Youth Climate Action Grants

Who is eligible?

• Student-led groups within Toronto District School Board (TDSB)
• Student-led groups within Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB)

Who is not eligible

• For-profit businesses
• Grant making organizations
• Registered charitable organizations and/or non-profit environmental organizations
• Community organizations
• TDSB or TCDSB approved vendors

Eligible expenses

• Project supplies such as paper, pens, poster boards, markers, and paint.
• Raw materials including wood, soil, and screws.
• Rentals or small equipment purchases required for project delivery.
• Speaker fees and training supplies for events or workshops.
• Space rental or permit fees for event or activity spaces.
• Costs for communications and promotion of events, including design, printing, flyers, and posters.
• Food and refreshments for participants (excluding bottled water, up to 25% of the total grant request).
• Skilled labour (e.g., hiring a contractor) directly related to the project (up to 25% of the total grant request).
• Professional consultant fees (e.g., for design, translation, communications, up to 25% of the total grant request).
• Honouraria for voluntary services (such as guest speakers or ceremonial duties, up to 25% of the total grant request).
• Volunteer and participant expenses, including food, transit, and personal protective equipment.
• Education and awareness materials, including signage, books (subject to school board approval), instructional kits, and camera film.

Eligible geographic areas

• Projects must take place within the boundaries of the City of Toronto.

• Compliance with all the eligibility requirements of the program.
• Technical evaluation of the project by specialized teams (environment, climate, and forestry).
• Analysis by a review committee consisting of representatives from the City of Toronto, TDSB, or TCDSB to decide on the allocation of funds.
• Possibility for the committee to request additional information to clarify the evaluation, analysis, or monitoring of the application.

• Step 1: Submit Request for Funding
  • Access the online application form starting October 1.
  • Provide information about your group, school, and proposed grant project idea.
  • The main contact (teacher or lead student) completes the application form.
  • Only one application per group or classroom is allowed; the City will review the first submission if more are received from the same group or classroom.
  • Multiple distinct groups or classrooms from the same school may apply with different climate action concepts.
  • If accessibility supports, accommodation, or a different application format are needed, contact the grant provider.
• Step 2: Receive and Incorporate Feedback
  • City and school board staff review submitted requests for funding.
  • Feedback will be provided by email, with further guidance by phone or in person if required.
  • If your project idea is deemed eligible, you are invited to proceed to the next stage; note this is not a guarantee of funding.
• Step 3: Submit Full Grant Proposal
  • Prepare a comprehensive proposal including a work plan, detailed budget, and supporting documents, addressing any feedback received in Step 2.
  • Submit the full grant proposal by the specified deadline.
• Step 4: Application Review and Project Approval
  • The Environment, Climate & Forestry Division conducts a technical review to confirm all eligibility requirements are met.
  • Eligible proposals are assessed by a Review Committee composed of City of Toronto and school board staff.
  • The Review Committee may request additional information for the assessment or monitoring.
  • Funding decisions are communicated to applicants, and successful recipients are informed of their approved grant amount.
  • Recipients who accept the funding offer will enter an agreement with the respective school board (TDSB or TCDSB).
• Step 5: Reporting Requirements (Upon Project Completion)
  • Submit a Final Report, including photos, testimonials, and evidence of project completion.
  • Provide a Final Budget Summary outlining actual costs.
  • The online Final Report form will be provided by the grant administrators for submission.
  • A site visit may be requested by the grant team to review the completed project.

• Recipients are required to submit a Final Report and Final Budget Summary upon project completion.
• The grant team may request a site visit to assess the project and gather feedback from participants.
• A sample of previously funded projects is publicly available for inspiration and reference.
• Applicants may request accessibility supports or alternative application formats as needed.