Peace Projects

The 2026 application period for Peace Projects funding is now open! The deadline to apply has been extended to June 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. 

What are Peace Projects?  

Peace Projects, funded through grants awarded by the TO Wards Peace Program, promote anti-violence projects that support the engagement, empowerment and community safety of youth ages 13 to 29. Three groups from each of the TO Wards Peace sites, Northwest (Jane and Finch and Rexdale) and Scarborough (Woburn, West Hill, Morningside, Woburn) will each be awarded up to $10,000. These projects aim to enhance and build youth capacity to develop creative ideas and initiatives that promote peace, cohesion and unity by: Promoting youth engagement and community safety in program areas.  

• Supporting trauma-informed projects that address community violence prevention, interruption and intervention.  
• Assisting youth in turning ideas into action.  
• Supporting emerging (new, small, grassroots) youth-led groups to become involved in their communities. 

Funding timeline  

• 2025 funding is now open. The deadline to apply is June 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. 
• Activities funded through this grant will begin in July, 2026.  
• Successful grant recipients will be asked to complete a work plan and budget. 
• Projects must be completed by Dec 31, 2026

Virtual Grant Information Sessions  

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend.  Applicants will receive an overview of the 2025 Peace Projects Grant including grant priorities and eligibility criteria. The information session will also include a Q&A session with City of Toronto staff.  

Wednesday, May 19  5 to 6 p.m.

Peace Project Grant Information Session | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams

Who is eligible for this funding?  

1. Review the criteria below to ensure your group and proposal are eligible for funding.   

Eligibility criteria   

• Applicants must be youth-led groups, organizations or collectives (minimum three persons) where leadership and decision-making roles are held by young persons (not adult individuals or adult-led organizations) ages 13 to 29 from and serving TO Wards Peace program areas (Jane and Finch, Rexdale, Woburn, West Hill, Morningside, and Malvern).  
• Applicants must agree to work with Generation Chosen , a community organization that will trustee monies.  
• Anti-violence projects must be trauma-informed and address community violence prevention, interruption, intervention and healing.  

The following projects, individuals and groups are not eligible for this funding:  

• Projects outside the community: All projects and activities must take place within Rexdale or Jane and Finch. Applicants must use spaces located in these neighbourhoods.   
• Individuals living outside the community: Projects led mainly by youth who live outside of TO Wards Peace program areas will not be considered.  
• Political or religious activities: Funding cannot be used for projects that promote political or religious agendas.   
• For-profit groups: Registered businesses, including social enterprises, cannot apply.  
• Nonprofit or charity-led projects: Incorporated nonprofit organizations and registered charities cannot apply. Youth may apply as individuals, but their project cannot be tied to an existing nonprofit’s programs or events.  

2. Submit the completed application by June 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.  

Application Assessment  

Peace Projects grant applications will be reviewed and assessed by panel members from the community and City of Toronto staff. Groups may be contacted for additional clarity.  

Successful Applicants   

Applicants selected to receive funding will be invited to a Workplan and Budgeting Workshop to support their projects. Participants will learn to tailor their workplan and budget to their projects, ensuring alignment with grant requirements and timelines. By the end of the session, they will have the guidance needed to plan and implement their projects successfully.  

Successful applicants will be required to be onboarded by the trustee (Generation Chosen) before attending the Budget and Workplan Workshop and will be required to complete their projects according to the Peace Projects application requirements.  

After applying, funding decisions may take up to three weeks and City staff may reach out with questions about your application. 

Apply Now for the 2026 Peace Projects Grants  

If you need technical assistance or clarity with your Peace Projects application  

Arifah Yusuf  
Email: Arifah.Yusuf@toronto.ca  

2024 Peace Projects Recipients

Free Spirit Association (2024 Peace Project)

The Free Spirit Association is a youth-focused initiative committed to fostering positive development and community engagement across Toronto. With a strong belief in the importance of mentorship and guidance, the project aims to provide meaningful programming and workshops that inspire young people to pursue their goals with determination and purpose.

Led by Nicholas Arop and Brandon Deonarine of the Mount Olive/Rexdale area, the association seeks to strengthen neighborhoods by reaching youth early and encouraging proactive involvement. By engaging youth while they are most impressionable, the Free Spirit Association promotes safety, unity, and ambition, working toward a more connected and empowered society.

