PSA: Applications for Northwest Territories Youth Water Stewardship and Mentorship Grant Program

Sharing this message on behalf of GNWT

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YELLOWKNIFE (May 19, 2026) – Apply now for the Northwest Territories Youth Water Stewardship and Mentorship Grant Program, designed to empower young leaders in water stewardship. This program, offered annually, provides funding opportunities for youth aged 18 to 30 to lead community projects and events that support the vision and goals of Northern Voices, Northern Waters: The NWT Water Stewardship Strategy. This year’s deadline to apply is June 26, 2026, so don’t delay.

Water stewardship is critical to ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of  waterways in the Northwest Territories. This grant program fosters youth engagement and capacity building, helping cultivate future water leaders committed to protecting and preserving clean, abundant, and productive waters for generations to come.

Funding Opportunities:

For the 2026-2027 cycle, eligible applicants can apply for two types of funding:

• Community Event Grants – Up to $1,000 is available for short-term events (up to one or two days) that engage the community in water stewardship activities.

• Community Project Grants – Up to $3,500 is available for longer, more complex projects that require detailed planning, budgeting, and execution.

Applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding or in-kind support from community organizations to enhance the impact of their projects.

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old and a resident of the Northwest Territories

• Serve as the lead organizer of the proposed project

• Have support from a mentor based in the NWT or be willing to be assigned one

• Propose a project that benefits an NWT community or region and aligns with the Water Strategy’s vision and goals

• Be willing to present project outcomes at key water stewardship meetings and workshops

• Have a sponsoring organization that can enter a Standard Contribution Agreement with the GNWT and administer funds on behalf of the project

• Demonstrate how the project will actively promote water stewardship and engage the community

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is June 26, 2026. All funded projects must be completed by March 31, 2027.

For more information on the application and process, please visit: https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/en/Youth-Water-Grant 

Related links

• Application Page 

• Water Monitoring and Stewardship, ECC

For media requests, please contact:

Environment and Climate Change

Government of the Northwest Territories

ECC_Communications@gov.nt.ca