FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can apply for funds through the OIYPP?
OIYPP's funding and support is open to individuals, organizations, groups, societies, associations, consortiums, bands and communities with an idea or project that is led by and benefits Indigenous youth. Project leads must be passionate, committed youth who are supported by at least one community mentor. Learn more about eligibility criteria here.
My organization is not Indigenous, but is connected to Indigenous youth and/or communities, can I apply for a grant?
Yes, but only if the proposed project was initiated by and will be implemented by Indigenous youth and their community. Please take extra time and space to illustrate this relationship.
How much money can I apply for?
You can apply for between CAN $500 to $10,000.
Projects requesting the maximum amount should take extra care to illustrate ideas. Applications for larger amounts are more likely to be successful with demonstrated community support. That said, do not be discouraged. Request the funds that your project needs. If you need more than the 5K express exactly what you need. If it's an extra $500 for food, honorariums etc. Do so. If you can give us a full understanding of what your needs are it will be considered. Also don't forget to PAY YOURSELF. Your time and knowledge and expertise is valuable and should be reflected in your budget. If OIYPP cannot grant the full amount, we might be able to fund a smaller amount and connect you with other opportunities to meet the rest of your project needs.
What kinds of support can I access through OIYPP?
The OIYPP team aims to provide a holistic set of support which extend beyond financial transactions. We can provide:
I do not have a charitable organization to accept the funds and/or do not have a community mentor. Can OIYPP connect me with potential partners?
This continues to be a barrier that many Indigenous communities and young people face when trying to access the philanthropic sector. We recognize this as need to be addressed. In the meantime do not let it discourage you. If you do not have a charitable home we will work with you to find one. So apply anyway! Please contact us if you have any questions
My project is not confined to Ontario's borders. Can part of the project occur in communities outside Ontario?
We recognize that Indigenous communities and partnerships reach beyond Ontario's borders. As long as the youth lead on the project is a resident of Ontario and the majority of the project will take place within the province, a project can momentarily migrate to shared territory within Quebec or Manitoba. Further migration can be discussed if it is essential to the project and has a consistent and measurable benefit to youth and their communities in Ontario.
What kinds of items/activities are not eligible for an OIYPP grant?
The requested costs must directly relate to the project for which the grant is requested. If you are unsure about the eligibility of certain activities or materials, please contact us.
How do I submit an application?
You can submit an application online, via email and paper mail. If you need support in applying just reach out and ask! We will help you in any way that we can.
Can I submit my application on video?
We do not accept submissions that are entirely composed of audio/video formats. We do, however, accept audio/visual material to support with your written submission. Please be mindful of the length and relevance of the media. If you are submitting you application by mail, a DVD or USB of clearly labeled media will be accepted.
Will I receive a notification that my application has been received?
Yes, you will be sent an acknowledgment email as soon as we have received your application. If you do not receive this notification within one business week, please send us an email letting us know you have submitted an application but did not receive a notification.
How long will it take for you to review my grant application? How does OIYPP decide which projects to fund?
A committee of Youth Advisors, core team, and supporters review all applications submitted. Learn more about our grants process, about how grant decisions are made, and the timelines around these decisions.
I have been awarded an OIYPP grant. When will I receive my funds?
Once you have been notified of an approved application, we will work with you to determine how the grant will be managed, and how you can receive the funds. The grant can be expected within 2-3 weeks of confirming all the necessary information needed to receive the grant. Typically we try to get the grants out the door in June, prior to the gathering hosted in July. If we need to work with the project to find a charitable home, it may add to the time needed to receive the funds.
How are my funds disbursed? Will I receive my grant total at once?
Grants can be disbursed through electronic transfer and cheque. Depending on where the grant funds will be hosted, grants can be disbursed in one payment or more.
Where can I find other sources of funding?
We provide links to many other sources of funding on our Useful Links
Can I use part of my grant to purchase equipment, such as a camera, to record my project's progress?
Yes. However, these costs must directly and consistently relate to the project, and be part of the application budget.
How long do I have to complete my project?
We generally fund projects that will take up to 12 months to complete. If your project is ongoing or a multi-year endeavor, we will fund the annual activities that take place within a 12 month period.
I have received my grant and my project is underway. How do I report my progress?
We will check-in with youth leading projects throughout the year, to learn about how their projects are going. Our reporting process is focused on sharing stories, including photos and arts-based methods. Particular reporting and evaluation parameters are specified as youth work through their projects.
My project is complete. When is my final report due?
We will work with and connect with all youth leading projects to determine reporting. Our reporting process is focused on mutual learning and feedback on how to make OIYPP better.
How can I get in touch with other Indigenous organizations in my region and around the world?
We provide links to other organizations on our Useful Links page.
Our Facebook and Twitter pages are also great places to connect with our network.
In most cases, we can make introductions if you're looking to contact a specific organization.
If you have more questions or have not found the answer you were looking for, feel free to contact us.
OIYPP's funding and support is open to individuals, organizations, groups, societies, associations, consortiums, bands and communities with an idea or project that is led by and benefits Indigenous youth. Project leads must be passionate, committed youth who are supported by at least one community mentor. Learn more about eligibility criteria here.
