive funding from Canadian Heritage must take measures to create a workplace free from harassment, abuse and discrimination.

Official languages requirements

The Program is committed to taking positive measures to enhance the vitality of official language minority communities and to promote the use of English and French in Canadian society. If funding is received, the organization agrees to comply with the official languages requirements set out in the application or in the funding agreement.

Acknowledgement of financial assistance

If funding is received, the organization must publicly acknowledge – in English and in French – the financial support received from the Government of Canada in all communications materials and promotional activities. Additional requirements may be included in the funding agreement.

For additional information, please refer to the Guide on the public acknowledgement of financial support.

Access to information requests

The Program is subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. The information submitted in the application may be disclosed in accordance with these acts.

Disclosure of information

By submitting a funding application, the organization authorizes the Program to disclose any information submitted with this application within the Government of Canada or to outside entities for the following purposes:

  • to reach a decision
  • to evaluate the results of the project
  • to support transparency, accountability and citizen engagement

Audits of recipients and evaluation of the Program

The Program reserves the right to audit the organization’s accounts and records to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the funding agreement. Periodic program evaluations are also conducted, during which the organization may be required to present documentation.

The organization must keep any records, documents, or other information that may be required to perform the audit or the evaluation for five years. Demonstrated failure to maintain such records may result in the repayment of amounts previously received.

Contact us

For further information, please contact the Program:

Address
Youth Take Charge Program
Department of Canadian Heritage
15 Eddy St
Gatineau QC  J8X 4B3
Email
lesjeunessengagent-youthtakecharge@pch.gc.ca
Telephone
819-997-0055
1-866-811-0055 (toll-free)
TTY
1-888-997-3123 (toll-free)

Agents are available to answer your questions Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 6:30 pm (ET).

Glossary

Attachment to Canada
In the context of the Youth Take Charge Program, attachment is defined as a deep bond that develops when you feel connected and accepted within the community. This feeling occurs on an individual level and is reflected in various ways, such as the appreciation of diversity and shared values, the development of positive relationships with others, and engagement in society.
Audited financial report
An audited financial report includes a statement of operations for the given period with regard to the Project and is prepared by a certified accountant who is not part of the organization.
Cash flow
A presentation of all anticipated revenues and planned expenses that will occur over the length of the project. At the beginning of the project, the cash flow will only have forecasted revenues and expenses. Over time, the cash flow will be updated to reflect the actual revenues and expenses.
Final report
A final report is submitted at the end of the project based on the requirements in the funding agreement. The final report needs to provide the results of the activities undertaken for the duration of the project and include a final report of actual revenues and expenses.
Financial statements
A complete set of financial statements, including a statement of financial position; a statement of operations; and a statement of changes in financial position. Financial statements may be audited or unaudited.
Geographic scale of a project
  • A national project reaches youth from six or more provinces/territories
  • An interprovincial/interterritorial project reaches youth from two to five provinces/territories
  • A provincial/territorial project reaches youth from one province or territory but extends beyond an immediate local or regional community
Indigenous youth
Youth related to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.
Interim reports
Interim reports are submitted during the project based on the requirements in the funding agreement. These reports indicate the results of the activities undertaken for a specific period. In addition, they include a status report on the work to be accomplished and updated revenue and expense reports.
Official Language Minority Communities
The official-language minority communities are the Anglophone communities residing in Quebec and the Francophone communities residing outside of Quebec.
Racialized youth
Youth related to communities of shared heritage who have been historically disadvantaged as a group and may experience discrimination based on colour, culture and/or race.
Security plan
Document outlining the measures taken by the organization to ensure the safety and security of all youth participants in the project.
Sense of shared Canadian identity
In the context of this Program, a sense of shared Canadian identity can be related to an understanding of shared values such as democracy, respect for others, peace and security, bilingualism, environmental awareness, equal rights, freedom of expression, etc.
Youth
In the context of the Youth Take Charge Program, youth are individuals generally aged 7 to 30.
Youth-led project
A project in which youth (aged 7 to 30) play a meaningful and active role in several or all of its phases, including contributing to its development, design, implementation, and evaluation. Youth leadership may take different forms depending on the organization and project, but the involvement must go beyond participation and should reflect youth influence on decision-making and direction-setting.
Youth engagement

Refers to the meaningful and sustained involvement of youth (aged 7 to 30) in activities that focus on something beyond themselves. The type of activity in which the youth are engaged can be almost anything – ranging from the arts and music to civic action, and democracy. Not all youth engaged in a project will be involved to the same extent or in the same way:

  • active engagement: youth play a direct role in shaping or contributing to an activity. This participation may include leadership in planning, implementing, or evaluating activities, or they may be called upon to participate actively (e.g. by contributing to an activity through their own work or ideas)
  • passive engagement: youth participate in a more observational or receptive way, such as by attending an event, listening to a presentation, using resources or interacting with content (e.g. liking or sharing a post)

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2025-10-20