A Brief Background
The ACCESS Fund has supported several youth-led initiatives through mentorship and funding. Since our 10th anniversary in 2016, ACCESS has been allocating funds raised for our projects over the majority of the organization’s history to support youth in need (raised through countless school presentations, events, fair-trade products, and more, all to raise funds for international projects). ACCESS is transforming those funds into impact, which includes projects with our international partners, and supporting youth-led groups who can grow the funds and allocate them to larger projects. ACCESS looks forward to seeing the impact these funds make in the hands of the next generation of youth and young leaders. The funding was saved up over several years and we look forward to making an impact through new projects.
What is the Bright Ideas Pitch?
The ACCESS Bright Ideas Pitch is a live pitch for youth-led organizations and grassroots groups to apply for funding and mentorship from ACCESS.
Hosted annually since 2016, the event has provided several groups each year with a boost to support the positive social change they are creating.
Who should apply?
Youth-led organizations, student groups, or individuals with an idea to create social change and make a positive impact in their community or abroad are encouraged to apply. ACCESS funds projects that focus on youth empowerment, education, social entrepreneurship, and more, with flexible formats including programs, events, and campaigns.
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Amount: You may request up to $1,000 per project.
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Benefits: Funding, Mentorship, Promotion, Connections
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Deadline: April 1 at 11:59 pm
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Live Pitch: Spring 2023 (Downtown Toronto)
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Eligibility: Applicants must be a youth-led or youth-serving organization with the project lead being age 30 or under, based in the Greater Toronto Area (including Peel, York, and Halton). You do not need to be a registered charity, incorporated non-profit, or business — grassroots groups and youth-led projects will be considered equally.
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Focus for 2023: This year’s pitch prioritizes youth-led groups or projects that started within the last 3 years, and/or those that have not received other funding since the pandemic.
You can learn more about previous pitch recipients here.
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS APRIL 1, 2023