The Canada School Health Grant for Youth, offered by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), is a unique funding opportunity to support school health and wellness initiatives. It’s specifically designed for Canadian youth aged 13-19 enrolled in grades 9-12 or Secondary 3 to 6 in Quebec.
This grant encourages projects that promote healthy living, defined as the practice of health-enhancing behaviors, including physical activity, limited sedentary time, sufficient sleep, mental health promotion, and healthy eating.
Canada School Health Grant for Youth Grant
Encouraging Healthy Living: The grant focuses on youth-driven projects that address one or more of the four PHAC priorities: reducing substance-related harms, healthy eating and nutrition, physical activity, and positive mental health and well-being.
Empowering Youth: The aim is to empower young people to define their goals, develop peer-appealing projects, and address health issues in their specific school contexts.
Canada School Health Grant for Youth Guiding Principles
- Youth-driven Projects: Initiatives must be conceived and led by youth, reflecting their understanding of health and well-being issues.
- Health Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusivity: Projects should consider these aspects to ensure fairness and opportunity for all youth to achieve the best possible health.
- Focus on School Needs: Each project should address the school’s unique needs, whether rural or urban, resource-rich or resource-scarce.
- Fun and Rewarding: Developing and executing these projects should be enjoyable and beneficial for all participants.
Funding Amount and Duration:
- Levels of Funding: Youth can apply for one of three funding levels: $1,500, $2,500, or $3,500, depending on the scale of their project.
- Budget Planning: Applicants should estimate costs based on their ideas, considering factors such as team size, project type, outreach, and expected results.
Canada School Health Grant for Youth Eligibility
- Age and Education: Applicants must be between 13-19 years old and enrolled in the specified grades.
- Citizenship: Must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident in Canada.
- Non-Federal Employees: Youth must not be federal government employees.
- Bank Account Requirement: A valid bank account is needed under the applicant’s name. A parent or guardian must sign the application if under the age of majority.
Canada School Health Grant for Youth Application Process
- Download Application: The PDF application form is available on the School Health Grant for Youth Landing Page.
- Submission: Complete and apply via email to PHAC’s Youth Policy and Partnerships Unit (YPPU) at [email protected].
- School Notification: Applicants must inform their school administration about their grant application.
Deadlines and Timelines
- Extended Deadline: Applications are accepted until November 6, 2023.
- Project Completion: Successful projects must be completed and a report submitted by June 16, 2024.
Budget and Expenses
- Eligible Expenses: These include personnel fees, travel costs, materials and supplies, equipment, rental space, volunteer training, and website license fees, among others.
- Ineligible Expenses: Honoraria or payments to oneself, family, or core team members, profit-making or fundraising activities, benefits to for-profit businesses, and memberships for private venues or clubs are not eligible.
Canada School Health Grant for Youth Review Process
- Application Assessment: YPPU assesses applications based on objectives, eligibility, and other factors like geographical location and representation.
Project Reporting
- Report Submission: A project report showcasing the contribution to grant objectives and key results must be submitted by June 16, 2024.
- Format: The report can be in various forms, such as infographics, videos, essays, or mind maps.
The Canada School Health Grant for Youth presents an excellent opportunity for young Canadians to engage in meaningful health and wellness projects, fostering a sense of leadership, community involvement, and healthy living. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of promoting health equity and inclusivity among youth across diverse school environments.