Community fridges, hygiene care packages, emergency weather kits, cybersecurity workshops for seniors, environmental cleanups, podcasts, musicals, books, abandoned dock removals, and accessible raised garden beds for Indigenous communities. These are all examples of projects from the 101 youth-led initiatives supported by Trent University’s Impact Microgrant Program. 

Launched in May 2025, the Impact Microgrant Program has invested nearly $500,000 in this year’s projects, which aim to empower youth aged 15–30 to gain experience and build important skills while contributing to their community. The participants – 60 percent Trent students, 40 percent community youth – were each awarded up to $5,000 in funding and each completed approximately 20 hours of project management training to support the development of their idea. 

One of those projects being Nourish to Flourish, an initiative led by Global Development Studies student Andrea Sturgis (Lady Eaton College) that addresses food insecurity in the local community. Through her efforts, 280 meals from Trent’s on-campus vegetarian café, The Seasoned Spoon, were distributed to youth in Peterborough through the YES Shelter. 

“I couldn’t be more grateful for my experience with the Impact Microgrant Program. I learned to advocate for myself and to listen, and about how to contribute to better my community,” said Andrea. "Through my project I learned that small, continuous actions make a big impact. Connecting with so many youth in my community really nourished my heart and soul.”

Nearly two-thirds of this year’s projects were done in collaboration with a community or campus partner, and a year-end event showcased the social, cultural, economic, and arts impact of these initiatives. 

“Trent’s Impact Microgrant Program shows what’s possible when passion is matched with the right resources, training, and support,” said Melissa Fernandes, manager of the Office of Student Affairs at Trent. “Through this partnership, participants have transformed their bold ideas into initiatives that are strengthening our campus and uplifting our communities, while building confidence in our leaders of tomorrow.” 

This program is led collaboratively by the Office of Student Affairs and Careerspace at Trent, and funded in part by Canada Service Corps. With $1.5 million committed over three years, the Program will continue supporting youth-led initiatives that make a difference on campus, across the Peterborough and Durham regions, and in communities across Canada. 

Visit trentu.ca/impact to learn more about the Impact Microgrant Program, including eligibility and application details for the spring intake, and for a listing of completed projects.