Closed

Work to Grow

Q: How much funding can be received?

Work to Grow Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.

Q: Who is eligible for the Work to Grow program?

To be eligible for the Work to Grow program, you must: Offer meaningful nature-related work Provide mentorship and support Support equity and anti-racism

Q: Where is the Work to Grow available?

The Work to Grow program is available across Canada.

Q: Is the Work to Grow a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Work to Grow is a Wage Subsidies And Interns

Last Update: February 3, 2026

Canada

Hire racialized youth for meaningful nature work

Wage Subsidies And Interns

Processing And Agreement

Other info

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.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increasing community impact

Develop strategic partnerships

Reduce the ecological footprint

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

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

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%)

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.