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applications now open

Youth-led initiatives to receive thousands in grant funding

May 22, 2019 | 10:52 AM

The Red Deer & District Community Foundation is offering local youth the opportunity to bring their bold ideas forward in addressing urgent needs in our community.

The Foundation is joining the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge, making up to $60,000 available to youth-led projects that address diverse and local priorities in Central Alberta.

“I think that this opportunity is important for our district so our youth will be viewed as thought-leaders in innovative community building. I think the youth in our district have a very unique view of what initiatives the community could really benefit from in 2019 and forward,” said Nikki Tighe, Red Deer youth representative to the Community Foundations of Canada conference. “This is the perfect opportunity for our generation to identify aspects within our community they think can be improved and then take the steps towards making those changes.”

The RBC Future Launch Community Challenge is said to enable youth to apply for funding to support their ideas in addressing urgent community priorities.

It is also described as an opportunity for young people to lead, learn new skills, gain experience and build relationships in their local communities – all things that will help them prepare for the future of work.

Later this year, the Red Deer & District Community Foundation is anticipated to bring youth and community members together for ‘Vital Conversations,’ community dialogue focused on creating a better future together.

Foundation officials say the Community Challenge goes beyond Red Deer and district, as participating community foundations will make grants and learning opportunities available to youth-led initiatives in 150 communities across Canada.

As a whole, the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge aims to empower Canadian youth for the jobs and community realities of the future.

“Central Alberta boasts a huge contingent of young adults who are eagerly engaged in activities and programs that build and strengthen the quality of life in our region,” says Kristine Bugayong, CEO of the Red Deer & District Community Foundation, in a press release. “This is a huge opportunity for our district to develop these initiatives and strengthen the future of our communities.”

Grant applications will be accepted by RDDCF between May 22 and September 18, 2019.

For information, visit www.rddcf.ca or contact their office at 403-341-6911.

(Red Deer & District Community Foundation)