Nathan Gilbert Youth Innovation Fellowship / Grants & Programs / Black Youth / Nathan Gilbert Youth Innovation Fellowship About the Fellowship The Nathan Gilbert Fellowship was established by Laidlaw Foundation in 2013 to honour the legacy of Nathan Gilbert, the Foundation’s former Executive Director, following his retirement after 30 years of leadership. The Fellowship continues Nathan’s commitment to youth leadership and social innovation by supporting young people working to address issues affecting their communities. About the Fellowship Each year, Laidlaw Foundation selects one or two young racialized leaders who are actively addressing issues impacting racialized youth in these areas. As part of our commitment to meaningful youth engagement, the Fellowship creates opportunities for young people with lived experience to help shape Laidlaw Foundation’s research and advocacy priorities. Education Child welfare Criminal justice Environmental justice Our Commitment One of Laidlaw Foundation’s strategic goals is to identify issues affecting Black and Indigenous youth and contribute to measurable systemic change. Through the Fellowship, we seek to deepen our understanding of the complex social and policy issues impacting young people across Ontario. Fellowship Purpose The Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for young community workers, activists, organizers, changemakers, researchers, and thought leaders to develop ideas that can influence policies and practices affecting them, their families, and their communities. Fellows are supported to: Inform Laidlaw Foundation’s advocacy work Contribute to policy development Address research gaps Access professional development opportunities Advance innovative community-based initiatives Eligibility The Fellowship is intended for young individuals, community workers, activists, organizers, changemakers, thought leaders, and researchers who demonstrate: A strong commitment to social change Intellectual curiosity and critical thinking The ability to ask challenging questions relevant to the Foundation’s work A commitment to completing their proposed project Applicants must Be between the ages of 18 and 30 Be based in Ontario Propose a community-based research project or initiative Not be seeking support for undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral research