The ACCESS Bright Ideas Pitch returns in November.
Meet the latest recipients here and scroll down to learn more.
This year, ACCESS is celebrating 20 years of supporting youth and 10 years since the first the Pitch.
The 2026 ACCESS Bright Ideas Pitch is on November 30.
Applications will open mid-September 2026.
Join our mailing list (at the very bottom of the website) for updates.
Feel free to learn more about previous pitch recipients here and see the video below.
But first, a brief Background
ACCESS has supported several youth-led initiatives through mentorship and funding. Since our 10th anniversary in 2016, ACCESS has been allocating funds raised for our projects over the majority of the organization’s history to support youth in need (raised through countless school presentations, events, fair-trade products, and more, all to raise funds for international projects). ACCESS is transforming those funds into impact, which includes projects with our international partners, and supporting youth-led groups who can grow the funds and allocate them to larger projects. ACCESS looks forward to seeing the impact these funds make in the hands of the next generation of youth and young leaders. The funding was saved up over several years, and we look forward to making an impact through new projects.
What is the Bright Ideas Pitch?
Key Dates & Deadlines
Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026 @ 11:59 PM
Live Pitch: Monday, November 30, 2026 @ 6 PM
The live pitch will take place at the Centre for Social Innovation, downtown Toronto, our lead sponsor.
The ACCESS Bright Ideas Pitch is a live pitch for youth-led organizations and grassroots groups to apply for funding and mentorship from ACCESS.
Hosted annually since 2016, the event has provided several groups each year with a boost to support the positive social change they are creating.
Who Should Apply
Youth-led organizations, student groups, or individuals with an idea to create social change and make a positive impact in their community or abroad are encouraged to apply. ACCESS funds projects that focus on youth empowerment, education, social entrepreneurship and more, with flexible formats including programs, events, and campaigns.
Amount: You may request up to $1,000 per project.
Benefits: Funding, Mentorship, Promotion, Connections
Eligibility: Applicants must be youth-led or youth-serving organizations, with the project lead aged 30 or under. Priority is given to those based in or hosting within the Greater Toronto Area (including Peel, York, Halton). You do not need to be a registered charity, incorporated non-profit, or business — grassroots groups and youth-led projects will be considered equally.
Questions about applying? Want to support or sponsor?
Feel free to email hello@accessinnovation.ca.