Through the Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Program, Alberta’s government is investing $2 million this year to support 14 community-based projects that help reduce youth suicide by strengthening prevention efforts, building connections and providing supports that are responsive to the needs of young people within their communities.
This funding is part of a broader effort to support the mental health and well-being of vulnerable children and youth through prevention and early intervention in communities, schools and Family Resource Networks.
Since 2024, projects funded through the Youth Suicide Prevention Grants have helped empower more than 3,200 youth across Alberta by strengthening relationships, building life skills and connecting them to local resources that support their well-being.
"Every young Albertan deserves to feel protected, connected and safe. Through this investment, we are empowering community-based organizations to provide culturally appropriate, accessible supports that reflect the diverse needs of youth across Alberta.”
“Every young person deserves access to the support they need to reach their full potential. Our government is committed to ensuring youth can access help early, equipping them to build resilience, connections, and healthier lives.”
“Culture, language, family and community are powerful sources of strength for Indigenous youth. Through the Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Program, we are supporting community-led initiatives that reflect the priorities of First Nations, Métis and Inuit and help young people strengthen their identity, build confidence and pursue the future they want for themselves.”
Youth suicide prevention requires a shared effort across families, communities and organizations. These grants focus on working with community organizations to provide local, customized supports that reflect the needs of the youth they serve and help ensure young people can access support when they need it.
“United Way of the Alberta Capital Region is committed to removing barriers so that every young person can thrive. This grant funding is a meaningful investment that allows us to strengthen existing school-based suicide prevention and mental health supports through our All in for Youth initiative. By providing socially vulnerable youth with resources and supports, we help them stay in school, graduate, and build successful futures.”
“For many kids, sport and play are the spaces where they feel most connected, supported and comfortable being themselves. This funding allows us to use those relationships intentionally – helping kids build the skills to manage difficult moments, connect with trusted adults and get support before they reach a crisis.”
Alberta’s government is committed to making sure young people facing mental health and addiction challenges can get the help they need, when and where they need it. This means investing in more supports in schools and communities, supporting youth-focused online and telephone resources and ensuring mental health and addiction services are available through Recovery Alberta.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 211 or visit ab.211.ca to connect with mental health and addiction services in Alberta. It is free, confidential and available 24-7. Always call 911 in an emergency.
Quick facts
- This year’s successful grant recipients are:
- Alberta Immigrant Information & Research Centre
- Bridges Association for Newcomers and Mental Health
- Chiniki First Nation
- CL Whole of You Foundation Inc
- Dragonfly Counselling & Support Centre
- Fort McKay Métis Nation Association
- Free Play for Kids
- Red Deer Native Friendship Society
- Sucker Creek First Nation
- The Governors of the University of Calgary
- The Young Men’s Christian Association of Edmonton
- Trellis Society for Community Impact
- United Way of the Alberta Capital Region
- Wood’s Homes
- Since 2024, more than 3,270 youths benefited from services and programming supported by Youth Suicide Prevention Grant funding.
Related information
- Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Program
- Family Resource Networks | Alberta.ca
- Child and youth mental health | Alberta.ca
- Indigenous youth suicide prevention | Alberta.ca
- Kids Help Phone
- 211 Alberta
- Get Help | 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline
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