Grants and Contributions

Arctic Bay Adventure (ABA) Ltd. is receiving a two year contribution to strengthen its tourism operations and build long-term sustainability.

The proposed project by Saskatchewan Polytechnic (SP) aims to advance sustainable development and natural resource management in the Philippines through applied research fellowships focused on geospatial technologies for coastal resource management. Over two years, the program will fund four fellowships (two annually), each valued at $50,000 for eight months, including at least one month of in-country research. The initiative builds on SP’s prior NFRF-funded project and strong partnerships with organizations such as Daluhay, Bicol University, and Ateneo University, as well as existing institutional ties supported by SP’s Manila office.

This project aims to increase the economic participation and self reliance of marginalized young adults in Dominica by equipping them with marketable vocational, business, and life skills. By targeting high school dropouts, single parents, and youth with disabilities, groups heavily affected by past disasters and systemic exclusion, the project enables participants to secure employment, start small businesses, and build long term resilience. Project activities include: (1) delivering 6 months of vocational training in welding, auto mechanics, massage therapy, masonry, carpentry, electrical installation, food preparation, garment production, and hair care services across seven districts; (2) providing a dedicated second cycle of business and financial empowerment training to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity and support small business start up or expansion; (3) offering psychosocial support, mentorship, childcare support systems, and flexible, community based training schedules to improve learning retention and accessibility for participants with caregiving responsibilities or disabilities; and (4) coordinating outreach campaigns, transportation logistics, and training of facilitators to ensure accessible, standardized, and inclusive technical and vocational education and training (TVET) delivery.

This project aims to strengthen the resilience of primary school children in a high-risk community in Grenada by improving their literacy, emotional regulation, and access to supportive school and home environments. The project seeks to reduce early risk factors linked to youth crime and promote a school culture of safety, belonging, and pro social behavior. Project activities include: (1) implementing a structured literacy support program, including baseline assessments, specialized assessments for learning disabilities, and teacher training in literacy interventions; (2) delivering a tailored social emotional learning (SEL) program featuring workshops for teachers, student activities, guest speakers, field trips, and community engagement with the Royal Grenada Police Force; (3) conducting 3 parenting workshop series on social emotional learning at home and positive discipline to strengthen family engagement and protective factors; and (4) producing a knowledge product summarizing research findings, lessons learned, and tools for replicating SEL and literacy interventions in other primary schools.

This project aims to increase the employability and socio economic well being of young people in Grenada by equipping them with industry recognized skills and practical experience in the hospitality sector. Through competency based training and structured apprenticeships, the project supports a more professional, inclusive, and environmentally responsible hospitality workforce capable of meeting labour market needs in Grenada’s tourism industry. Project activities include: (1) implementing a replicable hospitality apprenticeship model through partnerships with hotels, combining classroom instruction with on the job training and mentorship; (2) delivering competency based training to 40 apprentices (15 pastry chef trainees, 10 bartending trainees, and 15 housekeeping supervisor trainees) leading to Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) certification; (3) strengthening inclusive access to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) by proactively recruiting women, unemployed/underemployed youth, and youth from underserved or rural communities, while providing targeted support services; and (4) conducting gender sensitivity, workplace inclusion, and environmental sustainability sessions, as well as public awareness campaigns to promote equitable access to TVET.

This project aims to create a safer, more inclusive Saint Lucia by empowering young people who are blind, visually impaired, or face additional barriers with the skills, confidence, and independence needed to participate fully in school, work, and community life. By reducing social exclusion and vulnerability, key risk factors for exploitation, abuse, and unsafe environments, the project strengthens crime prevention systems and enhances long term social protection for at risk youth. Project activities include: (1) providing life skills, digital literacy, orientation and mobility training, and daily living skills to 30 youth aged 13 to 35 who are blind, visually impaired, or living with other barriers; (2) engaging 5 employers through awareness sessions, accessibility assessments, and job shadowing placements to promote inclusive hiring and safe workplace environments; (3) procuring and installing assistive technology, such as braille embossers, screen readers, laptops, tablets, and accessibility software, to support participants’ digital access, communication, and learning; and (4) conducting outreach campaigns using schools, youth centers, communities, radio, and social media to reduce stigma, encourage safe participation, and strengthen awareness of disability inclusion.

Youth unemployment in Saint Lucia remains a major challenge, especially for underserved communities with limited access to skills training and certification. The project aims to provide a competency-based apprenticeship program for 30 unemployed youth ages 18–29, combining classroom instruction with hands-on training through partnerships with 12 bakery operations, the Bakers Association, and the Ministry of Commerce. Over 12 months, participants will pursue Caribbean Vocational Qualification/National Vocational Qualification (CVQ/NVQ) certification at Levels 1 and 2, improving employability and helping meet workforce needs in the baking sector. The project promotes inclusion by encouraging at least 20% enrolment from the Offenders’ Reintegration Project and supporting gender equity. A public awareness campaign will help shift negative perceptions of the baking industry and increase interest in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opportunities. Ultimately, the project aims to expand the pool of work-ready, certified professionals and strengthen socio-economic prospects for youth across key communities in Saint Lucia.

This project aims to improve the employability, digital readiness, and economic empowerment of Vincentians by equipping 150 participants with practical Information and Communication Technology (ICT), financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity skills. By increasing access to accredited digital training and targeted mentorship, the project contributes to a more resilient, inclusive, and future ready workforce in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Project activities include: (1) providing competency based ICT training, including CompTIA, Microsoft Office Suite, Google tools, and introductory artificial intelligence (AI) applications, to strengthen digital literacy and workplace productivity; (2) delivering financial literacy and financial management workshops, including accredited QuickBooks training and entrepreneurship mentoring to support business development; (3) training participants in cybersecurity through practical workshops developed with specialized partners; and (4) offering blended (online and in person) accredited courses to ensure flexible access for diverse genders, abilities, and age groups.

The purpose of the Indigenous Habitat Participation Program- Grant Funding is to meet the legal obligations to support the participation of Indigenous communities in consultations on Departmental Crown conduct (i.e., decisions, such as arrangements, approvals, authorizations and permits) under the Fisheries Act and/or Species at Risk Act.

The purpose of the Indigenous Habitat Participation Program- Grant Funding is to meet the legal obligations to support the participation of Indigenous communities in consultations on Departmental Crown conduct (i.e., decisions, such as arrangements, approvals, authorizations and permits) under the Fisheries Act and/or Species at Risk Act.