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Work to Grow
Last Update: February 3, 2026
Canada
Hire racialized youth for meaningful nature work
Wage Subsidies And Interns
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : April 20, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Overview
Nature Canada provides up to a 50% wage subsidy to help organizations hire racialized youth aged 15–30 in nature-related roles. Supported activities include full-time work terms (35 hours/week) of 8–15 weeks or part-time work terms, and funding also covers 50% of mandatory employment-related costs.
Activities funded
- Hiring youth aged 15–30 for meaningful work in nature conservation
- Hiring youth aged 15–30 for meaningful work in nature appreciation
- Supporting youth participation in program training, networking, and other initiatives during the work term
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 22,400
Paid youth placements restoring coastal habitats and running nature outreach events
$ 16,850
Youth-led urban biodiversity monitoring and pollinator habitat stewardship work term
Documents Needed
Eligibility
- Provide youth with meaningful work exposure in nature conservation or nature appreciation.
- Demonstrate capacity to provide mentorship and support to participating youth.
- Have equity and anti-racism initiatives, or a demonstrated interest in them.
- Be willing to support youth participation in program training, networking, and related initiatives.
- Have financial resources to cover the remaining wage costs.
Who is eligible?
- Organizations offering youth jobs in nature conservation or nature appreciation
Eligible expenses
- Youth wages (up to 50% wage subsidy)
- Mandatory employment-related costs (MERCs) incurred during employment (up to 50%)
Ineligible Costs and Activities
Processing and Agreement
- Nature Canada aims to notify applicants of approval decisions within two weeks.
Additional information
- Application period: March 10 to April 20, 2025.
- Target decision timeline: within two weeks of applying.
- The program includes learning and community-building opportunities for participating youth.
- Program partners may be featured through Nature Canada’s communications channels.
Apply to this program
Frequently Asked Questions about the Work to Grow Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Work to Grow. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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