My organization is not Indigenous, but is connected to Indigenous youth and/or communities, can I apply for a grant?
Yes, but only if the proposed project was initiated by and will be implemented by Indigenous youth and their community. Please take extra time and space to illustrate this relationship.
How much money can I apply for?
You can apply for between CAN $500 to $10,000.
Projects requesting the maximum amount should take extra care to illustrate ideas. Applications for larger amounts are more likely to be successful with demonstrated community support. That said, do not be discouraged. Request the funds that your project needs. If you need more than the 5K express exactly what you need. If it's an extra $500 for food, honorariums etc. Do so. If you can give us a full understanding of what your needs are it will be considered. Also don't forget to PAY YOURSELF. Your time and knowledge and expertise is valuable and should be reflected in your budget. If OIYPP cannot grant the full amount, we might be able to fund a smaller amount and connect you with other opportunities to meet the rest of your project needs.
What kinds of support can I access through OIYPP?
The OIYPP team aims to provide a holistic set of support which extend beyond financial transactions. We can provide:
- Mentorship through 1:1 support: In application process, design and/or implementation of the project
- Grant/financial administration: Administer the grant or serve as an administrative home for the project
- Partnership and funding: Provide introductions to potential partners and funders
- Provide letters of recommendation
- Promotion: Via OIYPP website, social media, and crowdfunding
- Shared learning: Connecting youth and their projects with similar projects
I do not have a charitable organization to accept the funds and/or do not have a community mentor. Can OIYPP connect me with potential partners?
This continues to be a barrier that many Indigenous communities and young people face when trying to access the philanthropic sector. We recognize this as need to be addressed. In the meantime do not let it discourage you. If you do not have a charitable home we will work with you to find one. So apply anyway! Please contact us if you have any questions
My project is not confined to Ontario's borders. Can part of the project occur in communities outside Ontario?
We recognize that Indigenous communities and partnerships reach beyond Ontario's borders. As long as the youth lead on the project is a resident of Ontario and the majority of the project will take place within the province, a project can momentarily migrate to shared territory within Quebec or Manitoba. Further migration can be discussed if it is essential to the project and has a consistent and measurable benefit to youth and their communities in Ontario.
What kinds of items/activities are not eligible for an OIYPP grant?
The requested costs must directly relate to the project for which the grant is requested. If you are unsure about the eligibility of certain activities or materials, please contact us.
How do I submit an application?
You can submit an application online, via email and paper mail. If you need support in applying just reach out and ask! We will help you in any way that we can.
Can I submit my application on video?
We do not accept submissions that are entirely composed of audio/video formats. We do, however, accept audio/visual material to support with your written submission. Please be mindful of the length and relevance of the media. If you are submitting you application by mail, a DVD or USB of clearly labeled media will be accepted.
Will I receive a notification that my application has been received?
Yes, you will be sent an acknowledgment email as soon as we have received your application. If you do not receive this notification within one business week, please send us an email letting us know you have submitted an application but did not receive a notification.
How long will it take for you to review my grant application? How does OIYPP decide which projects to fund?
A committee of Youth Advisors, core team, and supporters review all applications submitted. Learn more about our grants process, about how grant decisions are made, and the timelines around these decisions.
I have been awarded an OIYPP grant. When will I receive my funds?
Once you have been notified of an approved application, we will work with you to determine how the grant will be managed, and how you can receive the funds. The grant can be expected within 2-3 weeks of confirming all the necessary information needed to receive the grant. Typically we try to get the grants out the door in June, prior to the gathering hosted in July. If we need to work with the project to find a charitable home, it may add to the time needed to receive the funds.
How are my funds disbursed? Will I receive my grant total at once?
Grants can be disbursed through electronic transfer and cheque. Depending on where the grant funds will be hosted, grants can be disbursed in one payment or more.
Where can I find other sources of funding?
We provide links to many other sources of funding on our Useful Links
Can I use part of my grant to purchase equipment, such as a camera, to record my project's progress?
Yes. However, these costs must directly and consistently relate to the project, and be part of the application budget.
How long do I have to complete my project?
We generally fund projects that will take up to 12 months to complete. If your project is ongoing or a multi-year endeavor, we will fund the annual activities that take place within a 12 month period.
I have received my grant and my project is underway. How do I report my progress?
We will check-in with youth leading projects throughout the year, to learn about how their projects are going. Our reporting process is focused on sharing stories, including photos and arts-based methods. Particular reporting and evaluation parameters are specified as youth work through their projects.
My project is complete. When is my final report due?
We will work with and connect with all youth leading projects to determine reporting. Our reporting process is focused on mutual learning and feedback on how to make OIYPP better.
How can I get in touch with other Indigenous organizations in my region and around the world?
We provide links to other organizations on our Useful Links page.
Our Facebook and Twitter pages are also great places to connect with our network.
In most cases, we can make introductions if you're looking to contact a specific organization.
If you have more questions or have not found the answer you were looking for, feel free to contact us.