Bounce Back (2024 Peace Project)

The Bounce Back Project is dedicated to empowering youth in the Rexdale community by providing meaningful, structured activities that promote personal growth, leadership, and resilience. Through basketball tournaments, skill-building workshops, and mentorship from guest speakers, we offer a safe space for young people to develop confidence, teamwork, and life-skills. Our initiative is designed to break down systemic barriers, reduce violence, and inspire positive change—one game, one conversation, and one opportunity at a time. Stay tuned for an exciting program filled with sports, mentorship, and personal growth—where every session is a chance to learn, connect, and have fun!

New Legacy Youth (2024 Peace Project)

New Legacy Youth is an inspiring group that is comprised of three young individuals who have a dedication to serving the community. Having witnessed the impact of senseless violence in the Rexdale community over the past few years, they are committed to educating and empowering young people to foster hope and create a safer future. New Legacy Youth is committed to strengthening the community by connecting with, supporting, and empowering young people, particularly those in underserved areas like Rexdale. Their mission is to inspire positive change through mentorship, education, and community development. New Legacy Youth is building a brighter future by empowering young people and creating a lasting legacy of hope and positive change.

1 City 1 Vision (2024 Peace Project)

1 City 1 Vision is a community-driven initiative dedicated to improving local neighborhoods and advancing social impact. The project organizes food distributions, provides blankets and essential supplies to those in need, and hosts career-building events aimed at empowering individuals with new opportunities.

Through its 2024 Peace Project, the organization works to unite people, support local youth, and foster lasting change. By funding grassroots initiatives and helping others launch their own community projects, 1 City 1 Vision creates a ripple effect of positivity and progress. Every effort is made with inclusivity in mind, ensuring no one is left behind.

The team operates under the motto “Built 2 Win,” taking individuals from pain to power through direct action and unwavering commitment.

2023 Peace Projects Recipients

Pain 2 Power (2023)

The Pain 2 Power Project is a transformative program developed to empower and uplift youth in Rexdale between the ages of 13 and 29. Focused on turning personal challenges into creative strength, the program offers an 8-week experience that includes workshops, artistic expression, and mentorship opportunities.

Participants engage in creating short stories, songs, and poems while receiving guidance from experienced artists and community leaders. The program concludes with a showcase event featuring live performances, artwork, and open discussions on violence prevention, self-expression, and positive community change.

Pain 2 Power fosters a supportive space for youth to build confidence, share their stories, and become agents of transformation in their communities.

MOR (2023) 

The MOR Initiative for Black Students in STEM is a Black youth-led grassroots organization dedicated to supporting Black high school students from low-income neighborhoods in Toronto, particularly in Rexdale, as they pursue STEM education in university through financial support and 1-on-1 Mentorship. Founded by Abigail Ralph, alongside co-founders Siham Mohamud and Jwan Omer, the initiative was created in response to systemic barriers faced by Black students in higher education. Since launching its pilot program in 2021 with funding from Taking It Global, MOR has provided financial assistance to over 40 students, covering university application fees and easing their transition into post-secondary education. Now led by a team of five senior university students, the initiative continues to offer mentorship and financial support, with a mission to help Black students navigate higher education and a vision to dismantle systemic barriers in STEM fields.

Please contact morinitative@gmail.com for more information

2022 Peace Projects Recipients

ScholaRLY – Rexdale Limitless (2022)

ScholaRLY – Rexdale’s Limitless Youth is a grassroots, youth-led research incubator designed for five racialized, low-income youth in Rexdale. Over three months, participants (Youth Peer Researchers) receive mentorship and training in community-centered, anti-oppressive, and intersectional research practices. They conduct a systematic literature review, lead a small community project, and gain foundational skills to navigate academia as emerging researchers. Beyond research training, the program conducts a mixed-methods study examining the barriers and facilitators of higher education access for Rexdale youth and the role of equity-centered programs in addressing these challenges. Recognizing the systemic neglect and exclusion these youth face, the initiative seeks to:

• Support the development of research projects in the sciences or humanities with a focus on equity, social justice, and anti-oppression.
• Dismantle barriers to higher education by fostering a program designed *for and by* racialized youth.
• Provide professional development through mentorship, publishing opportunities, and career-focused awards.
• Create a safe and inclusive space for racialized, Rexdale-residing youth to explore academic research.
• Ensure all participants have the opportunity to publish in an academic journal and engage in a university-level research study.