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Ottawa, March 30, 2026 – The Dialogue Network is launching the first edition of the VIF Program’s micro-grants, which will allow 100 youth aged 14 to 30 across Canada to carry out French-language initiatives in their communities. Each micro-grant of $1,000 supports projects by and for youth, in collaboration with community organizations. These initiatives will enable young people to connect in person, exchange ideas, foster a sense of belonging, and encourage civic engagement in French within their communities. Projects can take various forms, such as discussion circles, workshops, cultural or sports activities, or creative initiatives like expositions. Each grant includes $850 for the project costs and $150 for the partner organization supporting the youth throughout the project. Program Objectives The VIF Program aims to:

• Bring together young people through activities in French to strengthen their linguistic security and sense of belonging.

• CREATE EXCHANGES with youth from different linguistic communities to foster cooperation and appreciation of Canada's official languages

• Encourage youth participation in civic and social ENGAGEMENT in French

• INCREASE SUPPORT for the learning and use of French in daily life, especially for youth whose first language is not French.

Eligibility 

To be eligible for the VIF Program micro-grants, applicants must:

• Be between 14 and 30 years old at the time of application;

• Be legally authorized to work in Canada;

• Be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals who have obtained refugee status in Canada;

• Agree to be matched with an eligible organization, which will be responsible for administering the funds and supporting the implementation of the project.

Youth without a partner organization can receive support from the Dialogue Network to be paired with one.

How to Apply?

Interested youth can submit their activity proposals until April 30. For more information and to apply, visit: Réseau dialogue.

Quotes

“Through these micro-grants, we are providing 100 young people across the country with tangible means to create projects in French that reflect who they are and meet their needs. Whether it’s a workshop, a sports tournament, or a performance, each initiative becomes a space to come together, express themselves, and strengthen linguistic security—for both francophone youth and those who engage with French as an additional language.”
– - Ajà Besler, Executive Director of The Dialogue Network.
ABOUT
For 20 years, The Dialogue Network has worked to foster sustainable dialogue within the Francophonie and across Canada’s diverse communities, in a spirit of collaboration. Through its projects, the organization aims to promote and celebrate the Francophonie in an inclusive Canada.

The VIF Program is an initiative outlined in Pillar 3 of the Official Languages Action Plan 2023-2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration,under the title “Youth Strategies to Foster the Use of French in Everyday Life-New Youth Initiatives Fund.” This project is made possible by the Government of Canada.