If your nonprofit works with immigrant or newcomer youth in Nova Scotia, you’re in luck - 2025 is full of funding opportunities to boost your programs, hire staff, or launch something brand new. This list brings together major government, foundation, and corporate grants that specifically support youth and newcomer inclusion. Bookmark this page—we update this roundup every year as new opportunities pop up!

2025 Grant Opportunities

1. Employment & Social Development Canada – Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS)

• What it funds: Nonprofits offering paid work placements, skills training, or job supports for youth—especially equity-seeking groups like newcomers and racialized youth.
• Grant size: From pilot projects to $5 million/year
• Deadline: November 22, 2025
• Pro tip: Make it clear in your application that you serve immigrant youth, since they’re a listed priority group.
• Learn more & apply

2. Culture Innovation Fund (Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage)

• What it funds: Creative projects that use arts to solve community priorities—think film camps, youth theatre, or storytelling for immigrant youth.
• Grant size: $10,000 to $200,000
• Deadline: Rolling (apply anytime)
• See details & apply

3. Halifax Regional Municipality – Community Grants Program

• What it funds: Community projects and capital improvements. Two grant streams:
  • Project grants: Up to $5,000
  • Capital grants: Up to $25,000
• Deadline: March 31, 2026 (plenty of time to plan!)
• Get program info

4. Community Foundation of Nova Scotia (CFNS)

• What it funds: Dozens of donor-advised and community mini-funds for youth, newcomer, and inclusion projects. Grants often range from $2,000 to $25,000.
• Deadline: Varies (many are rolling; check website)
• How to apply

5. TELUS Friendly Future Foundation – Community Board Grants

• What it funds: Registered charities supporting youth digital literacy, mental health, or basic needs.
• Grant size: Up to $20,000, once per year
• Deadline: Opens September 7, 2025; closes October 3, 2025
• Full details

6. TD Ready Commitment (Corporate Donations Stream)

• What it funds: Community grants, especially under the “Connected Communities” stream—which fits newcomer-youth programming well.
• Grant size: Varies
• Deadline: Reviewed quarterly (apply any time)
• Read more

7. ScotiaBank ScotiaRISE Community Investment Program

• What it funds: Initiatives helping youth graduate, go on to higher education, join the workforce, or support newcomer inclusion.
• Grant size: Varies (ScotiaRISE has already contributed $150 million globally)
• Deadline: Rolling (apply anytime)
• Explore ScotiaRISE

8. CIBC Foundation – Inclusive Communities Focus

• What it funds: Programs that build financial skills and confidence, with a focus on culturally diverse communities.
• Grant size: $10,000–$50,000 (typical for first-time grantees)
• Deadline: Rolling intake
• Funding guidelines

9. WES Mariam Assefa Fund

• What it funds: Projects supporting immigrant and refugee economic mobility, skills-building, and career access.
• Grant size: $50,000–$200,000 over two years
• Deadline: Check website for open calls
• About the fund

Tips for a Successful Grant Application

• Show Impact: Funders want to know who you’ll reach and what will change for immigrant youth. Use real stories or data from your community.
• Match Their Priorities: Read the funder’s guidelines and mention their priorities in your application (for example, equity, digital skills, mental health, or workforce readiness).
• Budget Clearly: Break down your expenses in detail—show you’ve planned how the money will be spent.