Running a youth exchange or forum across Canada takes careful planning—and funding. Exchanges Canada funding helps youth-serving groups cover the costs of bringing young people together to learn about Canada, its cultures, and its institutions. The Department of Canadian Heritage delivers this program. It supports exchanges and forums that connect youth from different regions and backgrounds.
Exchanges Canada is a federal contribution program. It funds projects that bring Canadian youth together in person or through structured forums. The main goal is to help young people better understand Canada, including its history, official languages, cultures, and civic life.
Applicants must have experience delivering youth programming. They also need the ability to manage public funds.
Funding is non-repayable. You do not have to pay it back if you meet the agreement terms.
Exchanges Canada supports two main types of projects. Your application must fit into one of these categories.
These projects bring groups of youth (usually aged 12–17) from different regions of Canada together for shared experiences.
Eligible activities include:
Youth exchanges often involve reciprocal visits. Each group hosts the other at different times.
Forums bring youth together, either in person or virtually, to discuss national issues.
Eligible forum themes include:
Forums are usually shorter than exchanges. They require structured programming and measurable learning outcomes.
Exchanges Canada funding covers part of your project costs. The program does not publish a fixed maximum dollar amount. Funding depends on project size, duration, and scope.
Some costs, such as capital purchases or unrelated overhead, are not eligible. Your budget must clearly link each expense to the funded activities.
If you need help matching your project to eligible grants, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can filter programs by organization type and activity focus.
Exchanges Canada does not accept applications year-round. It usually runs annual or periodic intakes. Deadlines are published on the Canadian Heritage website.
Applications are assessed on:
Deadlines can change each year. Always check the current intake dates before starting your proposal.
Vague learning outcomes
If you focus only on travel logistics, your application may score poorly. Explain what youth will learn and why it matters.
Incomplete budget
Missing cost details or totals that do not match your work plan can delay or disqualify your application.
Ignoring eligibility limits
Projects outside the defined exchange or forum models are unlikely to be funded, even if they benefit youth.
Starting late
Applications take time to prepare, especially when partner organizations are involved.
Q: Is Exchanges Canada funding repayable?
No. Exchanges Canada provides non-repayable contribution funding when project terms are met.
Q: Does Exchanges Canada fund travel costs?
Yes. Travel is a core eligible expense for youth exchanges and is often a major part of the approved budget.
Q: How much funding can an organization receive?
There is no fixed maximum amount. Funding depends on the project’s size, duration, and eligible costs.
Q: Is Exchanges Canada open year-round?
No. The program typically has scheduled intakes. You must apply during an open application period.
Q: Can Canadian businesses apply for Exchanges Canada funding?
For-profit Canadian businesses are generally not eligible. They may apply only if they partner with an eligible not-for-profit or public organization.
If you want to see which grants match your organization, GrantHub tracks hundreds of active programs across Canada, including youth and cultural funding.
If your organization works with youth and has a strong Canadian-focused program idea, Exchanges Canada funding can cover many of the costs needed for national exchanges. Start by confirming the current intake window. Map your activities to eligible expenses. From there, GrantHub can help you find related federal and provincial programs that support youth engagement, education, and community-building.
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