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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YOUTH CHALLENGE FUND ANNOUNCES $3 MILLION
IN INVESTMENTS FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD YOUTH

Investments to date total $11 million for initiatives
in Toronto’s most under-served areas

TORONTO, June 19, 2007 - Toronto's Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) announced its third round of funding today with $3 million for youth-based projects across Toronto’s 13 priority neighbourhoods. This latest funding will support youth initiatives led by 13 organizations working throughout the city.

These organizations will receive funding totalling $1.3 million in 2007 and $1.65 million between 2008 and 2010. Today’s announcement brings total investments to almost $11 million for 58 youth-led groups across Toronto since YCF was established in February 2006. The 13 organizations receiving funding in this third round include Youth ‘n Charge Youth Space, Studio and Lounge in Jane and Finch; Project Rejuvenation in Weston Mt. Dennis; Flemingdon Park After-School Robotics Club, operated out of the Ontario Science Centre in Flemingdon Park/Victoria Village; and a program designed to encourage young people to get into school, stay in school, graduate and move on to post-secondary school operated by the Lawrence Heights Community Health Centre.

“Balancing the scales of equality, access and opportunity for young people is not easy. However, our collective future and our collective success depend upon our ability to significantly increase resources available to youth living in our most underserved neighbourhoods. This is why today’s commitment of an additional $3 million to youth-specific programs in the 13 highest priority neighbourhoods is vital to the health of our city,” said Michael Clemons, Chair of the Youth Challenge Fund. “What is especially exciting is that the YCF is part of a greater collaboration to support our youth. The momentum is building and they urgently need and deserve it.”

YCF was created by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty as a direct response to growing concerns related to youth violence and gang involvement across Toronto. When the Fund was announced, the Premier issued a challenge to the community to raise an additional $15 million that the Province will match, creating a total potential investment of $45 million for youth and youth-based projects across the city.

"Answers to neighbourhood issues must come from the community. Often youth themselves are our best hope for coming up with the programs they need," said Premier Dalton McGuinty. "We're proud of the 58 initiatives they've come up with — and what's really exciting is seeing these projects come to life through funding that would not have otherwise been available."

Today’s announcement was made at Firgrove Recreation Centre, located in Toronto’s Jane and Finch neighbourhood. Firgrove was one of 26 organizations that received funding for youth programs through YCF’s second round of investments in April of this year.

“This announcement comes at a crucial time, just as young people throughout our city look for ways to become positively engaged,” said Mary Anne Chambers, Ontario Minister of Children and Youth Services. “It’s important that we all work together to provide support and access to opportunities so our youth can be successful in the long term.”

Applications received by YCF are reviewed and scrutinized by its Grant Review Committee, which is comprised of a broad range of community representatives including youth, YCF board members, priority neighbourhood organizations and individuals with community grant-making experience. Final funding approvals are made by YCF’s Board of Directors.

YCF builds on the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy, the United Way and City of Toronto’s plan to address the lack of programs and services in Toronto’s most under-served neighbourhoods. YCF investments are directed to projects located within those priority neighbourhoods (Jamestown, Jane-Finch, Weston-Mount Dennis, Lawrence Heights, Westminster-Branson, Crescent Town, Flemingdon Park-Victoria Village, Steeles-l'Amoreaux, Dorset Park, Eglinton East-Kennedy Park, Scarborough Village, Kingston-Galloway, and Malvern).

“Growing social need without corresponding investments in social supports marginalizes people living in our most under-served neighbourhoods ­ particulary young people,” said Frances Lankin, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Toronto. “The Youth Challenge Fund is investing in a unique range of programs and services ­ for youth and by youth ­ to bring opportunities to life for young people so they can participate actively in their communities and build hope for the future."

About the Youth Challenge Fund
The Youth Challenge Fund (YCF) is an innovative public and private sector initiative aimed at making investments in community projects that offer positive opportunities for young people growing up in Toronto’s most under-served neighbourhoods. YCF makes direct, grassroots investments in youth-based initiatives that are aimed at building great ideas, creating youth spaces and providing opportunities for education, employment and leadership. Initiated by the Province of Ontario, the Youth Challenge Fund is actively governed by a 23 member community board made up of a broad cross-section of community leaders. United Way of Greater Toronto is the Fund’s trustee, providing allocations and fund development support.

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