Ottawa, November 24, 2025 – The Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF) is proud to announce 32 new Catapult Canada grantees, representing over $4 million in funding for youth-serving organizations across every province and territory. These projects are advancing learning access and opportunity for over sixteen thousand young people, no matter the barriers they face.
Each of the newly funded programs takes an innovative or tested approach to increasing learning equity. From experiential learning and mentorship programs to one-to-one academic support, arts-based engagement, and storytelling initiatives that strengthen community connection and belonging.
The RHF’s Catapult Canada program also connects grantees to a national community of organizations for shared learning and collaboration. Participating organizations benefit from mentorship, capacity-building opportunities, and shared measurement and evaluation tools that help strengthen their work.
This most recent call for proposals drew a record 700+ applications, representing over $88 million in funding requests, signaling a growing need for support in the youth-serving sector.
“The response to this round of funding shows the creativity and the challenges facing youth-serving organizations in Canada,” said Teresa Marques, President and CEO of the Rideau Hall Foundation. “These organizations are on the frontlines of ensuring that every young person, no matter the barriers they face, has access to learning opportunities that meet their needs and ambitions. Philanthropy has an important role to play in helping these organizations, and the youth they represent, not just survive, but thrive.”
Many of the applying organizations cited increasing waitlists, staff capacity limits, and high demand for mental health, mentoring, and employment readiness supports. The volume and scope of applications highlight the need for flexible, trust-based funding models that allow organizations to adapt and grow in response to community needs.
The Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada initiative continues to build a national ecosystem of organizations working to remove barriers to learning and help youth across Canada realize their potential. Since its launch in 2021, Catapult has supported more than 122 projects nationwide, totaling almost $22 million and strengthening access to education, training, and mentorship for thousands of young people.
The Rideau Hall Foundation extends its deep gratitude to the Azrieli Foundation and the Barrett Family Foundation whose generous support has made this round of Catapult Canada funding possible. The RHF also acknowledges Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for its foundational investment in Catapult Canada since its inception. These ongoing partnerships ensure the RHF can continue strengthening Canada’s learning ecosystem and advancing learning equity across the country.
Media Contact:
Jill Clark
Senior Manager, Communications and Media Relations
Rideau Hall Foundation
613-619-0230
About the Projects:
African Nova Scotian Post-secondary PREP Academy Association: Horizon Outreach Project
Funding: $150,000.00, General Stream
The Horizon Outreach Project expands access to culturally grounded postsecondary preparation for African Nova Scotian youth through a new Black Youth Hub and mobile workshops. It is active in Antigonish, Cape Breton, Yarmouth, Kings County, Halifax, and Dartmouth. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/prep/
Calgary Quest Children’s Society: Capacity-Building for Inclusive Employment and Greater Independence
Funding: $94,750.00, NEET Stream
This project builds inclusive employment pathways for young adults with developmental disabilities by strengthening pre-employment training and supporting local employers. It operates in Calgary through Quest’s Centre for Opportunity program. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/calgary-quest/
Development Assistance International Inc: Youth Empowerment Program
Funding: $100,000.00, NEET Stream
The Youth Empowerment Program provides newcomer youth with essential life skills, education supports, and community resources to thrive personally and professionally. It is delivered in community hubs serving newcomer populations in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/dai/
Discovery Centre: Sprouting Science
Funding: $125,710.00, General Stream
Sprouting Science empowers African Nova Scotian youth ages 8 to 17 to explore gardening, plant science, and STEM outside the classroom through community-based activities and workshops. The program operates across Nova Scotia in communities with large African Nova Scotian populations. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/discovery-centre/
Elsipogtog Education Wellness Inc: Nogemag Healing Lodge
Funding: $96,000.00, NEET Stream
