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Youth Grant

The Youth Grant program empowers BC First Nations youth groups by providing funding for inclusive cultural, traditional, creative, and entrepreneurial activities. Our goal is to support youth in building confidence, resilience, identity, and overall well-being, offering the essential tools and experiences needed for a strong and vibrant future.

How to Apply
Beautiful First Nations graphic artwork featured in an educational book used for cultural learning in Haida Gwaii.

Who Can Apply

  • B.C. First Nations
  • B.C. First Nation organizations that support Indigenous youth
  • B.C. First Nation Youth Groups 

If you have any questions on eligibility, please contact us by email at: youth@nrtf.ca.

Intake Frequency

  • The annual intake and approval process will open each calendar year in May, remaining open for two weeks.

Funding Amount

  • Up to $8,000 per year  

Eligible Funding Activities (examples of past projects)

We welcome a variety of projects, as long as they include a BC First Nations element. Whether your initiative supports academic growth, cultural learning, or innovative education, we encourage you to apply. Below are some examples of past projects, but we can’t wait to see the ideas you bring forward.

  • Horseback Riding Camps and Land-based Learning
  • Youth Beading and Cedar Workshops
  • Cooking and Food Security Classes
  • Summer Cultural Leadership Programs
  • Arts, Mentorship, and Storytelling Initiatives
  • Youth Drum-making and Traditional Medicine Workshops
  • Canoe Journeys and On-the-Land Excursions
  • Youth Hunting, Wood Cutting, and Outdoor Skills Training
  • Urban Knowledge Transfer and Cultural Ceremonies
  • Summer Sports, Cultural Teachings, and Youth Connections

Frequently Asked Questions

Can schools or sports teams apply for the Youth Grant?

Schools are not eligible to apply to the Youth Grant. Sports teams can apply to do a facilitated sports camp or workshop.

When do we receive the funding payments?

Successful applicants receive an advance payment upon approval of their application. The final payment is provided after submitting and approving your final project report.

Is there a deadline to apply for the Youth Grant?

Applications are open for a 2-week period everyMay. In 2026, it will be open starting May 15, closing May 29th at 4:00pm.

How to Apply

  • The Youth Grant application is hosted on the NRT Grant Portal, to apply please click on the link below or on the top right of the screen to create an NRT Portal Account.
  • Approval Process: To ensure fair and equitable access, NRT will use a lottery process to determine which eligible applications will be approved for funding. Selection will consider available funding, project capacity, and regional distribution. Applicants will be notified of the funding decision following the lottery process. If an applicant does not respond or complete required next steps on time, NRT may run another lottery.
  • If you have questions or want to discuss a potential project, please contact us at youth@nrtf.ca and we will arrange a time to connect with you.

Application

Open: May 15, 2026
Close: May 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM

Final Report Template

If you’ve finished your project, please fill out the brief final report and send it to the contact listed.

Download Final Report Template

Success Stories

Sumas Youth Canoe Journey

Sumas First Nation youth paddling together during their annual canoe journey, supported by the NRT Youth Grant.

Healing on the Water: A Youth Canoe Journey with Sumas First Nation The annual canoe journey of the Sumas First Nation is more than travel across water. It is ceremony, teaching, healing, and connection. Supported through the New Relationship Trust Y…

Sumas Youth Canoe Journey
See All Stories

Be Part of The Solution

Your partnership is crucial to our continued success. Whether you represent a First Nations community, an organization, or simply someone who wants to support meaningful change, there's a role for you.
Join us in empowering BC First Nations today!