Download the Application Guidelines in pdf format here.

Application Deadline

The next application deadline will be in the Fall of 2008

Applicant Eligibility

Any youth or group or youth between the ages for 16-25 and living in Alberta may apply for a YES Grant, providing their project is eligible. 

Any youth that have previously received funding from the YES Grant program, ither as an individual or through a team application, are not eligible to receive funding again.

Project Eligibility

Eligible projects for YES Grants will satisfy the following requirements:

1. The project activities are primarily undertaken by or coordinated by the youth proposing the project.
2. The project must be undertaken in the community the youth lives within.
3. The project's objective is to achieve a demonstrable benefit for the environment in keeping with the Summit priorities.

A maximum of $5,000 will be awarded to any single project. For example, 3 youth undertaking one project at their school together would only be eligible to receive $5,000 in total. In this instance, it is recommended the youth submit one application as a group.

Local Supporting Organization

A Local Supporting Organization is an organization that endorses the undertaking of the project by the youth applicant. Having a Local Supporting Organization is optional, however having a confirmed support indicates to the Grant Review Committee that there is local support for the proposal, which will in turn increase the probability of the project’s success.

Local Supporting Organization's do not need to contribute financially to the project. However, it is recommended that applicants indicate if the Local Supporting Organization will be helping the project in any way in their application form. Contact information of an individual at a listed organization will be required, and may be contacted by Alberta Ecotrust during the review and implementation of the project.

Supported Project Strategies

Recognizing the diversity of expertise and experience in the youth community, we expect to see a range of proposals that include a variety of strategies:

• Engaging people in your community with hands-on involvement
• Demonstrating or implementing sustainable behavior or practices
• Applied research that could result in development or analysis of public policy
• Developing and delivering environmental education programs in schools
• Increasing public awareness about environmental issues
  

Activities NOT Eligible for Funding

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

• Projects initiated or mandated by any order of government.
• Political lobbying
• Litigation

Note:
Alberta Ecotrust will not support or fund an initiative that slanders or impugns the reputation of any individual, organization, or sector.

Project Timeframe

Projects must be completed within  one-year time period.  Applicants should expect to hear back about their application to the Foundation six to eight weeks after the application deadline. 

Those applicants that are successful can plan to begin working on their project 8 to 12 weeks after the initial application deadline.  

Example: 

For a November 30 application deadline:

• Applicants will hear back from the Foundation by end of January
• The typical Project Timeframe will begin as early as February/March.

Eligible Expenses

YES Grant funds can be used to cover the following expenses, as long as they occur during the project timeframe:

• Compensation (wage) for the youth grant recipient's time to undertake the project (subject to a specified maximum)
• Portion of costs for project management and administration
• Contractor wages (paying someone with experience/knowledge to do work for the project)
• Print materials like brochures, posters, etc.
• Web site development
• Supplies and materials
• Event or workshop costs
• Other approved costs

Grant Criteria

Grant applications will be considered in the context of the S.M.A.R.T. criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reasonable and Timely.