The Young Nature Leaders Grant empowers youth in all Canadian regions to design and lead community-based nature and sustainability projects. It encourages young people to take action, create real impact, and inspire others to connect with and protect their local environment. The application deadline is February 20, 2026.
About The Young Nature Leaders Grant
Nature Canada, in partnership with Women for Nature, runs the Young Nature Leaders Grant. This helps youth under 30 implement projects that protect, restore, and celebrate nature. The programme funds projects that engage communities in conservation, restoration, environmental education, or cultural stewardship.
Recipients receive financial aid to launch and execute projects and benefit from mentorship to expand their project’s impact and effectiveness. A volunteer selection committee evaluates applications based on project creativity and community engagement.
Through this initiative, young leaders gain the resources and confidence to implement projects, test new strategies, and scale successful solutions. The program also fosters collaboration by connecting successful applicants with mentors, networks, and like-minded changemakers across regions.
The Young Nature Leaders Grant strengthens youth leadership in environmental action. It supports grassroots innovation and contributes to robust ecosystems and more sustainable communities for the future. By investing in young leaders, the program helps transform innovative ideas into reality.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: $1,000
- Maximum award: $1,000
- Project duration supported: Not publicly specified
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Who Can Apply for The Young Nature Leaders Grant
Eligible organisation types:
- Young individuals under 30 leading a nature-focused project
- Youth representatives of informal community groups working on environmental initiatives
Registration or legal documents :
- Valid personal identification confirming age eligibility
- Written project proposal or creative submission outlining goals
- Materials demonstrating planned activities and community engagement
Project focus requirements:
- Â Lead projects that promote conservation, restoration, or sustainability
- Deliver measurable community or environmental outcomes
- Plan and execute activities with clarity and creativity
- Engage participants and include underrepresented communities where possible
Geographic eligibility :
- Conduct projects in communities across Canada
- Implement activities that deliver local environmental impact
Sector or thematic focus :
- Â Environmental conservation and protection
- Habitat restoration and stewardship
- Community education and outreach on nature
- Indigenous-led or culturally rooted conservation initiatives
Application Process
- Develop a clear project plan linking nature and community impact
- Choose a written proposal or short video submission
- Prepare all supporting materials, including goals and methods
- Submit the complete application by the deadline
- Await evaluation by the volunteer Selection Committee
- Receive notification of selection results
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Required Materials
- Completed application in chosen format (essay or video)
- Detailed project description with objectives
- Explanation of expected outcomes and benefits
- Supporting visuals or documents to clarify project plans
Key Dates
- Application deadline: February 20, 2026, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time
- Selection results announced: April 30, 2026
Selection Notes
- The grant remains competitive, with limited awards available
- Reviewers prioritise youth-led initiatives, environmental education, and Nature conservation
- Applicants aged 30 or older and those outside Canada are excluded.
Official Source for the Young Nature Leaders Grant
- Application Page:
