Turning Ideas into Actions: Introducing the 2013 IMPACT! Fund Recipients

Submitted by Our Storyteller on June 12, 2014 - 11:38am

Did you know that anyone who has attended an IMPACT! event is eligible to apply for funding from The Co-operators Foundation IMPACT! Fund?

The Co-operators Foundation IMPACT! Fund is a resource available to students who have attended one of the IMPACT! conferences or one of the regional IMPACT! Sustainability Champions Training sessions to support youth sustainability projects in local communities across Canada. To date, the Fund has disbursed over $323,860 to 56 unique projects.

In 2013, eighteen students from eleven universities and three colleges across Canada received grants totalling $89,795. From New Brunswick to British Columbia, these young leaders are working tirelessly to create sustainable solutions for change in a number of areas, including:

  • Food security: IMPACT! alumni are always passionate about food issues. From edible forest gardens to aquaponic systems to beekeeping, the projects developed by IMPACT! alumni present innovative alternatives for food production.
  • Sustainability and disadvantaged communities: IMPACT! students are undertaking projects that address the challenges faced by disadvantaged communities. A video blog series will explore the resilience of economically disadvantaged communities in New Brunswick; an anti-oppression group will ensure marginalized communities are included in sustainability projects at McGill University; and a social enterprise is looking to create employment opportunities for marginalized individuals in waste diversion.
  • Sustainable transportation: one team of IMPACT! alumni is promoting bicycle use at the University of Sherbrooke, and another is cycling across Canada to deliver workshops to students about food systems.
  • Education and outreach: IMPACT! alumni are developing a sustainability certification program for small and medium sized businesses, formalizing the governance structures of non-profit Lights Out Canada, and leading a video blog series on ingredients found in body care products.

Learn more about the amazing young leaders and their innovative projects that are receiving support from the IMPACT! Fund.

Please visit IMPACT! Sustainability Champions Training program to learn more about the IMPACT! program.