May 22, 2019

The Muskoka Community Foundation is joining the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge, making up to $15,000 available to youth-led projects that address diverse and urgent local priorities.

Lynn DeCaro, Executive Director of the Muskoka Community Foundation said “This is incredibly exciting opportunity for youth in Muskoka. Youth are facing pressures on many fronts, and so are our communities but we know that youth in Muskoka are passionate about making a difference. We are pleased to partner with the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge to be part of creative solutions that enhance equity and sustainability that help lay the groundwork for a brighter future.”

The RBC Future Launch Community Challenge will enable youth to apply for funding to support their bold ideas to address urgent community priorities. It is an opportunity for young people to lead, learn new skills, gain experience, and build relationships in their local communities — all things that will help them prepare for the future of work. In 2020 the Muskoka Community Foundation will also bring youth and community members together for ‘Vital Conversations,’ a community dialogue focused on creating a better future together.

This Community Challenge goes far beyond Muskoka, participating community foundations will make grants and learning opportunities available to youth-led initiatives in 150 communities from coast to coast to coast. As a whole, the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge aims to empower Canadian youth for the jobs and community realities of the future.

DeCaro further noted that “Participating in the RBC Future Launch Community Challenge builds on the community foundation’s long-time support to local youth and youth leadership in Muskoka”.

“Young people are already demonstrating tremendous leadership in communities in Canada and across the world. Look no further than the massive youth-led initiatives such as global student marches against climate change. The RBC Future Launch Community Challenge is an exciting opportunity to help shift power into their hands further, by bringing them to the decision-making table where they can lead in developing solutions for the future,” says Andrew Chunilall, CEO of CFC.

“RBC believes strongly in the power, vision and potential of youth, and the influence they can have in their communities,” said Mark Beckles, senior director, Youth Strategy and Innovation, RBC. “That’s why we are thrilled to partner with CFC to help young people make a difference in communities across Canada while building the 21st century skills needed to prepare for the future of work.”

Grant applications will be accepted between May 22 and September 18, 2019. Contact The Muskoka Community Foundation for more information on how to apply, or visit https://muskokacommunityfoundation.ca/

The Muskoka Community Foundation is one of 191 Community Foundations in Canada administering over $1 million in endowed and other assets. Since it was founded in 2007, the Muskoka Community Foundation has granted over $480,000 directly to a variety of registered charities throughout Muskoka.

About RBC Future Launch Community Challenge

The RBC Future Launch Community Challenge will be hosted by Community Foundations of Canada and participating community foundations, and is made possible thanks to a $5M donation from RBC Foundation. It is part of RBC Future Launch, a commitment by RBC and the RBC Foundation to empower Canadian youth for the jobs of tomorrow. Over the next 10 years, RBC Future Launch is dedicating $500 million to help young people access meaningful employment through practical work experience, skills development opportunities, networking solutions and mental well-being supports and services.

For more information contact:
Lynn DeCaro, Executive Director
Muskoka Community Foundation
Tel: 705-646-1220
Email: info@muskokacommunityfoundation.ca