Funded by Cannonbury

The Spring Grant

Financial support for youth who are working towards achieving their goals in education, employment, or the arts.
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Apply here by February 19, 2024 at 11:59 PMApplications closed.
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About Spring

A grant for young Canadians who are working to create positive change in their lives and their communities.

The Spring Grant funding program supports the next generation of Canadians by investing in youth, aged 18-29, located in the Ontario, ready to take the next step to accomplish their goals.

Since 2015, Spring has deployed nearly $200,000 to support youth, enabling recipients to attend global conferences, obtain career-specific training, attend university and develop creative arts projects.

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Our Goal

To invest in Canadian youth, enabling them to achieve their goals in education, employment or the arts.

We believe that trust and flexibility are essential to enable young people to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

Typically grant programs reimburse expenses or cover costs on behalf of recipients. Here's what makes us different: our grants are sent directly to the recipient, and they decide how to allocate the funds to achieve their goals. We are able to do this by operating within the Canada Revenue Agency's Individual Development Account structure.

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Successful applicants will receive up to $3,000 to put towards achieving their goals.

Does this sound like you?

If yes, we encourage you to apply for the Spring Grant
  • You understand what you need to meet your goals and how the Spring Grant can help.
  • Lack of funding is a barrier preventing you from achieving your goals.
  • You have demonstrated grit and perseverance when met with obstacles.
  • You will start executing your plan within six months of receiving funding.
  • You are willing to engage with us to share your experience and improve the program.
  • For more details, refer to FAQ section “What is Spring looking for in a strong application.”
See if you are eligible
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Eligibility criteria

Do you qualify?

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Between the ages 18-29.
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Live in Ontario.
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You are willing and can contribute a small percentage of your own funds towards the total amount requested.
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You are able to demonstrate financial need.
Apply today

Check all the boxes?

Apply here by February 19, 2024 at 11:59 PMApplications closed.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

When will I be notified of the status of my application?
Are there any next steps?

We will notify all applicants of their application status. Here is an overview of the timeline:
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February 19, 2024: Applications due.
March 14, 2024: All applicants are notified of their status.
March 28, 2024: Successful applicants must submit program documents and banking information.
April 2024: Funds are sent to successful applicants.

What is Spring looking for in a strong application?

We want you to share your unique story, including your goals and the barriers you've faced to achieve them. We recommend highlighting the following as you complete your application:

1. Barriers to advancement you've experienced; these can be either societal challenges or difficult personal circumstances.

  • Examples include (but are not limited to): low income background; discrimination based on disability, racial or cultural background, or other forms of marginalization; personal hardship.

2. How you demonstrate self-determination, meaning that you:

  • Show discipline, consistency and commitment to your goals.
  • Can provide examples of tenacity and perseverance to achieve your goals and overcome specific circumstances.
  • Can provide examples of participation in educational and professional activities to advance towards specific goals.

3. Articulate your goals, including:

  • Have clear objectives and an understanding of steps required for achievement, including how the grant will support.
  • An explanation of achievement of this goal will support long-term success.
  • How attaining this goal contributes to the betterment of your network, community or society in general.
What are some examples of activities that can be funded through the Spring Grant

The grant can be used to fund activities in education, employment, or the arts. Recipients have used the grant to attend global conferences, obtain career-specific training, and create entrepreneurial and creative arts projects. Some additional ways funding can be used includes, but is not limited to:

Education

  • Post-secondary education courses
  • Learning and networking opportunities
  • Training programs
  • Leadership courses
  • Learning tools (such as laptops, textbooks, and other materials)

Employment and Entrepreneurship

  • Professional learning and networking opportunities
  • Leadership programs
  • Technical training or certification courses
  • Team or community projects related to employment goals
  • Association membership fees
  • Fellowship programs

Arts

  • Tools/supplies (such as art equipment, musical instruments)
  • Skills development programs
  • Association membership fees
  • Costs associated with a studio or working space
How will I receive the funds?

If your application is successful and you are selected as a recipient, we will confirm the total you will receive from Spring and your required contribution (as indicated in your application).

After receiving your banking information and proof of your contribution (via a bank statement or screengrab), the money will be transferred directly to your bank account to manage on your own.

What are the expectations for engaging with Spring?

About five months after you receive the grant, our team will reach out to you to complete a brief report to gather data on the grant's impact and have a conversation to hear about your progress in achieving your goals.

What happens if my goal is complete in less than six months or takes longer than six months to complete?

We don't require your project to last six months; we understand your goal may take more or less time to achieve. We ask that you start implementing your plan within the six months after you receive your grant. This might be attending a one-day event, a semester-long course, or the start of something bigger. If you don't plan to start implementing within six months, we ask you to apply for the grant at a later date.

What if I change my mind on what I want to do?

If your plan changes after you submit your application, let us know! We're open to discussing with you to understand what your new plan looks like.

Why do I need to contribute a percentage of the funds?

For this type of funding, the CRA mandates that you contribute a small percentage of the total funds requested.

You will select the contribution percentage that makes sense for you (between 1-25%). The contribution amount you select will have no impact on the success of your application.

Will the grant impact my income eligibility for OW or ODSP?

No, Spring funding is exempt from income calculations for recipients who are also part of the Ontario Disability Support Program or are receiving Ontario Works payments.

Do I need to use my legal name for the application?

You can use your chosen or preferred name on your application, and we affirm your identity. However, your legal name will be required in the program documents.

Do I need to be Canadian to apply?

You must be living in Ontario, but you do not need to be Canadian to apply for Spring. Should your application be successful, we will need you to provide an account with a Canadian bank to receive funds and SIN number (either permanent or temporary) for tax purposes.

Can I receive the Spring Grant more than once?

Yes, but restrictions apply. Previously successful applicants can re-apply and are eligible to receive the Spring Grant funding once per calendar year, up to 3 times.

What is Submittable, and how is it being used?

Submittable is a secure and trusted grant management platform that Cannonbury Foundation is using to manage the grant process. As an applicant, you must create an account with Submittable to apply. Once you have an account, you can access the grant application, save your progress, and view status updates. Should your application be successful, Submittable will also be used to collect grant documents and reporting.