On Saturday, April 26, 2025, a group of young leaders and activists gathered in Toronto to pitch their projects to our community and judges. All of this year’s finalists shared bright ideas for social good.

Three of these initiatives stood out for their innovation, planning and passion for creating social impact. They are also addressing timely issues that are facing youth today.

ACCESS is proud to support each of these 3 with $1,000 grants to help bring their ideas to life this year.

Introducing the 2025 Bright Ideas Pitch Recipients:

Potential to Purpose

Re-Defined Canada was selected for their project, Potential to Purpose, led by Ritika Saraswat. Ritika is empowering BIPOC youth to find clarity, confidence, and career direction through leadership development and community support. Her work is creating the kind of pathways that make a lasting difference. Follow along at @redefinedcanada.

Dance to Empower

Indigenous Dance Foundation was selected for their project, Dance to Empower, led by Victoria Greenwood. At just 16 years old, Victoria is using the power of dance to foster mental health, cultural pride, and community connection for Indigenous youth in both Toronto and Nunavut. Her project shows the strength of youth voice and cultural leadership. Follow along at @indigenousdancefoundation.

Career Crawl

Young Cameroonian Association Toronto was selected for their Career Crawl, led by Vanessa Mbakwa and Erika Takouyopa. Their initiative is building a bridge between racialized youth and career mentors, opening up new opportunities and reimagining what career access can look like for the next generation. Follow along at @ycatoronto.

Each of these young changemakers has demonstrated their ability and passion for making a positive social impact. ACCESS is proud to support them and their work.

Thank you to all who applied, pitched and attended, as well as our dedicated judges and speakers. Follow ACCESS on Instagram for more content from the event. We will also share more about each project in the coming weeks.

Thanks to Youthful Vengeance for the space.

Additionally, Together with Art and Everyone Archives will be collaborating to implement their projects through the Downtown Brampton BIA.

Background: What and why behind the Bright Ideas Pitch

ACCESS knows that youth-led initiatives, grassroots organizations, and early-stage social enterprises are often at the forefront of innovative solutions to social, environmental, and economic challenges. Whether they’re addressing mental health, sustainability, education, or social justice — these emerging projects have the power to make a real difference.

The challenge? Funding is still largely directed toward well-established organizations, leaving grassroots and youth-led groups with limited access to the financial resources they need to launch or grow.

Bright Ideas Pitch helps to fill that gap. Since 2009, ACCESS has been investing directly in youth with bold ideas, helping them test and scale their initiatives with the funding, visibility, and mentorship they need to succeed.

Bright Ideas Pitch is more than a funding opportunity. It’s a launchpad for youth-led change. We invite young leaders and early-stage grassroots groups to apply with innovative projects that create positive social impact in their communities. Selected applicants will have the chance to pitch their ideas live to a panel of community leaders, entrepreneurs, and funders — all while competing for funding and expert mentorship.

Over the years, Bright Ideas Pitch has supported dozens of projects, from art programs and sustainability initiatives to community wellness projects and social justice campaigns.

Find out more about the ACCESS Bright Ideas Pitch here.