Event

Family Innovations Test Grant

The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) recognizes the impact that healthy and resilient families have on the future success of young people. 

We define a parent, guardian or caregiver as someone who is responsible for the physical, emotional, and economic wellbeing of children and youth.  Our definition of parents, guardians and caregivers is inclusive and respects diverse cultural and decolonized interpretations of these roles. 

By investing in grassroots projects that are community-led and community-designed, opportunities are created for families to develop culturally anchored solutions to issues faced by people like them, and empower parents, guardians and caregivers to improve their social and economic stability. Through shared identities, culture and traditions, families can find ways to connect and create networks of support to navigate social systems and services that present obstacles to their success through a Family Innovations Grant. 

Eligible groups can apply for a Family Innovations Test grant to support a project designed With a Family Innovations Test grant, parents, guardians and caregivers can:

  • Try out a new idea that has the potential to make a positive impact on the wellbeing of parents, guardians and caregivers
  • Research, learn and understand more about a specific topic or issue
  • Bring parents, guardians and caregivers together to discuss an issue and explore new approaches collectively

YOF prioritizes grassroots groups that are looking to address the experiences of Indigenous (First Nation, Métis or Inuit) and/or Black parents, guardians and caregivers who continue to face systemic barriers and oppression.

In addition to the prioritization of Black and Indigenous grassroots groups and parents, guardians and caregivers, YOF prioritizes investing in projects that positively impact parents, guardians and caregivers with the following intersecting lived experiences or identities:  

  • Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children in conflict or at risk of being in conflict with the law
  • Parents, guardians, and caregivers at risk of contact or in contact with child welfare services
  • Parents, guardians, and caregivers whose children are at-risk of dropping out or have dropped out of school
  • Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children living with disabilities or special needs
  • Parents, guardians, and caregivers and/or their children who are two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual (2SLGBTQIA+)

The Expression of Interest is the first step of a grant application and it provides OTF with the information needed to assess your proposed project. Groups with Expressions of Interest that are shortlisted will be invited to complete Step 2 of the grant application. It is due April 9, 2025.

The final grant application is due July 9, 2025, 5 PM ET.

Term length: Minimum 1 year, Maximum 3 years
Amount awarded (per year): Maximum $100,000