gov.ns.ca / Environment / Air, Land, Water / Youth Conservation Corps / Community Partners

Community Partners

Community Partner Funding

Community partners are an essential element of the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps Programs. The NSYCC values these partnerships as they ensure that youth in communities across Nova Scotia are being given an opportunity for employment and skill development.

Information for Community Partners:

This year the NSYCC is working to include Outdoor Air Quality Management. Air quality projects should educate Nova Scotians about the importance of air quality and what they can do to improve air quality. Projects could also contribute to the scientific knowledge on air quality.

Applications for 2008 projects will be accepted starting December 2007.
Projects proposals for Summer 2008 will be due by February 15, 2008.
The 2007 summer program will run from June 30th to August 29th, 2008.
Those projects eligible for funding will be informed in late March or April 2008.

Benefits to Community Partners

Community partners are eligible for a project subsidy to which they can apply more than once.

Community Partners can partner with the NSYCC to provide youth in their area with valuable work experience while completing a project that benefits the entire community and environment.

Community Partner Funding

The NSYCC provides 3/4 of the labour costs, up to $50.00 for transportation costs for a 4 person crew, and up to $100.00 for materials and supplies for a 4 person crew. The community partner submits 1/4 of the wage costs to the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps and is responsible for all other project costs. Community partners often access funding from other sources (including other government departments) to support projects.

Other Sources of Funding

Environment Canada produces a quick reference of funding sources in Atlantic Canada called the Environmental Funding Guide

Application Criteria for Community Partners

Community partners should demonstrate that the project will provide an opportunity for the personal growth and development of youth as well as having lasting and self-sustaining environmental and community benefits.

Community partners can submit proposals for projects that reflect one or more of the following themes:

Solid Waste Resource management
Watershed management
Environmental education
Air Quality management
Pollution Prevention
Environmental Conservation/Protection

Community partners must be able to contribute one quarter of the wage costs as well as provide any materials, equipment, special equipment training, and transportation required for the project and supervision and work space for two, three, or four crew workers. Community partners must demonstrate that any work carried out by crews will meet provincial Occupational Health and Safety Standards.

All projects, unless their priority theme area is environmental education, must include at least two public education sessions through which youth promote their project to communities and other interested groups or individuals. One way to do this is through public information sessions. We also encourage participants to create or try out other environmental education methods.

Community Project Review Process

Project proposals are reviewed based on the criteria outlined above. The review process includes discussions with the community partner about the proposal's objectives to ensure a top quality project and to foster a partnership relationship. Additional weight will be given to projects that demonstrate an ability to further the mandate of the department. A review panel rates each project and the successful applicant is notified within six to eight weeks of the deadline date. The community partner then enters into a contract agreement with Nova Scotia Environment and Labour.

To Apply

Look for NSYCC application forms at community workshops, employment centers, trade conferences, career fairs, community centers and local Nova Scotia Environment and Labour offices.

For more information, contact the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation