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Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-grant

Youth-led climate action funding in Guelph

Offered by
City of Guelph
Official source: guelph.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 1,500 - $ 7,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Youth-led projects led by groups of 3 or more youth.
See full eligibility

Overview

The Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-Grant Program supports youth-led projects in Guelph with requests from $1,500 to $7,000 to advance the City of Guelph’s climate change goals. Eligible support covers supplies and materials, equipment or event space rental, and professional fees.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$7,000
Minimum funding
$1,500
Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Implement environmental initiatives
  • Reduce environmental footprint
  • Raise awareness or mobilize a population

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Guelph
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Youth (<40)
Legal structures
Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
Environment, Economic, Social and Community Development, Children and Youth Organizations
Target groups
Children & youth, Young adults, Nonprofits / charities, Academia / students, Community leaders
Scope
Local

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Youth Climate Action Fund details expanded

The Youth Climate Action Fund content now includes a fuller program section with eligibility, funding, timeline, and application guidance details.

See more

The Youth Climate Action Fund content now shows a fuller program section with added guidance on who can apply, what can and cannot be funded, and how applications are reviewed. It also now states that applications are open from April 22, 2025 to May 22, 2025 at 4 p.m. EST, that awarded funds must be used by October 31, 2025, and that projects may request between $1,500 and $7,000. The added program details also specify that youth-led projects must be supported by an eligible organization or fiscal sponsor, that for-profit businesses and individuals cannot apply, and that organizations or fiscal sponsors can support up to 3 projects. The new material also lists review criteria, eligible and ineligible costs, and application submission options through guelph.ca/ycaf with support available by email or phone.

Official source: guelph.ca
July 7, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Youth-led projects led by groups of 3 or more youth.
  • Fiscal sponsors submitting on behalf of youth-led groups.
  • Youth-led organizations, youth-serving organizations, schools, city agencies or departments, community organizations, religious organizations, and other organizations or associations.

Who is not eligible

  • For-profit businesses.
  • Individuals.

Eligible expenses

  • Supplies and materials for the proposed project.
  • Equipment or event space rental or costs.
  • Refreshments.
  • Professional fees.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Services covered by existing city initiatives; ongoing operating expenses; paying down debt; non-profit/NGO incorporation fees; organizational rent and utilities.
  • Expenses spent before funding was awarded.
  • Speaker honorariums and fees; single-use plastic items; profit-generating activities; direct support to individuals or families; scholarships, prizes and gifts.
  • Memberships, conferences and travel fees; partisan political organizations, campaigns, fundraisers or candidates; endowments; events or fundraisers not related to youth climate action.
  • Equipment or capital investment for infrastructure improvements more than 50% of project budget; improvement projects primarily serving religious organizations; activities that do not comply with City of Guelph regulations or by-laws.

How to apply

  • Review the grant guidelines and application questions available at guelph.ca/ycaf.
  • Prepare a one-page project summary and a draft budget using the budget template available at guelph.ca/ycaf.
  • Connect with a school or organization that can serve as your fiscal sponsor.
  • Submit the application using the online form at guelph.ca/ycaf.
  • Either the fiscal sponsor or the youth-led group can apply, and the fiscal sponsor contact must agree to the terms and conditions of the grant.

Selection criteria

  • Relevance to City of Guelph climate change goals.
  • Youth engagement, including youth from equity-deserving communities.
  • Impact on the community.
  • Feasibility of the project.
  • A clear budget.

Processing and Agreement

  • A review team made up of staff and youth will read and score all applications.
  • Application review will occur in June 2025.
  • Applicants will be notified about the status of their application by June 13, 2025.
  • Successful grant recipients must comply with all reporting requirements.
  • Grantees must acknowledge the financial support of the City in publicity material related to the services and the Grant.

Additional information

  • Projects that received a grant in Round 1 may apply again in Round 2 if they demonstrate change or growth based on the work done in Round 1.
  • Organizations and fiscal sponsors can support up to 3 different projects.

Contacts

communityinvestment@guelph.ca
519-822-1260 extension 3967

Official sources

Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-Grant Program

Program guide

Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-GrantYouth Climate Action Fund Micro-Grant Program

Application form

2025 Ycaf Budget TemplateYouth Climate Action Fund Micro-Grant Application Support
Add helloDarwin as a preferred source on Google

Frequently Asked Questions about the Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-grant Program

What is the Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-grant?

The Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-Grant Program supports youth-led projects in Guelph with requests from $1,500 to $7,000 to advance the City of Guelph’s climate change goals. Eligible support covers supplies and materials, equipment or event space rental, and professional fees.

How much funding can be received?

Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-grant Funds up to $7,000 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-grant program?

To be eligible for the Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-grant program, you must: Youth-led project led by at least 3 youth. Support from an eligible organization or fiscal sponsor. Project must align with the City of Guelph’s climate change goals.

What expenses are eligible under Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-grant?

Supplies and materials for the proposed project. Equipment or event space rental or costs. Refreshments. Professional fees.

Who can I contact for more information about the Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-grant?

You can contact City of Guelph by email at communityinvestment@guelph.ca or by phone at 519-822-1260 extension 3967.

Where is the Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-grant available?

The Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-grant program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-grant a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Youth Climate Action Fund Micro-grant is a Grant and Funding