The Youth Leadership for Change program, run by the Social Planning Council of Ottawa and funded by Canada Service Corps, offers microgrants giving Ottawa-area youth aged 15 to 30 the means to design, lead and implement community projects, gain experience and develop key skills while giving back to their community.
Thanks to a new two-year partnership between the University of Ottawa and the University of Ottawa Student Union (UOSU), the initiative will be able to allocate a total of $250,000 for various projects organized by clubs and associations. Grant recipients can pick an issue that matters to them, propose solutions and implement them in their local community (on campus or elsewhere), while sharpening their leadership and planning (including budgeting) skills.
For the most recent term, four student projects shared $16,000 in funding. This was the first microgrant cohort. It benefitted from many meetings, information sessions and support.
Discover the four project that received grants for the Spring-Summer term.
- Nupacko (by Enactus uOttawa)
Nupacko, a social enterprise led by students, fights food insecurity in Canada by preparing nutritious biscuits that meet key deficiencies, such as iron and protein. Each biscuit sold (for $2) supports a biscuit for a person in need. Over a thousand have already been delivered to Cornerstone Housing for Women. By getting students involved and employing marginalized people at a reasonable salary, Nupacko combines community impact, youth autonomy and sustainable social innovation.
- Agora (by the Development Student Association (DSA))
Agora is a one-year initiative to create inclusive spaces at the University of Ottawa that allow students to reflect critically on global issues such as climate justice, inequality and decolonization. Through events, workshops and partnerships, the project encourages dialogue, peer support and citizen engagement, while reducing isolation and the sense of powerlessness. Led by a 14-member committee, Agora offers youth practical leadership experience, a chance to form connections and opportunities for action and social reflection.
- Empowering Students Through Accessible Fitness and Community (by the uOttawa Boxing Club)
The University of Ottawa Boxing Club (UOBC) is a student initiative offering free, inclusive boxing and self-defence courses to promote mental health, safety and community spirit among youth. Led by a diverse volunteer team, UOBC promotes leadership, resilience and social connection through bilingual programming accessible to beginners and open to all identities and experience levels.
- L’Humour en mouvement (uOttawa Laughs)
Based on humour, storytelling and inclusive events furthering youth independence, uOttawa Laughs is a bilingual citizen engagement program led by students. The initiative features standup comedy training, a weekly podcast and a more accessible alternative to 101 Week, to encourage self-expression, leadership and peer connections across faculties. Through platforms for creation and community partnerships, uOttawa Laughs fights social isolation, promotes representation and builds a culture of resilience and engagement driven by youth.
Not too late to help make change!
A second round of grants will be awarded this fall. Information sessions will be held to guide student groups who wish to apply. Microgrants are worth between $500 and $5,000 per term, based on the initiative’s scope and impact.
“Learn about this unique opportunity, meet the people behind it and get to know other students helping make change on our campus.”
Jack Coen, UOSU president
See the UOSU project application video and follow the initiative partners on social media: the University of Ottawa, UOSU and Social Planning Council of Ottawa.