Creation’s Impact

What is the Creation Community Grants Program?

The Creation Community Grants Program started in March 2020 in response to the need for community funding during COVID. During that first initiative, we mobilized over $300,000 in funding to youth-focused projects and initiatives taking place across Canada.

Since then, Creation has grown into a full funding program that runs over 10 intakes each year and provides funding of between $2,500-$80,000 to Indigenous youth-led projects and initiatives. Our priority is to support projects that center Indigenous youth in meaningful project leadership roles and promote wellness for Indigenous youth and their communities.

459

Projects funded

1,407

Youth project leaders

$7.9M

Funding mobilized

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Alyssa Luttenberger (she/her)

Impact & Granting, Director of Impact, Development and Granting

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Creation’s Priorities

Purpose

To provide low-barrier funding opportunities to grassroots and community initiatives that address emerging needs and respect the autonomy of communities to self-determine their priorities.

Vision

A future where Indigenous youth-led organizations and grassroots groups have access to the skills and resources to provide youth-focused programs and initiatives and are empowered to take ownership over the wellness of their communities.

Focus

Creation prioritizes funding for grassroots groups and collectives but also supports youth-led initiatives from incorporated organizations. We focus on providing supports for diverse communities and working to ensure equal access to funding for communities that need it the most. (See plant graphic on right)

Prioritize funding for groups that face barriers in accessing mainstream funding opportunities (i.e. grassroots groups)
Support rising youth voices and meaningful youth engagement
Enhance youth capacity in program delivery and implementation
Support long-term sustainability of youth initiatives
Develop best practices for Indigenous funding models that are rooted and responsive to community needs

An infographic illustrating community & group type stats. Urban 40 %, Rural 31%, On Reserve 12%, Remote 17%. 71 incorporated organizations, 115 Grassroots Groups/Collectives, 13 School Groups, 14 Youth Councils, 7 Other

Creation Highlights

Connections & Teachings to last a lifetime

156K

Youth and Community Members Engaged

334

Communities Impacted

856K

Digital Engagements

Creation allowed us to form a diverse/multidisciplinary team of youth, and supported us in developing innovative ideas to support reconciliation, and cultural revitalization in our community.

Gnaaj-Winge: Anishnaabe Life Path Resource Project. Whitefish River First Nation

It is refreshing that an organization allowed our grassroots youth group the opportunity to run this Elder's Meals on Wheels Program in the remote community of Takla. Often we are turned away because we are not a society. Mussi Cho (Thank-you) for this opportunity.

Tamatha French, Takla Youth & Elder Program Manager

IYR allowed our group to have a safety net as we charted into the unknown with our big idea. It gave us the support we needed when we needed it and encouraged us to keep going.

Naomi Ratte, Indigenous Design and Planning Students Association. Winnipeg, MB

Creation enabled Waterways to establish their first long-term program in Bloodvein First Nation. I watched Indigenous youth come into their own and connect to their cultural identity through learning about canoeing and engaging in land -based activities.

Allison Curtaz, Community Outreach Lead for Bloodvein First Nation, Waterways Recreation Inc.

Accessible funding from coast to coast to coast

Since 2020, Creation has funded projects in all 13 provinces & territories. Hover over an area to see how many projects were funded and click on a circle to check out the featured project!

100% Indigenous youth-led

Creation is led by a 20-member Advisory Circle made up of Indigenous youth. Members of this circle provide guidance on policies, practices, strategic direction and the implementation of the granting program.

All funding decisions are made by Community Review Circles. These circles are made up of Advisory Circle Members, other Indigenous youth and community members.

Creation Yearly Impact Report: 2023 – 2024