This year-round, trauma-informed, land-based program strengthens cultural identity through education, leadership training, and healing circles rooted in the Seven Sacred Teachings. It serves Mi’kmaq youth in New Brunswick. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/nogemag/
Ethos Lab Educational Society: The Galaxy Project
Funding: $144,700.00, General Stream
The Galaxy Project develops a scalable, culturally grounded STEAM learning model for Black youth through facilitator training, AI-focused curriculum, and community programming. It is based in Greater Vancouver and serves schools and community partners across the region. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/ethos-labs/
Future S.E.T: Youth Agri-Tech Hub
Funding: $90,000.00, NEET Stream
The Youth Agri-Tech Hub equips Black NEET youth with hands-on STEM and hydroponic farming skills, creating opportunities in food security and sustainable agriculture. It operates from Windsor to the Greater Toronto Area. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/future-set/
Gardens of Hope Kanesatake: Terre-Mère en Racines
Funding: $37,889.60, NEET Stream
Terre-Mère en Racines offers Indigenous and newcomer youth in vulnerable situations opportunities to reconnect through cultural workshops, Indigenous gardening, and sharing circles. The project takes place in Quebec. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/gardens-of-hope/
ICRC / CCBI: Financial Literacy 2SLGBTQ+
Funding: $33,000.00, NEET Stream
This project builds financial and digital literacy among newcomer and trans youth through multilingual, trauma-informed workshops. It operates in Montreal with large newcomer populations. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/ccbi/
Ilisaqsivik Society: Angunasuktiit
Funding: $150,000.00, General Stream
Angunasuktiit offers year-round Inuit hunting and harvesting instruction to youth, preserving land skills, language, and cultural knowledge while strengthening community food security. The program operates in Nunavut. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/ilisaqsivik-society/
Level. Changing Lives Through Law: Legal Learning Hub for Youth
Funding: $146,300.00, General Stream
The Legal Learning Hub for Youth reduces barriers to legal education caused by racism, isolation, and limited access to resources through an accessible, online platform co-developed with youth. It serves young people across Canada virtually. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/level/
MOSAIC: Woven Futures
Funding: $99,984.00, NEET Stream
Woven Futures uses trauma-informed, arts-based programming to help refugee, newcomer, and NEET youth explore identity, healing, and goal setting through creative workshops. The project takes place in New Westminster, Burnaby, and Vancouver in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/mosaic/
Native Friendship Centre of Montreal: Kaneko:ta Adult Education Program
Funding: $100,000.00, NEET Stream
This initiative supports Indigenous learners by addressing barriers like food insecurity and lack of resources through meals, supplies, and culturally safe supports. It operates in Montréal, Quebec. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/nfcm/
Near North Mobile Media Lab: New Voices Co-Design Lab
Funding: $70,998.00, NEET Stream
The New Voices Co-Design Lab brings newcomer youth together in North Bay to co-create digital media projects, build confidence, and strengthen peer connections. It is based in North Bay, Ontario. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/near-north/
Play Forever: Refugee Employment Program
Funding: $50,000.00, NEET Stream
This project uses sports-based engagement, job training, mentorship, and mental health support to help newcomer and refugee youth gain employment and confidence. It operates in the Greater Toronto Area. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/play-forever/
Rahma Community & Youth Centre Inc.: The RISE Program
Funding: $100,000.00, NEET Stream
RISE supports NEET Black youth in Winnipeg through trauma-informed programming that addresses racism, poverty, and mental health barriers. The project operates in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/rhama/
Safe Haven Foundation: Safe Haven Project
Funding: $100,000.00, NEET Stream
This project provides safe housing and education supports for at-risk and unhoused young women, helping them build stability, independence, and confidence. It is based in Calgary, Alberta. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/safe-haven/
Saskatoon Open Door Society: Philosophy for Children Project
Funding: $85,101.00, NEET Stream
This project helps refugee and newcomer youth strengthen critical thinking, communication, and belonging through guided discussions. It takes place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/sods/
STEAM PEI: STEAM Careers Lab
Funding: $100,125.00, General Stream
