RBC Future Launch Community Challenge - Durham Community Foundation

Bold youth-led initiatives address local needs as Durham Community Foundation joins national community challenge

Region of Durham, May 22, 2019

Durham Community Foundation is joining the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge, making up to $30,000 available to youth-led projects that address diverse and urgent local priorities in the Township of Brock, Municipality of Clarington, Township of Scugog and Township of Uxbridge.

“We recognize that youth are facing pressures on many fronts, and so are our communities.”
“We are looking forward to engaging youth in four key municipalities within our region to be a part of creative solutions that enhance equity, sustainability and fairness that help lay the groundwork for a brighter future.”
Vivian Curl, Executive Director at Durham Community Foundation

The RBC Future Launch Community Challenge will enable youth to apply for funding to support their bold ideas to address urgent community priorities. It is an opportunity for young people to lead, learn new skills, gain experience, and build relationships in their local communities -- all things that will help them prepare for the future of work. Later this year, Durham Community Foundation will also bring youth and community members together for ‘Vital Conversations,’ community dialogue focused on creating a better future together.

This Community Challenge goes far beyond Durham Community Foundation, participating community foundations will make grants and learning opportunities available to youth-led initiatives in 150 communities from coast to coast to coast. As a whole, the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge aims to empower Canadian youth for the jobs and community realities of the future.

“Young people are already demonstrating tremendous leadership in communities in Canada and across the world. Look no further than the massive youth-led initiatives such as global student marches against climate change. The RBC Future Launch Community Challenge is an exciting opportunity to help shift power into their hands further, by bringing them to the decision-making table where they can lead in developing solutions for the future”
Andrew Chunilall, CEO of CFC

“RBC believes strongly in the power, vision and potential of youth, and the influence they can have in their communities”
“That’s why we are thrilled to partner with CFC to help young people make a difference in communities across Canada while building the 21st century skills needed to prepare for the future of work."
Mark Beckles, senior director, Youth Strategy and Innovation, RBC

Grant applications will be accepted between May 22 and September 30, 2019.

About Durham Community Foundation

Established in 1994, by a dedicated group of community leaders, Durham Community Foundation(DCF) is one of 191 Community Foundations in Canada. We are committed to building a smart and caring community in the Region of Durham through our investments, leadership and philanthropy. Our endowment funds are invested wisely, providing permanent financial resources for DCF to give back to residents through registered charities and to students seeking a post secondary education through scholarships. Since inception DCF has granted $1.8 Million to more than 100 charities. Participating in the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge builds on the community foundation’s long-time support to local youth and youth leadership.

About RBC Future Launch Community Challenge

The RBC Future Launch Community Challenge will be hosted by Community Foundations of Canada and participating community foundations, and is made possible thanks to a $5M donation from RBC Foundation. It is part of RBC Future Launch, a commitment by RBC and the RBC Foundation to empower Canadian youth for the jobs of tomorrow. Over the next 10 years, RBC Future Launch is dedicating $500 million to help young people access meaningful employment through practical work experience, skills development opportunities, networking solutions and mental well-being supports and services.