FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Who can apply for the Start-Up NOW and Momentum Grant?

We support grassroots, youth-led initiatives in Ottawa-Gatineau. That means we accept applications from groups of two or more people, and most of the group members must be under 30 years old.

We welcome applications from a mixture of initiatives: newly formed groups just starting and want help establishing local activist groups who want to widen and deepen their impact with extra funds.

We welcome applications from groups campaigning for political change, but we won’t fund political parties.

2. How much money can we apply for?

Start-Up NOW: From $200 up to $1,000. We recommend reflecting on your budget and considering how much you need to deliver your project before applying. 

MOMENTUM: Up to $2000

3. How do we apply for this fantastic opportunity?

Just go to the form on our website and answer a few simple questions about who you are and what you want to do. We may get in touch with your group over the phone or by e-mail to make any clarifications before our Grant Committee considers the applications.

4. Is there an application deadline?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, please note that decisions might take 2-3 months. Please apply well ahead of the date(s) of your initiative.

5. How many times can we apply for Start Up NOW funds?

If your application isn’t approved, we’ll give you detailed feedback. If your application is approved, you cannot reapply for six months, and your next application will only be considered if your previous report has been received.

6. Is there a limit to the funds you can give out each month?

While we have a budget, we’ll fund ten great projects if we receive ten great applications. Remember that we aim to say YES to every group that applies!

7. Who is the committee, and what criteria are they judging grants?

The Grant Committee comprises of Youth Action Now volunteers, mostly young people. We are looking to see that grants are in line with our statement of values, relate to social justice and are having their impact in Ottawa-Gatineau.

8. My group wants to ensure that our application is as excellent as possible: do you have any tips for writing a robust application?

Just be yourself – we’re not looking for super-professional pitches or faultless projects. We want to know who you are, what you care about, the change you want to make and how we can help you make it.

9. What happens after I submit my application?

We may contact you to ask a few follow-up questions, clarify anything unclear, and identify how we can best support you; then, the grants committee will read your application and allocate funds.

10. Are there any budget restrictions or rules I should know about?

Youth Action Now requires that honorariums do not exceed 50% of the total budget. We are also not funding technological equipment (ex: cameras, mics, laptops etc.) at this time because we are working on creating a sharing resource so that we can provide funding to more initiatives while still supporting technological needs!

11. Who can I contact if I have any questions about the grants or my application?

Email our Managing Director, Julia – at admin@youthactionnow.ca – she’ll be happy to help!