About Us
What is the Youth Challenge Fund?
The Government of Ontario invested an initial $15 million in the Youth Challenge Fund in February 2006. United Way Toronto, through the commitment and generosity of donors, has raised $15.8 million in support of YCF. The Province has matched this investment, bringing the total amount raised to $46.6 million.
The Youth Challenge Fund has invested in 111 youth-driven initiatives that use creative, collaborative approaches to engage and provide opportunities for young people in Toronto’s 13 priority neighbourhoods.
Until March 2009, YCF was governed by a community board made up of a broad cross-section of community leaders, with United Way Toronto as its trustee. YCF is continuing its work under a new governance model with a Partnership Steering Committee (PSC), an eight-member committee whose primary role is to provide oversight and ensure that the work of funded initiatives continues under the YCF mandate through 2013.
The focus of YCF 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 designated based on urgent local needs and insufficient local services.
YCF’s vision:
One Toronto mobilized to create neighbourhoods with the capacity to inspire and support youth to succeed, and where all youth feel respected, valued and supported to define and achieve a positive future free of violence and discrimination.
YCF’s mission:
To achieve a lasting improvement in the lives of youth by mobilizing the community’s resources in support of youth, investing in effective programs, and promoting a sustained and coordinated response to youth development and violence prevention in Toronto.