About Us

What is the Youth Challenge Fund?

On February 12th 2006, Dalton McGuinty, the Premier of Ontario, announced the creation of the Youth Challenge Fund (YCF). Led by Chairman Michael "Pinball" Clemons, YCF was established to create meaningful opportunities for Toronto’s young people, engage them in our communities and build hope for the future.

The decision-making body is a Board chosen from the community. The fund supports local community initiatives for youth at risk which have been submitted by community organizations. YCF funding creates opportunity and builds community safety with the ultimate goal of encouraging youth leadership and youth community engagement.

The Province of Ontario has challenged the private sector and private contributors to match the government's $15-million investment. The government will then match these contributions up to an additional $15 million, for a potential total investment of over $45 million over the next three years.

The focus of the fund is primarily the 13 priority neighbourhood areas that have been identified by the City of Toronto, in consultation with United Way Toronto. These neighbourhoods were selected based on urgent local needs and inadequate local services.

See a map of the 13 priority neighbourhoods and a list of YCF funded projects, by neighbourhood.