Posted by Jorge LeClair in In 2007, my grant writing and program development services resulted in a $243 464 award by the YCF to fund Elements – an extracurricular science program for female youth in the Jane-Finch area.
The Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) is an impressive example of the fundraising power that results from a winning team consisting of government, businesses, non-profit organizations, grassroots groups and youth. In essence, it’s community ideas solving community problems.
YCF was inspired by the lack of youth opportunities in Toronto’s 13 Priority Neighbourhoods – areas identified by the United Way as being underserved. YCF aims to achieve youth driven solutions that help create a brighter future for youth through education, employment and leadership. Youth are the heart and soul of the YCF. YCF funded initiatives involve youth participation at all levels – grant writing, program development and implementation.
The fund was announced in February 2006 with a government investment of $15 million and an additional $15 million promised in matching funds, creating a total potential fund value of $45 million.
A key aspect of YCF is that the applicant criteria allows grassroots group to apply, so long as any awarded funds be for projects in one or more of Toronto’s 13 Priority Neighbourhoods.
Michael “Pinball“ Clemons is the Chairman and Spokesperson for YCF. By choosing an inspirational, well connected, spokesperson, YCF has been able to create a brand worth investing in.
YCF embraces a venture philanthropy model and its Grant Developers act as advisors in the proposal development process.
Through YCF, the Ontario government created a Fund that the community has rallied behind.
