A new city report recommends investing $3 million over the next three years to expand youth programming in Winnipeg neighbourhoods with high poverty rates.

The funding — $1 million annually from 2025 to 2027 — would support thousands of children and teens across the city through grants to 17 youth-serving organizations. The recommendation follows direction set out in the city’s 2025 budget.

The proposed grants range from $50,000 to $100,000 per year and would support new and expanded programming focused on mental health, education, arts, recreation, leadership development and cultural activities.

“Every young person in Winnipeg should have access to safe, supportive programming that helps them grow, connect and thrive,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “This investment targets neighbourhoods where the need is greatest and will create real opportunities for kids who need them most.”

The Youth Programming Fund prioritizes organizations serving wards with poverty rates of eight per cent or higher. Six wards with the highest poverty levels will receive particular focus: Daniel McIntyre (18.3 per cent), Mynarski (17.9), Fort Rouge–East Fort Garry (16.75), Point Douglas (12.9), Waverley West (12.8) and Elmwood–East Kildonan (12.35).

The funding would support a wide range of programming, including:

  • Arts and culture: Art City Inc. and Graffiti Art Programming Inc. will deliver accessible art programming at multiple satellite locations.
  • After-school programming: Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg will expand services in south Winnipeg, while Elmwood Community Resource Centre and others will increase hours and capacity.
  • Indigenous programming: Rossbrook House will offer land-based cultural activities, and Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc. will provide trauma-informed education for justice-involved Indigenous youth.
  • Newcomer support: Bilal Community and Family Centre and IRCOM will expand programs for refugee and immigrant youth.
  • Mental health and wellness: Multiple organizations will deliver programming focused on mental health, community care and trauma recovery.

The funding recommendations are based on consultations with ward councillors, analysis of 2021 census poverty data, and engagement with 118 local organizations and service providers.

“We took a data-driven approach to ensure this funding reaches the areas of greatest need,” said Coun. Vivian Santos, chair of the standing policy committee on community services. “By partnering with grassroots organizations that know their communities best, we can maximize the impact.”

“This investment recognizes that young people growing up in our city’s highest-needs neighbourhoods deserve more access, more opportunity and more support. We’re not only investing in programs — we’re investing in potential.”

One of the recommended recipients is the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM), which is in line to receive $50,000 annually.

“We are so pleased to receive this added support from the City of Winnipeg,” said Shereen Denetto, IRCOM’s executive director. “Newcomer youth come with a great willingness to adapt to Canada, learn English, do well in school and thrive.”

“The first few years in Canada are not easy — newcomer youth are learning English, trying to navigate two cultures while learning how a whole new school system works. They may not have the same opportunities to access mentors, or to know the resources they can access.”

IRCOM plans to use the funds to expand after-school programming at its sites at 215 Isabel St. and 95 Ellen St., increasing hours and offering activities including literacy, arts, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), fitness, mental health awareness and human rights education.

Youth considered at-risk will benefit from crime prevention programs, leadership development, culturally accessible support and academic assistance to help improve school retention and success.

“Overall, this expansion will serve 75 to 100 additional newcomer children and youth annually,” said Denetto.

The report is scheduled to be considered at the June 17 meeting of the city’s executive policy committee.

Proposed recipients of the Youth Programming Fund (2025–27):

  • Anishiative Inc. – $50,000/year
  • Art City Inc. – $100,000/year
  • Bilal Community and Family Centre Inc. – $50,000/year
  • Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg Inc. – $100,000/year
  • Canadian Yazidi Association – $50,000/year
  • Community Helpers Unite Inc. – $50,000/year
  • Elmwood Community Resource Centre Inc. – $50,000/year
  • Evermore Gather Grow Lead Inc. – $50,000/year
  • Graffiti Art Programming Inc. – $100,000/year
  • Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba Inc. – $50,000/year
  • Inner City Youth Alive Inc. – $50,000/year
  • Maples Youth Activity Centre Inc. – $50,000/year
  • Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc. – $50,000/year
  • Family Dynamics Inc. (Plessis Community Family Resource Centre) – $50,000/year
  • Resource Assistance for Youth Inc. – $50,000/year
  • Rossbrook House Inc. – $50,000/year
  • Spirit Horse Initiative Inc. – $50,000/year


— Ty Dilello is a reporter for the Winnipeg Sun.