Upon approval 50% of the funding will be awarded to get projects started.  The final 50% will be awarded upon the submission and approval of the final project report.  A focus on local spending is encouraged wherever possible.

All applicants will need to identify an Adult Trustee: Age 25+ to help with budgeting and reporting Funds are paid to the adult Trustee or their organization to be used by youth to conduct their approved project

Please note: HST is included in the overall project costs.

Eligible Expenses:

• Performer and speaker fees
• Consulting and professional fees (sound technician, graphic designer, and expertise related to the project)
• Marketing and outreach (posters, flyers, social media ads, etc.)
• Materials and Supplies (art supplies, photocopying, etc.)
• Venue Rental
• Equipment Rentals (sound equipment, tables, chairs, portable toilets, etc.)
• Food & Beverages (non-alcoholic) directly related to the project

Ineligible Expenses: 

• Projects created and/or driven by anyone age 20+.
• Salaries and benefits
• Administrate costs
• Gifts or prizes  
• Fundraising activities
• Activities of a religious or political nature
• Capital costs (such as purchase of technical equipment)
• Non-project related travel
• Fines penalties or legal fees
• Contingency or reserve funds
• Membership fees or dues
• Personal expenses

Please note: a focus on local spending is encouraged wherever possible.

We recognize that one of the challenges in offering youth-led programming is the ability to rent space to hold activities and programs in. Many venues also ask for proof of liability insurance as a condition of renting the space. To assist applicants overcome these potential barriers, Huron County Economic Development staff may be able to assist applicants by connecting them to existing public spaces in Huron County that welcome youth-led programs and non-profit organizations that may act as project supporters by providing in-kind liability insurance coverage.    

We want to hear your creative ideas of what you and your age group would like to do. We encourage you to talk to friends and classmates for inspirational ideas.  

Here are some examples of the types of projects we are looking for to get you started:  

• Workshops or guest speakers for youth or school clubs.
• Wellness programs – yoga, meditation, wellness fair, mental health awareness, etc.
• Events that support marginalized or racialized groups – Pride, Newcomer socials, Indigenous learning, multicultural programming, language exchange, etc.
• Art programs – murals, lessons, open studios, comics and graphic novels, music concerts, etc.
• Environmental Stewardship – tree planting, trail maintenance, rain gardens, pollinator gardens, community clean-ups, etc.
• Business programming – youth markets, budgeting & financial literacy workshops, investment club, career fairs, etc.
• Digital & Technology – coding clubs or hackathons, film and video making/editing, podcast creation, robotics clubs, etc.
• Recreational activities – hiking, gardening clubs, gaming tournaments, colour and fun runs, etc.

Application Process

Application to 2025/26 SLYP program is open from Wednesday, October 15 to Thursday November 14.

Info Sessions:

Two online Information session for those thinking of applying to SLYP 2025/2026 will be held on Monday, October 20 at 3:30 pm and Wednesday, October 22 at 3:30 pm. Please email economicdevelopment@huroncounty.ca with your preferred date to register for the free online sessions.

Coaching is available for all applicants.  We are happy to discuss your projects with you and provide guidance throughout the application process.  Please feel free to reach out to Rick Sickinger rsickinger@huroncounty.ca for assistance.

The applicant(s) will submit the final application to economicdevelopment@huroncounty.ca with subject line: “Applicant Name 2025 SLY Program”. Deadline to submit is Friday, November 14, 2025, 4:30 PM.

Applications will be assessed and awarded on a merit basis. Projects are assessed by a review panel made up of representatives from Huron County’s Economic Development Board, and community youth from the target demographic.

Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by email no later than Friday, November 21, 2025.

Looking for additional funding for your project or your project idea does not align with the SLYP programming? Consider applying to the United Way of Perth-Huron for a Youth in Action Grant. 

Youth in Action Grant (1 year)

Youth in Action Grants are a one-time grant opportunity of up to $1,200 for programs that are youth-led and offer creative ideas to address youth community issues in Perth and Huron Counties.

Youth and/or groups of youth between the ages of 14 and 24 who live in Perth-Huron are invited to submit an application in partnership with an adult trustee (25+). These funds support youth-led projects that positively benefit the participants’ communities and support youth development.

Program details and application form can be found here: https://perthhuron.unitedway.ca/funding/#youth