Ontario Community Changemakers program is looking for young innovators age 19 to 35 to share project ideas on how to activate public space, enhance civic engagement and foster social inclusion.
Led by 8 80 Cities, the micro-grant program is now accepting applications. The 20 successful applicants will each receive $5,000 and have one year to implement their idea.
Winners will receive leadership development training from 8 80 Cities and peer-to-peer networking with other grassroots community champions.
“The program’s mission is to support and elevate the voices of emerging civic leaders in communities across Ontario to inspire and enact change,” said Jiya Benni, project manager of 8 80 Cities. “We have been so pleased to see many of our 2021 Changemakers’ project ideas come to life and witness some great exchange of ideas and peer learning over the past year through our virtual convenings and skills-building sessions. . . We can’t wait to see what new and creative ideas the 2022 Changemakers will bring this year.”
More than 100 applications were submitted in the first year of the program. Funded by the Balsam Foundation, the grant program was created to encourage emerging community leaders and create a network for young innovators and public space advocates that reflects the diversity of Ontario.
Residents from towns and cities of any size, as well as Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC) or anyone underrepresented in the place-making sector are encouraged to apply.
Applications close June 19, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Winning applicants must be able to participate in two virtual sessions and one in-person Toronto retreat.
Visit the Ontario Community Changemakers program website to learn more about the program and see a full list of application requirements.
8 80 Cities is a Toronto-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to contributing to the transformation of cities into places where people can walk, bike, access public transit and visit vibrant parks and public places.
