Budding Projects Award

Growing good ideas together

Budding Projects Award of up to $2,000 for youth-led projects aimed at promoting mental wellness for young people with experience and/or insights about cannabis use in their communities.

CALL FOR PROPOSAL INFORMATION

The award is open to any Canadian citizen/permanent resident or community-based organization demonstrating passion and commitment to promoting youth mental health and substance use health.

If you are interested in applying for either award stream, please complete the Application Form. Project proposals can be submitted from August 15, 2024 to September 5, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST. You will be required to attend one mandatory informational session. Please reserve your spot here.

The award value can range from $500-$2,000 and will be awarded based on the project proposal submitted. The proposals will be reviewed by a review committee composed of Cannabis and Mental Health Strategic Advisors and Youth Action Committee members and will use the developed Selection Scoring Rubric to evaluate the strength of the application. Successful applicants will be notified via email by September 27, 2024.

Funds must be used for project-related expenses, including, but not limited to:

  • Honoraria for volunteers
  • Capacity building
  • Event materials, supplies, equipment, and printing of promotional materials
  • Transportation costs and space rentals
  • Subscriptions related to developing knowledge products (e.g., Canva)

Ineligible expenses include:

  • Salaries
  • Administrative costs
  • Substances, including cannabis and/or alcohol

What kinds of support can I receive throughout the award application process?

  • Our team can answer your inquiries about your application by email or through our information sessions. However, we cannot assist your group with writing and pre-reviewing it.

Will I have to attend an information session?

  • Yes. You will have to attend one of the mandatory information sessions. Sessions are hosted on August 21, 2024 at 5 PM EST and August 26, 2024 at 1 PM EST, and September 3, 2024 at 3 PM EST. Please reserve your spot for the session here.

What are some examples of award projects?

  • Arts-based projects: harm reduction zine, mural, create a poster for the Cannabis and Mental Health project.
  • Knowledge products: podcasts, blogs or opinion piece.

Who will review the applications?

Will I have to prepare a budget?

  • Yes, the application includes a simple budget form for you to complete.

What is the deadline?

  • The proposal submission deadline is September 5, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST.

How will the awards be allocated?

  • Funds will be disbursed in two installments, with 70% released at the project’s beginning and the remainder released upon completion.

Are there any reporting requirements for applicants?

  • Yes. Successful applicants are required to submit a brief summary of outcomes, (including # of participants engaged/ reached), to Cannabis and Mental Health. This helps us evaluate the award’s impact on the community and assists us in gathering our own data on community impact.

For more information or questions, please email Mikhaila Mitrovic at mikhaila@cannabisandmentalhealth.ca

EXAMPLES OF PROPOSALS

Mural

Mural

Harness your creativity through art! Design and create a colourful, vibrant mural to explore what mental health, resilience, community, and connection mean to you.

Picnic / Event

Picnic / Event

Host an exciting Youth Mental Wellness Picnic, where young people and the community will come together to celebrate self-care and support! Enjoy fun activities like mindfulness workshops, group yoga, and creative arts corners while munching on delicious snacks and refreshments.

Community Workshop

Community Workshop

Host an exciting and engaging community workshop focused on promoting mental wellness for young people and their families/allies. Your workshop could include fun activities, engaging discussions, and other creative outlets to help youth explore their emotions and build strong connections with others.

Socials / Poster / Video

Socials / Poster / Video

Create a social media post/video to celebrate mental wellness and the importance of self-care for young people! Share fun exercises, inspiring stories, and useful tips on how to have meaningful conversations about mental health and wellness with youth and youth allies in the community!

Blog / Podcast

Blog / Podcast

Create a blog/podcast to explore the world of mental wellness for young people. Share inspiring stories, practical tips, and fun conversations that empower you to embrace your emotions and build strong connections.

Other

Other

Use your creativity to complete another activity or product!