The City of Toronto has launched the 2022 Identify ‘N Impact (INI) grant program. This funding opportunity supports youth in turning their ideas for stronger communities into action with grants of up to $17,000 promoting youth engagement and community safety across Toronto.
Initiated in 2006, the INI grant funds youth-led projects for up to one year. Projects focus on community safety, community development, improvement and change and must reflect the perspective of a local Toronto youth between 15 and 29 years old.
All projects must support one or more of the following priorities:
- mental health
- skills development
- increased access to educational achievement
- community safety and violence prevention
- youth-friendly spaces
- arts
For full grant details, visit the City’s Identify ‘N Impact Grant Program webpage.
Projects that engage Indigenous, Black, 2SLGBTQ+ youth and youth from other equity-deserving communities, as well as those that engage youth in one of Toronto’s 31 Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIA) will be prioritized.
The INI grant program was developed to support emerging, new, small and grassroots youth-led groups. To be eligible for a grant, groups must be:
- led by at least three youth between ages 15 to 29
- based in Toronto
- requesting support for projects that will take place in Toronto
Proposals for adult-led youth activities are not eligible for an INI grant, and adult-led organizations cannot apply on behalf of youth.
The INI grant program has been developed for Toronto youth by Toronto youth and is released in partnership with the Toronto Youth Cabinet 
.
Applications for programs taking place between December 2022 and November 2023 close on Thursday, October 6 at noon. Interested youth can apply using the City’s Identify ‘N Impact Grant Application 2022 form .
Quotes:
“Since its initiation in 2006, the Identify ‘N Impact (INI) grant has funded youth-led groups to deliver meaningful opportunities for youth to be involved in their community. Acknowledging that the future of Toronto is in the hands of our youth, this grant provides grassroots organizations with the tools, funds and resources that are needed in the present to support enhanced youth engagement across the City. The Toronto Youth Cabinet prides itself in advocating on behalf of Toronto’s youth by working with other grassroots organizations to build an equitable, accessible and youth friendly Toronto. From our advocacy pushing for the creation of INI, it is still our hope that the grant will empower youth to follow these guiding principles within their own projects to help create conditions where youth are able to thrive and reach their full potential.”
– Zenah Hussun, Director of Internal Affairs, Toronto Youth Cabinet
“I am extremely grateful and honoured to have been an Identify ‘N Impact grant recipient, as Rise In STEM would not be where it is today without this initial funding opportunity. The INI program allowed us to pilot our very first after school STEM program and introduced us to our organizational mentor who continues to support us to strengthen and scale our work. It allowed us to see what we were capable of, provide leadership opportunities to youth, and propelled us to see the importance and impact of our work.”
– Irene Duah-Kessie, Rise In Stem, Identify ‘N Impact (INI) Grant Recipient 2019
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter , Instagram or Facebook .
