–to support young Guyanese with ideas for community development, innovation

THE Imperial House (TIH) has launched a new Youth Innovation Fund, offering young Guyanese an opportunity to secure G$500,000 to develop innovative projects, products or services aimed at addressing challenges in their communities.
According to a press release issued by The Imperial House on Sunday, the initiative forms part of the organisation’s 10th anniversary celebrations and a renewed focus on youth development, following its decision not to stage the Miss Guyana Teen Scholar Pageant in 2026.
Instead, the organisation says it is shifting its attention towards youth innovation, leadership and community impact, with the inaugural Imperial House Youth Innovation Award to be presented to one successful applicant.
The fund is being supported by TIH’s Foundation Partners, GUYOIL, Palace De Leon, Reminiscent and Guywillship.
According to the statement, Executive Director of The Imperial House, Wasim Khan, said the initiative is intended to provide young people with opportunities to go beyond simply participating in youth programmes and instead develop solutions to issues affecting their communities.
“The Youth Innovation Fund represents an important next chapter for The Imperial House,” Khan said, adding: “We want to give young people more than a platform to be seen. We want to allow them to develop ideas, solve problems and create meaningful change.”
He said the initiative reflects the organisation’s wider approach to youth development as it marks a decade of work with young people and communities across Guyana.
The call for proposals is open to all TIH members and young people between the ages of 15 and 24. Groups can also apply, provided all members meet the age requirement.
Applicants are being invited to submit original concepts addressing at least one of four areas of culture and the arts, social ecology, gender, youth and development, and access to education.
According to the release, proposals will be assessed based on their level of innovation, the community need being addressed, potential impact, feasibility, sustainability and how effectively the $500,000 award would be used.
The organisation has encouraged young people to identify challenges in their communities and develop practical ideas that could lead to lasting solutions.
Shortlisted applicants will be given an opportunity to present their proposals during The Imperial House’s 10th Anniversary Gala 2026, where the inaugural Youth Innovation Award recipient will be announced.
TIH said the initiative is intended to mark its anniversary by placing greater emphasis on what young people can create and contribute, rather than focusing solely on traditional youth development activities.
With the launch of the fund, TIH is inviting young people to put forward ideas that can address issues within their communities while showcasing creativity, practicality and potential for impact.
The organisation said application information, including the Application Guide and Proposal Form and Applicant’s Handbook, are available through its official platforms and social media pages.
The successful applicant will receive the $500,000 award to help turn the proposed idea into action, marking the first recipient of what TIH hopes will become a new avenue for youth-led innovation and community development.