Youth and Philanthropy Initiative

YPI logo: white letters 'YPI' on a green background

Canada

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YPI Canada is proudly accredited with Imagine Canada
We are so honoured to join Imagine Canada's National Standards Program for 2022. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to accountability, governance, and transparency as a Canadian charity.
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YPI is an idea

That grant-making can be inclusive and transformative for communities and young people.

Learn more
YPI is a program

Where youth, schools, charities, and funders work together to support social services through grants and public awareness.

Our Approach
YPI is a platform

For motivating, deepening, and scaling meaningful interactions between people and the social purpose sector.

For charities
"I have been teaching a LONG time now, and this is one of the most motivating activities my students have ever had the chance to participate in that the community will benefit from. Many, many thanks to YPI and your generous, thoughtful, donors."--Martin Aller-Stead, YPI Teacher, Toronto ON
Watch Our Teacher Testimonials here
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What is YPI?

YPI is an inclusive, multi-award-winning approach to grant-making that grows compassionate communities by connecting high school students to social issues, local charities, and philanthropy at a pivotal stage in their adolescence.

What We Do

Our Impact

ACROSS CANADA SINCE 2002

White icon of a dollar bill
More Than
$ 10000000
grant dollars

have been provided by YPI’s funders to be granted by youth through our inclusive, participatory process

White icon of four school children
Over
250000
students

have developed skills, competencies and positive attitudes towards civic engagement

White icon of two intersecting speech bubbles
Over
1500000
people

have learned about social issues from students advocating in their communities

White icon of a heart floating over an open hand
Over
60000000
community members

have been helped by frontline social service charities who have won grants through YPI

Explore Our Impact

VISION

Canada’s young people are included, empowered, and engaged in creating more compassionate and connected communities where they live, and a more philanthropic future for all. 

MISSION

YPI Canada is growing connected, compassionate communities through our inclusive, multi-award-winning approach to youth-led participatory grant-making. By 2024, our goal is to grant $1M annually to charities decided by 40,000 engaged and empowered youth, and to connect 350,000 Canadians each year around caring for social causes in their communities. 

Our strategic priorities for 2019-2024

PHILANTHROPY

We aspire to be a strategic, high-impact partner for the philanthropic community.

Increase funding, diversify revenue sources, and build a sustainable YPI granting model.

EDUCATION

We will steward award-winning program quality for high schools and youth, and invest in continuous improvement.

Deepen YPI's impact on youth and schools. Expand enrolment to new communities.

CHARITIES

We strive to be a champion of local charities chosen by youth, and a collaborative, valued partner in support of their communities.

Increase YPI's value for participating charities. Leverage YPI for lasting community impact.

Download our full strategic plan

Get Involved!

Apply or Nominate a School

Sign up to bring the YPI Program to your school.                    

Apply or Nominate a School

Support Our Work

Find out how you can help YPI Canada to grow compassionate communities.

Become a Supporter
Donate

See the Charities Youth Advocate for

Take a look at some of the many charities our YPI participants have empowered with their grants.

View YPI Charities

Awards

Logo of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship

2010

Canadian Best Practice in Civic Education

The Institute for Canadian Citizenship

Ontario Coat of Arms

2011

Premier’s Award for Philanthropy in Education

Government of Ontario

Ontario Coat of Arms

2014

Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship (OMC)

Government of Ontario

Ontario Coat of Arms

2014

June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award

Government of Ontario

Logo of St. Mary’s University Halifax

2015

Honorary Doctorate in Civil Law

Julie Toskan

Saint Mary's University

Crest of the Governor General of Canada

2016

Meritorious Service Medal (Civilian)

Julie Toskan

Governor General of Canada