The Anti-Racism Youth Microgrants support youth- and student-led initiatives that promote anti racism, equity, and inclusion in Fredericton. The program emphasizes creativity, community impact, and the leadership of young people in shaping a more inclusive future. These microgrants expand on Recommendation 8c from the Anti-Racism Task Force’s 14 recommendations, which calls for the City to sponsor or partner on annual oratorical contests at elementary, middle, and high schools. While Recommendation 8c highlights the importance of youth voices through public speaking, the microgrants broaden this vision by supporting a wide range of youth-led anti-racism initiatives, including arts, education, mentorship, and community engagement projects.
Program Goals:
- Empower young people to design and lead solutions to combat racism.
- Encourage creativity, collaboration, and leadership among youth.
- Provide skills, mentorship, and resources for successful project delivery.
- Strengthen community awareness, pride, and inclusion.
Funding
Each project may receive between $250 and $1,000, depending on the project’s scope, proposed budget, and the availability of program funds. Funding is competitive. Applicants may receive less than the amount requested, and submitting an application does not guarantee funding.
Important Dates
- Applications open: August 4, 2026
- Application deadline: September 11, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
- Applicants notified of funding decisions: By September 18, 2026
- Mandatory capacity-building workshop: September 26, 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply:
- Youth ages 15–30 who live, study, or work in Fredericton.
- Projects may be led by individuals or groups.
Requirements:
- Must propose a new anti-racism initiative (not an existing funded program). A new project does not have to be 100% original — you are encouraged to research what has worked in other cities or countries and propose something similar for your school or community, or you can create something entirely original.
- Each project must partner with a registered organization, school, or community group. Funds cannot be released directly to an individual. At least one mentor, teacher/professor, or community partner must be formally committed to supporting the project’s delivery and providing financial oversight. Please see below for the definition and responsibilities of a mentor or community partner.
- Applicants must show how their project will promote anti-racism, equity, or inclusion.
Examples of eligible activities:
- Oratorical contests and public speaking events
- Art, media, or storytelling projects
- Workshops or peer education sessions
- Community campaigns or events
- Research or resource development for anti-racism awareness
Geographic Eligibility:
- Projects must serve communities within the City of Fredericton
Capacity-Building Workshop
Successful applicants must attend a mandatory workshop before funds are released. Topics include:
- Project planning and timelines
- Budgeting and financial tracking
- Community engagement basics
Application Process
Applicants must complete the application below with the following:
- Project description, objectives, and activities
- Target audience and expected outcomes
- Connection to anti-racism and community impact
- Budget breakdown
- Timeline (projects must finish within 4–6 months)
- Contact information and mentor/partner details
Funds will only be released once:
- Mentor/partner confirmation form is submitted
- Applicant attends the capacity-building workshop
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- a clear connection to anti-racism, equity, or inclusion;
- meaningful youth leadership in the project’s planning and delivery;
- potential benefit and impact for communities in Fredericton;
- a realistic project plan and timeline;
- a clear and reasonable budget aligned with the proposed activities;
- consideration of inclusion and accessibility; and
- demonstrated support from the mentor or community partner.
Role of the Mentor or Community Partner
Each project must be supported by a registered organization, school, or community group because grant funds cannot be issued directly to an individual. Applicants must also identify a mentor, teacher/professor, or community partner who is formally committed to supporting the project. The mentor or community partner helps the youth applicant plan and successfully deliver their project while ensuring that the project remains youth-led. They are not expected to develop or manage the project on the applicant’s behalf.
Their responsibilities may include:
- providing guidance on project planning, timelines, budgeting, and community engagement;
- helping the applicant navigate organizational requirements, permissions, safety considerations, or access to space and resources;
- serving as a consistent point of contact throughout the project;
- receiving and administering the grant funds through the registered organization;
- ensuring that funds are used for approved project expenses and that receipts and financial records are maintained;
- supporting the applicant in addressing challenges that arise during project delivery; and
- helping ensure that the project and final report are completed within the required timeline.
The youth applicant remains responsible for leading the project, making key decisions, carrying out the proposed activities, communicating with the City, and completing the final report. The mentor or community partner’s role is to provide guidance, accountability, and administrative support—not to take ownership of the project.
Final report required:
- Activities completed
- Budget summary
- Photos/videos (with consent)
- Lessons learned
Unused or Ineligible Funds
Grant funds must only be used for the activities and expenses approved in the project budget. Any significant changes to the project or budget must receive prior approval from the City of Fredericton. Any funds that remain unused at the end of the project, or that are used for expenses that were not approved or are not eligible under the program, must be returned to the City. Grant recipients must keep receipts and other financial records and may be asked to provide them as part of the final report.
If you have any questions, please contact community.inclusion@fredericton.ca for further assistance.