Youth Climate Action Fund

The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) network spans 38 countries across six continents, representing over 62 million people. Through the fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies and United Cities and Local Governments have given financial support to more than 1,000 climate projects and engaged more than 100,000 young people who are working for a healthier future.

YCAF supports youth-led and youth-serving organizations with microgrants of up to $5,000 USD to design and implement climate action projects. Open to youth in HRM ages 15-24, this fund empowers young leaders to take meaningful action on climate change through initiatives like renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and community education. 

For the third time, the municipality has received funding through YCAF. This is the first time that Halifax is the only Canadian city to receive the funding.

How much can I apply for?

YCAF grants can range from $1,000-$5,000 USD.

What projects are eligible to apply?

Projects must take place in HRM and must be led by and serving HRM’s youth residents aged 15 through 24. Proposed projects for YCAF must be new – the project cannot fund existing projects.

To qualify, groups must be doing work in one of these six key areas of climate action: 

• Food

• Nature and conservation

• Sustainable energy and transportation

• Climate justice   

• Circular economy   

• Adapting and preparation (climate resiliency) 

Recipient eligibility:

• Youth aged 15-24, in teams of 2 or more

• Youth-serving organizations, with youth as active team leads

• Organizations must possess a bank account registered under the organization’s name, not an individual’s name.

• If youth-led teams do not possess bank accounts under an organization's name, they must have an organization that can administer and manage the funds and serve as a fiscal sponsor for the project.

Timeline

Competition opens on August 17. Applications must be submitted by September 21, 2026.