Yellowknife — March 25, 2025
Yellowknife, NT (March 25, 2025) - The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is now accepting applications for the NWT Youth Water Stewardship and Mentorship Grant Program, designed to empower young leaders in water stewardship. This program provides funding opportunities for youth aged 18-30 to lead community projects and events that support the vision and goals of Northern Voices, Northern Waters: The NWT Water Stewardship Strategy.
Water stewardship is critical to ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the Northwest Territories’ waterways. This grant program fosters youth engagement and capacity building, helping to cultivate future water leaders who are committed to protecting and preserving clean, abundant, and productive waters for generations to come.
Funding Opportunities:
For the 2025-2026 cycle, eligible applicants can apply for two types of funding:
- Community Event Grants – Up to $1,000 is available for short-term events (up to one or two days) that engage the community in water stewardship activities.
- Community Project Grants – Up to $3,500 is available for longer, more complex projects that require detailed planning, budgeting, and execution.
Applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding or in-kind support from community organizations to enhance the impact of their projects.
Quick Facts and Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 18 and 30 years old and a resident of the Northwest Territories.
- Serve as the lead organizer of the proposed project.
- Have support from a mentor based in the NWT or be willing to be assigned one.
- Propose a project that benefits an NWT community or region and aligns with the Water Strategy’s vision and goals.
- Be willing to present project outcomes at key water stewardship meetings and workshops.
- Have a sponsoring organization that can enter a Standard Contribution Agreement with the GNWT and administer funds on behalf of the project.
- Demonstrate how the project will actively promote water stewardship and engage the community.
Application Deadline:
The deadline to apply is May 9, 2025, and all funded projects must be completed by March 31, 2026.
For more application information and process, please visit: https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/en/Youth-Water-Grant
Quote:
“NWT youth are the future of water stewardship in the territory. This grant program empowers them to take initiative, lead projects, and advocate for the protection of the NWT’s precious waterways. By investing in their ideas and efforts, we are building a community of passionate stewards dedicated to preserving waters for generations to come. Together, we can foster a culture of responsibility and active participation in the sustainability of the NWT’s natural resources.”
- Jay Macdonald, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Related links:
For media requests, please contact:
Environment and Climate Change
Government of the Northwest Territories
ECC_Communications@gov.nt.ca