Eligible Areas
District of Muskoka: Bracebridge, Township of Georgian Bay, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Lake of Bays, Township of Muskoka Lakes
Orillia & Area: Orillia, Township of Oro-Medonte, Township of Ramara, Township of Severn
North Simcoe: Midland, Penetanguishene, Township of Tay, Township of Tiny
Barrie & Area: Barrie, Innisfil, Township of Springwater
South Georgian Bay: Collingwood, Township of Clearview, Wasaga Beach, Town of Blue Mountains
South Simcoe: Township of Adjala-Tosrontio, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Township of Essa, New Tecumseth
United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s Youth United is an entirely youth-driven program for youth ages 15-30 that provides one-time micro-grants to help support youth-led projects in the County of Simcoe, the District of Muskoka or the Town of the Blue Mountains.
This year, our Youth United program is funded by Canada Service Corps (CSC). A funding pot of $105,000 is available to provide youth with micro-grants up to $5,000 each to support small-scale innovative youth-led community service projects.
There are two opportunities available for youth and another for Community Service Organizations to get involved in the program.
To learn more about these opportunities, please read the program guidelines.
Youth United will be holding a virtual information session on October 3, 2023 from 1:00-2:00pm. To register please click the button to the right.
Youth develop an innovative project proposal and make their idea come to life! Youth United provides opportunities for youth to create impactful projects that address the needs of the community.
- Apply for up to $5,000 to administer a project in your community to make a difference on a matter important to you
- Demonstrate your passions with other like-minded youth
- Raise awareness on local needs
Application Deadline – November 29, 2023
The inclusion of a Youth Council is integral to the operation of our Youth United program. These esteemed members of the Youth Council dedicate their personal time to thoroughly assess and evaluate grant applications, ultimately determining which projects are eligible for funding.
- Participate on a committee
- Make important decisions impacting your community
- Recommend projects for funding
Application Deadline – November 15, 2023
Community Partners play a vital role in the success and operation of youth projects. Community Partners contributions to youth projects provide unwavering support, guidance, and mentorship to young participants and leave a lasting, positive impact on the youth’s personal and professional development.
- Help youth manage and budget funds
- Support and mentor youth as needed
- Provide in-kind contributions
Volunteer deadline – November 29, 2023
*Priority will be given to youth applicants from Indigenous or vulnerable youth including: visible minority racialized youth, youth with disabilities, LGBTQ2, official language minorities, newcomer youth, youth in rural and remote locations and youth from low-income households.
Not ready to apply?
Need more information?
Youth United is funded in part by Canada Service Corps, a national movement that empowers youth aged 15–30 to gain experience and build important skills while giving back to their community. Learn more at Canada.ca/CanadaServiceCorps.
The Youth Council
Youth United projects aren’t just run by youth; they’re approved by them, too!
The Youth Council is a group of young leaders who work together to vet the project applications. The Council, aged 15-30, are a crucial part of the decision-making process. They review the grant applications, make suggestions and ask questions about the programs, and ultimately submit their recommendations to our Community Investment and Engagement Standing Committee.
Being a part of the Youth Council is a rewarding way to get invaluable experience, complete volunteer hours and create positive change in Simcoe Muskoka.
Submit your application now to join the Youth Council by visiting our Youth United portal.
Previous Youth United Projects
Diversity Week
An interactive week that encouraged Collingwood Collegiate Institute students to celebrate diversity in fun ways. The goal was to reduce stigma, encourage students to be more open and accepting and allow students to learn more about all of he different facets that make everyone unique.
Gator’s Gaga Ball
A group of students built a gaga ball pit in the yard of their school for use during recess and Physical Education classes. They wanted to “help students develop social skills, make friends and collaborate with other people.”
Special Olympics Wants You!
A group of inspiring youth created a brochure to hand out to their fellow students at Eastview Secondary School. Their goal was to inform other youth about the benefits of volunteering and to get more volunteers for the Special Olympics.
Youth Drop-In Design Advisory Team
A creative youth team gathered together to plan and a design a youth-dedicated programming space within the Community Health Hub in downtown Midland. The goal was to have a space that local youth will truly want to hang out in.
Wiigwasitig Gitigaan
(Lakehead Community Gardens)
Two youth leaders from Lakehead University took the lead on bringing high school students together in the summer to maintain a community garden and learn about gardening, Indigenous knowledge, sustainable environmental science and business from local experts.
Festival of Colours
Youth hosted a 5km Colour Run/Walk that inspired school involvement and got people walking or running through coloured chalk clouds. Students from surrounding elementary schools were invited to attend to help ease their transition to high school. The Festival of Colours also brought some cultural awareness to the community, specifically to Hindu culture.
Nighthawks Lunch Program
Created by students at Orillia Secondary School in order to reduce hunger in surrounding elementary schools, the Nighthawks program was able to provide a healthy lunch to 72 students each week. The lunches were prepared after school one day a week and delivered to two elementary schools to be served the next day. The project ensured that kids get the nutrition they need to succeed in school and be their best.
SASSY Snacks
A student nutrition program in Midland that supported four local elementary schools. Partners were the school board, the Karma Project, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and Eat Well to Excel; the program purchased Good Food Boxes, fresh produce and other supplies to make healthy and tasty snacks. SASSY Snacks also created their own recipes and hosted peer-to-peer events to celebrate their work.
Self-Care Sanctuary
A talented group of cosmetology students partnered with Green Haven Shelter for Women. Their program offered a personal health day for women and children experiencing issues due to poverty. It included a self-care talk, free salon services, a healthy lunch, a yoga session and a take-home self-care package. The project introduced affordable salon services for women to become more independent and confident.