The Young Environmental Stewards (YES) Grant Program was created to help Alberta's young environmental leaders turn their dreams for a cleaner, healthier future into a reality. YES grants provide up to $5,000 to a single project undertaken by an individual or group of young people who are passionate about making Alberta a better place.

Who  can apply for a YES grant?

YES grants provide up to $5,000 to a single project undertaken by an individual or group of youth age 16 to 29 within Alberta. Applicants who have already received a YES grant are not eligible to receive a second one.

A maximum of $5,000 will be awarded to any single project. If three youth collaborate on a project at their school, they would only be eligible to receive a total of $5,000. In a case like this, the applicants should submit a single application as a group.

Download these complete application guidelines for more information.

What types of projects will a YES grant support?

 A YES Grant could be used to:

• create a recycling program in your community.

• clean up a creek or natural area.

• educate people in your community about alternative transportation

• demonstrate to people in your community the benefits of composting and pesticide free yards

• investigate an issue, exploring possible solutions and communicating what you've discovered to people in your community.

• and many other creative ideas!

Eligible projects for YES Grants will satisfy the following requirements:

• The project activities are primarily undertaken by or coordinated by the youth proposing the project.

• The project must be undertaken in the community the youth lives within.

• The project's objective is to achieve a demonstrable benefit for Alberta's environment.

Please note the following activities will not be eligible for funding:

• Projects initiated or mandated by any order of government. Political lobbying Litigation Initiatives that slander or impugn the reputation of any individual, organization, or sector.

How do I apply for a YES Grant?

These step-by-step instructions will make it easy for you to submit a solid grant application with the best chance of being successful.

Step One: Read the Application Guidelines

Before you apply, you need to make sure that your project satisfies the YES Grant Program criteria. Most importantly you should make sure you are eligible to apply for a grant, and that your project idea is aligned with the YES Grant Program priorities. Click here to read the YES grant application guidelines.

Step Two: Arrange for a Local Supporting Organization

Contact local environmental groups, government departments and others in your community about your idea. Arrange a time to meet with them in person or over the phone to share your idea and ask them if they will consider being a supporter of your project application. Although securing a Local Supporting Organization is optional, it will make your project more fun and probably more successful.

Step Three: Review the grant application

Download and review the YES grant application. Jot down some ideas about what you'd like to accomplish, how it meets the eligibility requirements, what you need to do to make the project a success, and who you might work with on the project. Now you're ready for Step Four.

Step Four: Contact Alberta Ecotrust's grant coordinator

All applicants must contact Alberta Ecotrust's grant coordinator before your application will be accepted. We've been helping people with grant applications for 15 years, and we can can help you ensure your application is as good as it can be. Contact us by email (grants[at]albertaecotrust.com), or pick up the phone and call us at 403.209.2245.

Step Five: Complete and submit the application form

Now you're ready to complete the application form, which you can download here.grants[at]albertaecotrust.com. If you have any questions while you fill it out, please feel free to contact our grants coordinator (403-209-2245 or grants[at]albertaecotrust.com). Once your application is complete, submit it and any supporting documents to us at

Where does the money for a YES Grant come from?

TransAlta has generously contributed $100,000 over two years for youth environmental projects through the YES Grant Program. In the future, other organizations may contribute funds to this program.

What is Alberta Ecotrust?

Alberta Ecotrust is a charity that has been providing grants to non-profit organizations in Alberta since 1992. Every year Alberta Ecotrust provides more than $500,000 to more than two dozen organizations that are working hard to preserve and protect Alberta's environment.