Canada Summer Jobs Grant: Step-by-Step Application Guide for Creatives and Non-Profits

Sarah Jessie Tucker

25 Nov 2025 — 4 min read

The Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program provides funding to help employers create summer job opportunities for youth aged 15 to 30. The deadline to apply for summer 2026 is December 11, 2025. If you're a filmmaker, musician, writer, social enterprise, or non-profit looking to support your summer projects, this guide walks you through the full application process.

CSJ is part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) and aims to help youth, particularly those facing barriers to employment, transition into the labour market. The program provides wage subsidies to employers to create quality summer work experiences for youth. Learn more in the CSJ Overview.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that your organization and proposed job meet these eligibility requirements:

Eligible Employers:

Not-for-profit organizations.
Public sector employers.
Private sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees across Canada.
Employers must be registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and have an active business number with a payroll deductions (RP) account. Whether you're incorporated or a sole proprietor, you are eligible as long as you meet these registration and employment requirements.

Eligible Participants:

Must be aged 15 to 30 at the start of employment.
Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee with a valid SIN.

Job Requirements:

Must be in Canada.
Must be full-time (30 to 40 hours/week).
Duration between 6 and 16 consecutive weeks.
Wage must meet or exceed the minimum wage in your province or territory.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documentation

Before beginning the application form, gather the following:

CRA business number with an active RP account.
Legal name and contact info for your organization.
Supervisors and secondary contacts.
Description of your organization's mandate and activities.
Address and work location (remote work is allowed).
Payroll and worker compensation details.
Workplace safety and inclusion policies.

Step 3: Design Your Summer Job(s)

Create one or more job descriptions that clearly:

Align with the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Include job title, responsibilities, and tasks.
Detail the number of hours per week and employment duration.
Specify the hourly wage.
Demonstrate transferable skills (e.g., digital skills, problem-solving).
Include your supervision and mentoring plan.
Indicate if youth facing barriers will be prioritized.

Real Examples of Funded Positions:
We’ve successfully helped secure CSJ funding for a range of employers:

For a Landscaping Business (Private Sector):

Labourers: Assisting with planting, site prep, maintenance—supporting physical stamina and teamwork.
Mechanic’s Assistant: Helping maintain tools and machinery—developing technical and trade-related skills.

For an Arts Organization (Non-Profit):

Social Media Manager: Planning and posting content—strengthening digital marketing and communication skills.
Programming Coordinator: Supporting event planning—developing project coordination and logistics experience.
Festival Coordinator: Assisting with live events—enhancing event planning and leadership skills.
Administrative Assistant: Managing schedules and communications—building administrative and organizational skills.
Government Relations Coordinator: Aiding in advocacy and outreach—improving policy knowledge and public engagement abilities.

These examples show the range and flexibility of CSJ funding across sectors.

Step 4: Complete the Application

Application Sections:

Part A: Employer and organizational information.
Part B: Job details – title, NOC code, duration, wage, hours.
Part C: Funding request – calculate total funding using wage x hours x weeks x number of positions.
Part D: Supervision and mentoring plan.
Part E: Recruitment strategy and focus on youth facing barriers.
Attestation: Sign and submit.

Step 5: Understand How Your Application Is Assessed

If your application meets eligibility, it is assessed on 3 core objectives (100 points total):

Objective 1: Quality Work Experience (30 points)

Salary above minimum wage (10 points).
Plan to retain youth post-employment (5 points).
Detailed supervision plan (15 points).

Objective 2: Skills Development (40 points)

Clear, structured mentoring plan (13 points).
Specific transferable skills youth will gain (27 points).

Objective 3: Access and Priorities (30 points)

Recruitment/support of youth facing barriers (10 points).
Addressing national priorities (10 points).
Addressing local priorities (10 points) – aligning with your local Member of Parliament's priorities can strengthen your score. Find your region's priorities here.

Step 6: Strengthen Your Application with Best Practices

Match tasks to specific skills (e.g., video editing = digital literacy).
Include names and experience of supervisors/mentors.
Provide examples of how the role supports youth development.
Explicitly reference national and local priorities in your responses.
Include a plan to recruit and support youth facing barriers.

Step 7: Align with Local Priorities

Local priorities are determined by Members of Parliament for each constituency. These reflect the specific economic, social, or cultural needs of your area.

Examples:

Toronto Centre (ON):

Arts, culture, and recreation
Children and youth
Small and local organizations, including community-based and not-for-profit groups

Application Tip: “This job supports the Toronto Centre riding’s focus on youth and arts/culture by employing a youth to manage social media for our summer arts programming.”

Calgary Centre (AB):

Newcomer and/or refugee communities
Affordable housing and community/social wellbeing services
Small businesses
Cultural events

Application Tip: “In Calgary Centre, our small business is hiring a youth for a mechanic’s assistant role. We will prioritize newcomer applicants and provide mentoring support aligned with community wellbeing and integration.”

Vancouver Centre (BC):

Arts, culture, and recreation
2SLGBTQI+ communities
Seniors
Hospitality and local cultural events

Application Tip: “This role supports Vancouver Centre’s arts and cultural priorities by involving a youth from the 2SLGBTQI+ community in coordinating our summer performance series.”

Step 8: Submit and Monitor Your Application

Double-check for completion and compliance.
Submit via GCOS or in the format specified.
Monitor for updates or requests for clarification.

The CSJ program is an excellent way for creative and community-driven organizations to support their work and develop young talent. A strong application showcases not just the value of the job but also commitment to youth development, inclusion, and community impact. Aligning your proposal with local priorities and national objectives, and meeting all registration requirements (CRA business number and payroll account), can significantly boost your application’s success.

Need help crafting a compelling application? Email info@SJTWriting.ca for a quote.