Emerald Youth Grants: Inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders
September 08, 2025
Even as the Alberta Emerald Foundation marks its 35th anniversary of accelerating environmental excellence, the organization has its eyes firmly fixed on the future.
A big part of that forward thinking is the Emerald Youth Grants program. The program provides up to $1,000 in funding to support youths aged five to 25 to take on projects in Alberta that inspire change and foster environmental stewardship.
The foundation handed out $14,997 in grants for 17 different projects in eight different communities in 2025.
“These projects engaged and inspired almost 6,400 young people across Alberta to take meaningful environmental action,” says Sabrina Huot, the foundation’s Communications and Engagement Specialist. “Youth are the leaders of tomorrow, so it is critical to engage them now. We want to give them the tools early on. By doing this, they have the skills and experience if they want to pursue something in the environmental field when they are ready to start their post-secondary studies.”
This year’s projects included a program for Grade 6 students led by a pair of Calgary high school classmates that explored renewable energy by building microbial fuel cells powered by backyard soil. Another grant funded seven high school students who challenged climate anxiety by producing radio and social media content focused on environmental stewardship with expert interviews and community storytelling.
“These types of projects reflect the foundation’s goal to inspire change and foster environmental stewardship,” Huot says. “The projects reflect the creativity, commitment, and hard work of the young people who dreamed them up and dedicated their time and energy to bring them to life.”
The foundation began distributing the grants 15 years ago. Pathways Alliance became the program’s sole sponsor in 2025.
“We always have plenty of interest and lots of applications for grants, so having the support of a committed sponsor is not only crucial, but appreciated by both the foundation and youth grant recipients,” she says.
For more information on the program and how to apply, visit https://emeraldfoundation.ca/eygrants/
