The fight for climate change is at a turning point. Everyday, young people are vocal and active on the urgency to address environmental issues. We see an opportunity to support youth concerned about the generational impact and legacies of climate change by creating change related to the environment in their communities.

Our planet needs urgent action. Haudenosaunee philosophy states that words, work, and actions should reflect on the seven generations before us and consider those that come seven generations after us. When it comes to environmental issues, we want to amplify multiple perspectives including the leadership from Indigenous efforts and initiatives. To recognize this pressing issue, Laidlaw Foundation is launching PopUP Grants up to $2,500 to support projects and events created by youth that address climate change.

● Knowledge mobilization and research

● Awareness campaigns to navigate climate change, e.g., waste management PSA

● Advocacy efforts, e.g., lobby day, speaking with elected officials, petitions

● Indigenous initiatives protecting land, e.g., mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows, boil-water advisories in Indigenous communities,

● Community clean ups

● Addressing environmental racism

● Coordinated efforts to tackle climate change

Projects should adhere to current and most up to date health and safety guidelines. Please consider how your project could pivot should COVID-19 restrictions change during the duration of your project.

We encourage applicants to be creative and tell us what they can do with funds up to $2,500.

● Youth-led groups, organizations, and/or visionaries between the ages of 14-30. These can be new grassroots groups, collectives, incorporated nonprofits, or organizations with charitable status. At least two individuals should be leading this project.

● All activities should take place in Ontario or be Ontario-focused

● Project length should be from 3-6 months (we understand COVID-19 might cause delays or setbacks to your timeline).

● Project must address climate change

You can apply for funding to cover expenses associated with project activities, project materials, administrative costs, salaries and honoraria. In other words, tell us what it would cost to make this project happen.

If you’re not sure if your expenses would be considered eligible, please contact us at info@laidlawfdn.org.

Application Deadline: October 6, 2022, by 12:00 PM.

To Apply:

Create an account on our online grant management portal to access the application form. Please click here to view a copy of the questions asked in the application form

During these uncertain times, applicants are encouraged to ensure that all Covid-19 safety measures are followed. To get the latest updates and learn more on how to protect yourself and others, please click here. If you have any questions about organizing during COVID-19, please reach out to the Laidlaw Foundation at info@laidlawfdn.org.

• Can an unincorporated group apply for a grant?
  Yes, we welcome applications from unincorporated groups.
• What happens when the project is completed?
  After groups have completed their project, they can choose to either meet with Laidlaw staff to share their experience verbally or complete a short written reflection letting us know about their experience with the grant.
• What are the timelines of this grant?:
  + Once you submit your application, we will send you an email confirming the receipt of your application.
  + Please note that we may get in touch to ask additional questions after the submission, if further clarification is required.
  + Following this, you will sign an agreement with the Foundation and your project can begin.
• Can adult allies support the project?
  Adult allies are welcomed to support and mentor the youth applying for the grant, however, young people (ages 14-30)  must develop and lead the project.
• What if this project has already started and additional funding is required to continue?
  The PopUP Grant does not fund activities that are already taking place. They are intended to provide quick access to funding for young people to address top-of-mind social issues in their community. Because these grants give priority to one-time expenditures, they are only designated for small-scale projects and events. Laidlaw does, however, offer larger multi-year grants through other granting streams, like the Youth Action Fund.
• We have some questions, who should we contact?
  Please connect with us at info@laidlawfdn.org and a member of our team will reach out to you.