A total of $1 million is up for grabs and some, possibly all of it, could go to projects happening in the Yukon.

Geraldine Van Bibber, a former commissioner and the current Yukon College chancellor sits on the selection committee for the $1-million Arctic Inspiration Prize.

She's hoping getting the word out about the potential cash infusion will help draw interest for projects happening in the territory.

Van Bibber became involved with the prize a couple of years ago when she received a call asking if she'd sit on the selection committee for the new fund started by Sima Sharifi and Arnold Witzig.

The committee also includes the likes of CBC television news anchor Peter Mansbridge, former Governor General Michaëlle Jean and performer Susan Aglukark, among others.

As Sharifi and Witzig state on the prize's website (http://www.arcticinspirationprize.ca): "The motivation for the Arctic Inspiration Prize is derived from our wish as immigrants to contribute to the future of our adopted country of choice with a focus on the Canadian Arctic and its major challenges in the face of rapid changes in environment, culture, technology and economy.

"The purpose of the prize is to recognize excellence and encourage teamwork among diverse groups in order to use or expand Arctic knowledge and bring it into action for the decisive benefit of the Canadian Arctic, its inhabitants and therefore for Canada as a whole.

"The use of media and social network communication intends to put these actions in the spotlight in order to amplify their impact.

"It is our dream and hope that in addition to our contribution, other individuals and organizations from north and south, will contribute and help make the Arctic Inspiration Prize a long-lasting success.”

Funding for projects has been handed out since 2012 with much of that funding going to projects based in Nunavut ranging from initiatives aimed at improving school attendance to exhibits at five of the country's largest zoos and aquariums aimed at improving knowledge of the Arctic.

Van Bibber said she's hoping word will spread about the potential for $1 million for grassroots projects for the North.

"I want people to know about it,” she said, pointing out the lowest amount given for any project was $100,000 with the highest being $350,000.

Just how much is provided depends on the what is needed for each project. Up to five projects are awarded funding each year, though, as Van Bibber pointed out, there is the potential for one project to receive the full $1 million for that year.

The selection committee, she said, is open to any "knowledge to action” ideas though they must be nominated by a third party.

"All sorts of things are possible,” Van Bibber said.

As the website states: "The prize recognizes and encourages teamwork and collaboration among diverse groups and organizations, from north and south, in addressing the causes rather than the symptoms of issues of importance to the Canadian Arctic and its peoples.”

Though there's been interest in the past from the Yukon, no formal submissions have yet come in.

The territory has been represented in some ways at the annual ceremony to award the prizes.

Last year, Van Bibber noted, she had the honour of selecting artwork from Yukon artists for the event that was held in Halifax.

"It has a huge cultural component,” Van Bibber said.

While the visual art for last year's celebration featured the work of Yukoners, including Ken Anderson and Dennis Shorty, among others, the musical entertainment came from performers in other parts of the North giving each region representation.

Nomination packages for this year's prize are available on the Arctic Inspiration Prize website.