Grants available for projects that benefit youth

The Youth Art Project gives youth an opportunity to share their voice.

(Columbia Basin) – Organizations with projects that directly benefit Basin youth may apply for funding through Columbia Basin Trust’s Youth Grants program.

A range of organizations can apply—including non-profit, public and First Nations groups, plus youth aged 15 to 29 with a sponsoring organization. Projects that meet eligibility requirements can receive up to $15,000. The application deadline is March 10, 2015.

“Thanks to the dedication and creativity of projects that organizations bring forward, young people have a range of opportunities to engage in their communities and with one another,” said Lisa Kilpatrick, Columbia Basin Trust Senior Manager, Delivery of Benefits. “From theatre projects to powwows, robotics teams to youth-led television networks, funding is being used to benefit youth in the Basin in meaningful and diverse ways.”

In the fall 2014 intake, 17 projects received more than $153,000. Successful projects were determined by the Trust’s Youth Advisory Committee, a group of Basin residents aged 15 to 29 who volunteer with the Trust to adjudicate applications and provide recommendations.

One successful applicant was the Castlegar and District Community Services Society. Its Youth Art Project engages youth aged 12 to 18 in the Castlegar area through three projects: a mural that helps celebrate diversity and Aboriginal culture, an Aboriginal drum-making workshop and a theatre group that gives youth an opportunity to express their feelings about difficult situations in their lives.

“Thanks to this funding, youth have an opportunity to share their voice with the community by participating in three distinct projects that provide both creative and tangible forms of expression,” said Zoe Mackay, Program Coordinator, Castlegar Youth Council. “Several of the Castlegar Youth Council members partook in the grant proposal process, both by generating the ideas and writing letters of support, and were able to take pride in having their voices heard when the grant was approved.”

For more information or to discuss your project idea, contact Michelle d'Entremont, Basin Youth Liaison, at 1.800.505.8998 or [email protected]. For details, visit cbt.org/youthgrants2015.

Columbia Basin Trust supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, visit cbt.org or call 1.800.505.8998.