2021 Youth Action Grants

Our Youth Action Grants are one of the ways we fulfil our priority of Empowering Youth in the region. This is our 7th year offering youth-led grants and we are always inspired by the creative projects and their beneficial ripple effects in the community. These grants of up to $500 help to facilitate an important capacity-building experience for youth aged 10-25. They learn about the granting process, budgeting, project management, leadership, and how to find community partners to help implement the project. 

Aside from the direct benefits to the grantee, the program positively impacts the larger community through the opportunity to participate in the funded projects, as well as building capacity in the youth population through skills development and forming relationships with local businesses and organizations. “Youth are a largely untapped resource for healthy community development, they have fresh ideas, perspectives, and energy to bring to the table and this program is one small way that we can support their ideas come to fruition,” says Faye Missar, CBT’s Program Coordinator.  

Two of this year’s projects based in Ucluelet include a subsidized summer kayaking program with Hello Nature Adventure Tours and a subsidized Bronze Medallion course. Both serve to fill a need for summer recreation as well as facilitating the learning of important life skills. The summer kayak program is already underway and the participants are learning lots and having fun!

14-year-old Riley was a co-applicant on the grant for the Bronze Medallion course along with his friend Eli. He said the course made him feel a lot more confident both in his ability to aid someone in distress in the water as well as navigating rip currents alone. These are important skills for a young person growing up in the region who spends lots of time in the water surfing as well as teaching others.

Bronze Medallion Course. Photos: Nicole Gerbrandt

In Tofino, Ethan and Phoenix (both 14 years old) have received funding to put up wildlife cameras with the goal of monitoring local wildlife activity. They hope to use this project to educate the community about wildlife in the area and in turn ensure that their neighbours are doing what they can to keep these animals safe. The project is underway and they have already captured some wildlife photos and have been able to notify their neighbours when there is a bear in the area. They have also been able to work with Bob Hansen of WildSafe BC and said he has been, “helpful in us learning about educating others in a thoughtful way to balance informing others and the privacy of the wildlife and their habitat.” This project was funded by both Youth Action Grants and Neighbourhood Small Grants.

Bear and its cubs captured by Ethan and Phoenix's trail cam funded by their Youth Action Grant/Neighbourhood Small grant. 
Photo: Ethan Stere and Phoenix Greig

These grants would not be possible without the generous support from the District of Ucluelet and the District of Tofino; we are so grateful for this continued partnership!

If you have an idea for a youth-led community project get in touch with Faye Missar at faye@clayoquotbiosphere.org or by phone 250-725-2219.

 

Grant Writing Workshop

January 26, 2024
Join this half-day workshop hosted in partnership with the West Coast N.E.S.T. (CBT's regional education tourism initiative) to learn effective grant writing and fundraising strategies.

Good News for the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre Project!

January 17, 2024
In a remarkable display of commitment to community and environmental stewardship, the Wickaninnish Inn has pledged an astounding $150,000 over the course of five years to support the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre. In a generous gesture, they have already contributed $40,000 as their inaugural installment.

Announcing the fall 2023 Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants!

December 6, 2023
We are excited to share this list of grass-roots community projects that received Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) this past fall cycle. This has been our most successful cycle to date, with a total of 33 projects in the region, 15 projects for Clayoquot Sound NGS and 18 for Ahousaht NSG!

Holiday Giving Unites Communities

December 4, 2023
As the holiday season draws near, the timeless tradition of holiday giving beckons, transcending cultures and religions, and embodying the spirit of generosity and compassion. In the heart of this global tradition lies an opportunity to make a positive impact on local organizations that sustain our region to help advance their mission far beyond the holiday season.

Truth, Honour & the Way Forward

November 20, 2023
In partnership with Ucluelet Secondary School (USS), the Legacy of Hope Foundation, and Canadian Heritage, the CBT hosted an exhibit to honor the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Take a look at the video to learn more about the event.

CBT's Youth Intern, Reflects on her Beach Cleanup Experience

August 28, 2023
This summer, CBT's Youth Intern, Janessa, has been supporting us in a wide range of projects across the organization and also participated in initiatives hosted by other local non-profits. One of our goals was to offer her the opportunity to experience diverse types of work as well as acquire skills and knowledge in many different fields. Learn about her time with Surfrider Pacific Rim where she helped remove debris from a local beach.

Join our team as Administrative Assistant

August 18, 2023
PLEASE NOTE: Applications are now closed for this position.  The Administrative Assistant will support the CBT across all program areas. The successful candidate will coordinate the day-to-day administration and operations of the CBT office, creating a welcoming space, updating administrative practices, and maintaining records. They will work closely with the Executive Director to support the Board of Directors, as well as work closely with the Finance Coordinator to assist with bookkeeping processes. The Administrative Assistant will work across the CBT to support our programs and events.

Announcing the Spring 2023 Neighbourhood Small Grants!

June 27, 2023
We are excited to share this list of grass-roots community projects that received Neighbourhood Small Grants this past spring cycle. NSG makes empowering, accessible opportunities for residents from all demographics to make their communities more inclusive, and vibrant places to live. Check out the projects below and reach out to marianne@clayoquotbiosphere.org if you want to connect to a project leader and participate.

National Truth and Reconciliation Exhibit

June 13, 2023
Here is a video that was created last year in partnership with the Ucluelet Secondary School, the Legacy of Hope Foundation, and Canadian Heritage to honor the second annual day for Truth and Reconciliation. We have partnered again this year to bring this impactful youth-led learning opportunity for our third annual exhibit.

Hišinq – “All Together”

June 12, 2023
Have you heard that the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is building a Biosphere Center? You might have read about it online or in local print media, maybe you heard it on the radio, or perhaps you joined us for the open house that took place at the current CBT office. However, you might not be aware that the CBT has been working on this project for over a decade and has taken many steps to create a space that will serve and reflect the values held by each community in the region.

We're looking for a new team member! (PDF) 221.42 KB

April 21, 2023
PLEASE NOTE: This position has been filled. The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust is seeking an intern to provide support for a range of projects across the organization. This position will provide opportunities to work alongside and be mentored by different team members, learning about and providing administrative support for projects aligned with the candidate's skills and interests.

Vital Grants - Looking Back & Looking Forward

January 18, 2023
Five years ago, CBT launched Vital Grants: a stream of partnership funding to address regional priorities and complex challenges that influence sustainability in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. Vital Grants were launched in response to grantee feedback that small grants (e.g. $5000) and short timelines make it difficult to address larger issues

Join our team as Director of Partnerships for Conservation

January 9, 2023
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Partnerships for Conservation will build out a new role collaborating with partners on conservation projects, as well as leading research, planning, and engagement activities linked to the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere designation and Canada Target 1. The individual participates in relevant networks and committees aligned with key projects and contributes to the objectives of the Canada Fund Agreement, the MAB Statutory Framework and the MAB Lima Action Plan.