Closed
Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program – Youth Focused Projects
Funding for youth skills and employment projects
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 5,000,000
Timeline
- Closing date : November 22, 2023
Location
Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $5 million per year to support youth employment projects. It funds activities that help young Canadians aged 15 to 30 build skills, gain work experience, and overcome barriers to employment.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : November 22, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Skills development and employment-related training for youth
- Paid work experiences and employment services
- Mentoring, coaching, and case management
- Intake assessments and individualized support planning
- Employer engagement and support for inclusive work environments
Documents Needed
- Budget Detail Template
- CRA documents showing a valid business number
- Proof of partnerships, if applicable
- Proof of contributions from other sources, if applicable
- List of employers for work experience interventions, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Indigenous organizations
- For-profit organizations with non-commercial project activities
- Municipal governments and public sector entities
- Provincial and territorial governments, institutions, agencies, and Crown corporations
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations whose project is commercial or profit-driven
- Projects that take place outside Canada
- Organizations proposing partisan political activities
- Projects that restrict access or discriminate on prohibited grounds
Eligible expenses
- Overhead and administrative costs linked to the project
- Materials and supplies, printing, communication, and travel
- Wages, mandatory employment-related costs, and staff training
- Professional fees, including consulting, technical support, research, audit, and evaluation
- Participant costs such as living expenses, dependent care, transportation, accommodation, and bursaries
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects or activities outside Canada
- Partisan political activities
- Fundraising activities to cover participant salaries
- Construction of a building, or purchase of land or buildings
- Entertainment, fines, penalties, vehicle purchases, alcohol, illegal substances, and gift cards or cash unless pre-approved
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island
- Ontario
- Quebec, for national projects delivered in 3 or more provinces or territories
- Western provinces and territories: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, and Yukon
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are screened for eligibility first.
- Eligible projects are then assessed against program design and objectives.
- Applicants are notified of the decision by email.
- No activities or expenses may begin before approval and a signed funding agreement.
- Funding decisions are expected in Spring 2024, and decisions are final with no appeal process.
Additional information
- Applications could be considered under both the youth facing barriers stream and the youth with disabilities stream.
- Not-for-profit organizations may be randomly selected for a one-time $30,000 data capacity top-up.
- Projects must not start before approval and a signed funding agreement.
- Quebec organizations may apply only through the national component if activities are delivered in 3 or more provinces or territories.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program – Youth Focused Projects Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program – Youth Focused Projects. 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.
What is the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program – Youth Focused Projects?
This program provides up to $5 million per year to support youth employment projects. It funds activities that help young Canadians aged 15 to 30 build skills, gain work experience, and overcome barriers to employment.
How much funding can be received?
Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program – Youth Focused Projects Funds up to $5,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program – Youth Focused Projects program?
To be eligible for the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program – Youth Focused Projects program, you must:
Serve youth aged 15 to 30
Support employment or return to education
Include intake and wrap-around supports
What expenses are eligible under Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program – Youth Focused Projects?
Skills development and employment-related training for youth
Paid work experiences and employment services
Mentoring, coaching, and case management
Intake assessments and individualized support planning
Employer engagement and support for inclusive work environments
Who can I contact for more information about the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program – Youth Focused Projects?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Where is the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program – Youth Focused Projects available?
The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program – Youth Focused Projects program is available across Canada.
Is the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program – Youth Focused Projects a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program – Youth Focused Projects is a Grant and Funding