Youth Climate Action Fund
Are you aged 15 to 24 years old? Want to make a difference in the West Palm Beach community? Are you ready to act on climate change and help the environment? If so, the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Microgrant Program is for you!
Learn more about the program below. If you have questions, please email YouthClimateAction@wpb.org.
Key Mandatory Dates
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March 1 - April 11, 2025: Applications will be accepted
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May 6, 2025: Orientation (Mandatory)
Vision:
The YCAF aims to empower young people to design, implement, and govern climate solutions, fostering a more sustainable future.
Goal:
The goal of the YCAF is to activate youth-led initiatives and address urgent climate challenges in West Palm Beach. All projects must fit within the goals of West Palm Beach’s Sustainability Action Plan(PDF, 28MB)
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Eligible Groups and Organizations to Apply for a Microgrant:
Youth-Led and Youth Serving Organizations
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Incorporation: The Organizations must be legally recognized as incorporated entities.
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Charitable Goals: They need to have clear charitable goals. Private companies are not eligible as micro grantees.
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Banking Information: They must possess bank accounts registered under the organization’s name, not under an individual’s name.
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Youth Focused: The organization can be either youth-led or youth-serving organizations. A youth-serving organization is generally led by adults and provides programs and resources intentionally designed to meet the needs of young people.
Other Sponsor Organizations
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Other Organizations: Other types of organizations can administer and manage the funds and serve as sponsors for youth-led projects. This can include a city agency or department, a community organization, a religious organization, or other recognized organizations and associations that can serve as agents to support project expenses.
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Youth Projects: Youth-led projects need to be composed of at least three individuals aged 15 to 24 who actively participate in decision-making and oversight.
Award Size:
Successful applicants will receive a microgrant ranging from $1,000 - $5,000 to fund their projects.
How to Apply:
Complete the online application which will identify: project advisor, project description, timeline, budget, Sustainability Action Plan alignment, and supporting documents.
A Selection Committee will review applications and applicants will be notified before April 22, 2025.
April through October the City will disburse all microgrants and grantees will begin implementing projects.
What is the Youth Climate Action Fund?
The YCAF is a new opportunity to fund creative and innovative ideas to tackle climate change at the local level. This funding is made possible through a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. Through the YCAF, youth-led and youth-serving organizations and groups can receive up to $5,000 to support actions that focus on environmental change issues in our community.
What kind of projects are eligible to be funded?
This program can fund any youth-led (15-24 years of age) project that is focused on sustainability and climate change that directly benefits West Palm Beach. Example projects can include school community gardens, waste collection programs, road/waterway clean-ups, renewable energy projects, tree plantings, energy efficiency projects, sustainable transportation projects, etc. Additionally, projects could also include hosting events or organizing online or in-person activities. The list is endless! Be creative!
What can the funds be used for in the project?
Funds may be used to cover all project related expenses such as materials, equipment, and community outreach activities.