Youth Climate Action Fund

• Funding in the form of micro-grants ranging from $1,400 to $7,000.
• Grant funds must be used for new projects, not for existing initiatives.
• All funds must be expended by October 17, 2025.

• Applicants must be youth aged 15-24, organized in teams of three or more.
• Youth-serving organizations must have 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 have an organization's bank account, they must have an organization to administer and manage the funds as a fiscal sponsor.
• Projects must take place in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and serve residents aged 15-24.
• Projects must be newly proposed and cannot fund existing projects.
• Projects must fall within one of the following focal areas: Green and Resilient Buildings, Clean Transportation, Community Resilience, Just Transition, or Clean Energy.

Who is eligible?

The Youth Climate Action Fund targets youth aged 15-24, specifically those forming teams of three or more.Eligible participants include:1. Youth-Led Teams: Comprising youth aged 15 to 24 who must be residents of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).2. Youth-Serving Organizations: Organizations that actively involve youth as team leaders. These organizations must have a registered bank account under the organization's name, or alternatively, must provide fiscal administration for youth-led teams lacking such an account.To qualify, projects must be conducted within the HRM and aim to benefit HRM youth, focusing on new initiatives rather than existing projects. The fund places emphasis on areas like Green and Resilient Buildings, Clean Transportation, Community Resilience, Just Transition, and Clean Energy, but specific company types or industries beyond those directly serving or involving youth are not explicitly mentioned.

Eligible geographic areas

• Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM)

• Step 1: Conceptualize ProjectDevelop a creative idea for a youth-led project focused on climate action in the focal areas such as Green and Resilient Buildings, Clean Transportation, Community Resilience, Just Transition, or Clean Energy.
• Ensure the project is new and aligns with the goals of the Youth Climate Action Fund.
• Step 2: Form Team and Identify SponsorAssemble a team of at least 3 youths aged 15-24.
• If applicable, collaborate with a youth-serving organization that can administrate funds, possessing a bank account in the organization's name.
• Step 3: Prepare ApplicationCompile all necessary materials, including project description, budget estimations, and timelines.
• Ensure clear articulation of how the project will contribute to tackling climate change locally.
• Step 4: Contact for SupportIf needed, reach out to Zaina Lamontagne at Zaina.Lamontagne@halifax.ca for any questions or assistance with the application process.
• Step 5: Application SubmissionSubmit the completed application by March 31, 2025.
• Step 6: Await Feedback and ConfirmationAfter submission, await confirmation and feedback on the application status.

• YCAF is funded through the generous support of Bloomberg Philanthropies, with Halifax being one of 90 cities to receive this funding as part of the program.
• The fund encourages creative strategies for local climate action, particularly those developed by young people who will face the most significant impacts of climate change.
• No previous experience with grant writing is required, making it accessible for first-time applicants.
• The fund is administered by Halifax Regional Municipality in partnership with HCi3.
• Questions or requests for additional support with the application can be directed to Zaina Lamontagne at Zaina.Lamontagne@halifax.ca.