Check out our FAQ below for answers to questions about connecting with charities. Below that, you'll find YPI's grant criteria and useful websites to help you research charities online.
Students may choose any registered social service charity that is directly providing services to people in your school’s local community. More information on what kind of charities qualify for a YPI grant can be found here:
YPI's focus is on people helping people through social services in their own communities. Social services directly address social needs. That said, there are many examples of charities that help people in different ways. For example, some charities work with animals to provide therapy to people in need. Health care facilities often provide - or are linked to - social services that support individuals and their loved ones. Examples include mental health support groups, and camps for children with life-threatening or chronic illnesses.
While doing your research, consider different approaches that charities can take to help people in your community.
When using the internet for research, it's important to go beyond a few keyword searches in Google in order to find social service charities in your community. Do thorough searches in national/regional charity databases for better results.
However, don't rely solely on the internet or well-known charities. Community centres, libraries, university campuses, places of worship, and your school guidance office may have a wealth of information on community-based charities.
In Canada and the USA, you can check if your chosen charity is eligible for a YPI grant using the resources below:
Review the practice scripts and sample emails below for guidance on how you can communicate professionally with your chosen charity:
Be prepared with a back-up plan. If you can't connect with a charity, act quickly and contact another charity on your shortlist. Understand that charities can be very busy and/or have limited staff, and may not be in a position to meet with students.
You can use this guide to complete your charity shortlist.
Check out "Making Your Charity Visit" in our Helpful Videos section to help your team make a successful and productive connection with your charity. You can also review our written guide to preparing for your charity visit and interview.
Always keep safety in mind. Before you visit a charity, be sure to tell your parents/guardians where you will be. If your school is allowing you to visit during school hours, respect any guidelines the school has around informing teachers on where you will be.
Thank the charity for their time. Follow up with a card or gesture showing your appreciation for their time and for what you've learned.
Can you think of any ways in which your talents could help meet some of your charity's needs? Ask them if there are any volunteer opportunities that you can take advantage of to learn more through experience.
Keep in mind that the YPI judging process considers how you have used your skills/time to do something helpful for your charity. Students who are more involved with their charities often have more compelling presentations.
Choosing a charity that you believe is doing great work to address a social issue in your community is an important decision for you and your group members. Here's what you need to consider when looking for a charity to research for the YPI grant:
Is it a local, community-based initiative?
Does the charity operate in the social services sector?
For more information and examples, read about Social Issues and Social Service Charities.
Is the charity registered with charitable status in your country?
Search for charities by issue:
Search for charities by region:
Search for charities in French:
Search for charities by issue:
Search for charities by region: