Introducing the 2021 Bright Ideas Pitch

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.

While the pandemic has seen shifts in funding and donations, many funders shifted their resources toward urgent pandemic needs or restricted grants to established organizations. ACCESS aims to support those grassroots groups or newer organizations who have not been eligible for funding.

Youth-led organizations, student groups or individuals with an idea to create social change and make a positive impact in their community locally or abroad are encouraged to apply.

Up to $1,000 of funding can be requested per project. Groups will also receive organizational mentorship and will be featured by ACCESS.

This year’s Bright Ideas Pitch prioritizes youth-led groups or projects that started within the last 2 years, and/or those that have not received any other funding since the pandemic began. Full details on themes and eligibility are available here.

Applications close on Saturday, October 16, 2021 and entries must be received by 11:59 pm.

The Bright Ideas Pitch will take place live online on October 27, 2021. The event will begin at 6 pm and will be live-streamed for the public.

Applications are now open. Visit accessinnovation.ca/fund to learn more or apply.

Last year’s pitch was hosted in Brampton in-person, just days before the first lockdown, creating a ripple of change. Learn more about the 2020 recipients, who were still able to execute their projects during the pandemic, here.

Contribute to the youth projects!

If you’re interested in sponsoring or donating to allow us to support even more youth-led projects, you can contribute any amount online here.