STEAM PEI’s Careers Lab offers hands-on workshops, field trips, and camps to help underrepresented youth explore careers in bioscience, clean tech, agriculture, and cybersecurity. The program serves communities across Prince Edward Island. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/steam-pei/
The Arctic Rose Foundation: Amplifying Leadership Opportunities for Inuit Youth
Funding: $150,000.00, General Stream
This project trains high school students to lead arts-based afterschool programs and share community stories through digital media. It operates in four fly-in Nunavut communities and in NWT and Northern Ontario. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/arctic-rose/
The Fireweed Institute: Mobile MakerSpace
Funding: $150,000.00, General Stream
The Mobile MakerSpace delivers entrepreneurship and technical skills training directly to Indigenous youth through hands-on, mobile workshops. It serves rural and coastal communities across British Columbia including Sechelt, Shíshálh, Squamish, Stó:lō, and other Nations. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/fireweed/
The Reach Foundation: Finding Your Path / Expanding Your Reach
Funding: $100,000.00, NEET Stream
This project supports NEET youth in recovery by combining life-skills training with paid work experience to support healing and re-engagement in education or employment. It is based in PEI. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/reach/
Trips For Kids Ottawa: Trips for Kids Ottawa
Funding: $62,800.00, NEET Stream
Trips for Kids Ottawa provides inclusive, trauma-informed outdoor recreation programs that help underserved youth build confidence, teamwork, and well-being. It operates in Ottawa, Ontario.
Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/trips-for-kids/
Uncover Your Essence Society: Uncover Your Essence 2026 Conference
Funding: $149,860.00, General Stream
The UYE 2026 Conference empowers youth aged 12 to 18 through culturally relevant workshops, mentorship, and community engagement. It operates throughout Nova Scotia and is expanding into New Brunswick. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/uye/
Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth: Reawakening the Digital Path
Funding: $150,000.00, General Stream
Reawakening the Digital Path modernizes Indigenous VR learning tools to increase access to immersive, culturally grounded education for youth. Based in Calgary and surrounding Nations with reach across Canada. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/usay/
Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance: Land Back (W2SYC)
Funding: $100,000.00, General Stream
Land Back supports Wabanaki Two Spirit youth through seasonal land-based gatherings and learning opportunities that build cultural knowledge and leadership. Operates in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/wabanaki/
Young Women’s Leadership Network (Platform): Civic Learning Project
Funding: $100,000.00, NEET Stream
Civic Learning adapts Platform’s Heal, Lead, Learn model to engage newcomer and refugee youth in trauma-informed leadership and digital literacy training. It operates nationally. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/platform/
Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council: Indigenous Youth Wellness and Learning Initiative
Funding: $93,504.93, NEET Stream
This project provides culturally grounded activities, mentorship, and wellness supports for Indigenous NEET youth to strengthen cultural identity and learning engagement. It operates in Yukon First Nations and Northern British Columbia. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/yawc/
CICan: RHF x CICan Pathways Project
Funding: $653,630.00, Targeted Stream
This initiative creates a bridge for Catapult participants to transition from readiness to enrollment in postsecondary education through Colleges and Institutes Canada. Operates nationwide. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/cican/
TRIBE: Accelerating Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Funding: $300,000.00, Targeted Stream
Tribe delivers entrepreneurship and innovation training to underrepresented communities, helping participants build business skills and leadership capacity. Operates across Canada. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/tribe/
Taking it Global: Connected North
Funding: $200,000.00, Targeted Stream
Connected North provides northern, remote Indigenous classrooms with virtual field trips, campus tours, and guest visits that support technology-enabled enrichment through two-way video conferencing. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/taking-it-global/
Visions of Science: STEM Pathways National Expansion
Funding: $75,000.00, Targeted Stream
STEM Pathways expands Visions of Science’s proven STEM education model from the GTA to communities across Canada, increasing access and representation. Learn more: https://rhf-frh.ca/communities/visions-of-science/
