Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund

Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund is sponsored by City of Tucson, AZ. The City of Tucson is empowering young people (ages 15-24) to lead climate solutions through microgrants from the Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund City of Tucson opens in new tab or window Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund Join us for a virtual Youth Climate Action Fund Workshop to learn about the program, explore project ideas, and get tips for putting together your application. You’ll also have a chance to ask questions and connect with support. Today!

August 13, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 PM | Virtual Register: https://arcg. is/Wuafv2 Or Join Directly : https://teams. microsoft.

com/meet/268518872263527? p=T8wScVsyjyxQrf5Rrq Meeting ID: 268 518 872 263 527 Young People. Big Ideas.

Real Impact. The Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund is designed to empower young people to lead climate solutions that matter to their communities. You bring the ideas—we'll provide funding, resources, and guidance to help you turn them into action.

Have an idea that could make Tucson cooler, greener, healthier, or more resilient? The City of Tucson's Mayor Regina Romero is investing in young people ages 15–24 to turn climate ideas into action. Thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund, youth-led teams can receive $1,000–$5,000 to launch projects that improve our community while helping Tucson prepare for a changing climate.

Whether you want to plant trees, create climate art, organize bike rides, reduce waste, educate your neighborhood, or invent something completely new, we want to hear your idea! Apply for up to $5,000 to bring your project to life. Young people experience climate change every day and understand the challenges facing their neighborhoods, schools, and communities.

Whether you're passionate about reducing waste, planting trees, creating public art, promoting clean transportation, conserving water, or helping neighbors prepare for extreme heat, your ideas can make a real difference. The Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund gives young people the opportunity to turn those ideas into action by providing funding, resources, and support for youth-led climate projects. You don't need to be a climate expert.

You just need an idea, a team, and a passion for making your community stronger. ✔ Your project is proposed and led by at least two young people ages 15–24. ✔ Your project takes place in Tucson or benefits Tucson residents.

You do not have to live in Tucson, but your project must serve the Tucson community. ✔ Your project addresses one or more of Tucson's climate priorities: Governance and Leadership, Energy, Transportation and Land Use, Community Resilience, or Resource Recovery and Management ✔ You have, or are willing to partner with, an eligible sponsor organization. Grant funds are awarded to organizations, not individuals.

Eligible Sponsor Organizations: A sponsor organization must: Be a legally recognized organization authorized to enter into a grant agreement. Have the legal authority to receive and administer grant funds on behalf of the youth team. Designate an authorized representative who will sign the Grant Agreement.

Agree to comply with all requirements of the Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund, including applicable City requirements and Bloomberg Philanthropies/Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) grant requirements. Agree to maintain required financial and program records and submit any required documentation. Be able to support the youth team throughout the implementation of the project.

Eligible Sponsor Organizations Include: Public and charter schools Colleges and universities Nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) organizations) Youth-led and Youth-serving organizations Community-based organizations City departments may serve as sponsor organizations provided they are not responsible for administering the Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund, conducting eligibility reviews, participating in the Selection Committee, or otherwise involved in the grant review or award process.

Don't have a sponsor yet? Don't let that stop you from applying. Contact us and we'll help you explore potential sponsor organizations for your project.

What Projects Are Eligible? Every project funded through the Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund should help advance Tucson Resilient Together, the City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. https://assets.

tucsonaz. gov/share/gis-docs/caap/TucsonResilientTogether_20230228. pdf Climate change affects Tucson in many ways, from hotter summers and longer heat waves to water conservation, air quality, transportation, and protecting our neighborhoods.

Young people have the creativity, passion, and local knowledge to help build solutions that make Tucson healthier, safer, and more resilient. Your project can take many forms. It might be a community event, an art project, a research study, a storytelling campaign, a new technology, an educational workshop, or a hands-on effort to improve your community.

Whatever your approach, your project should help address one or more of Tucson's climate priorities. The categories below highlight the City's main climate priorities and can help you decide where your idea fits. 1.

Governance and Leadership Projects that educate, engage, and empower youth to participate in climate decision-making, civic engagement, community leadership, or climate education. Projects that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, electrification, reducing energy use, or increasing awareness of clean energy solutions. 3.

Transportation and Land Use Projects that encourage walking, biking, public transit, sustainable transportation, safer streets, or climate-friendly neighborhood design. Projects that help Tucson prepare for climate impacts through heat resilience, water conservation, green infrastructure, neighborhood preparedness, public health, urban greening, or community education.

<h2scxw162775004="" role="heading" aria-level="2" paraid="867483644" paraeid="{8bc988ef-4dfc-44ca-ad4f-14b326d69dd0}{177}">5. Resource Recovery and Management Projects that reduce waste, increase recycling or composting, support the circular economy, reduce food waste, or promote sustainable consumption.

Applications Open: July 20, 2026 Applications Close: October 15, 2026 Funds Disbursed to Projects: November 13, 2026 Projects Completed: April 15, 2027 How Much Funding Can I Receive?

Projects may request $1,000–$5,000 Project supplies and materials Workshops and educations sessions Outreach and communications Reasonable ground transportation for youth involved in project implementation Research and data collection Art supplies and materials Native plants, trees, and garden materials Tools, technology, equipment, and other eligible capital expenses* Photography, videography, promotional materials, and other costs to document and share project results Reasonable mentorship and training fees Reasonable food, per diems, gift cards, or other participation support for youth volunteers** Sponsor organization administrative costs*** * Equipment and infrastructure: Capital investments, including equipment and infrastructure, may not exceed 50% of the total microgrant and must be essential to the youth-led project.

** Youth participation support: Food, per diems, gift cards, and similar participation support must be reasonable and cannot make up the majority of the microgrant. *** Administrative costs: Administrative costs charged by the sponsor organization may not exceed 15% of the total microgrant.

The following expenses CANNOT be covered by grant funding: Services/expenses covered by existing city initiatives Rent or utilities (unless specifically allowed) Nonprofit/NGO incorporation fees Speaker honorariums and speaker fees Scholarships Direct support to individuals or families Partisan political contributions or expenses Expenses related to political campaigns, fundraisers, or projects Expenses related to lobbying (attempting to influence legislation) or voter registration Expenses related to commercial activities Capital campaigns, endowments, or endowed chairs Payments to government officials Events or fundraisers not related to youth climate action Regranting or sub-granting to other organizations or individuals What Makes a Strong Project?

The Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund is designed to support projects that are created by youth, led by youth, and make a positive difference in the Tucson community. The strongest applications combine creativity and passion with thoughtful planning, meaningful community impact, and a clear connection to climate action. Youth leadership is the foundation of this program.

Young people should be the primary decision-makers throughout the project by: Developing the project idea Leading planning and implementation Sharing results with the community Adults and sponsor organizations play an important supporting role by providing mentorship, guidance, and administrative assistance while allowing youth to lead. Projects should help address climate change or strengthen Tucson's resilience to its impacts.

Your application should clearly explain: The climate challenge your project addresses How your project will create a positive impact Projects should align with Tucson Resilient Together, the City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. You don't need to be an expert on the plan. We'll help you connect your idea to the City's climate goals.

Strong projects create meaningful benefits for the Tucson community and actively engage the people they are intended to serve. As you develop your project, consider: How will community members participate? What positive change will your project create?

How will your project strengthen your neighborhood or community? A strong project has a clear plan for turning an idea into action. Your application should demonstrate that your team has thought through: The activities needed to complete the project A timeline for implementation during the six-month grant period The people and resources needed to successfully carry out the project Strong projects define success from the beginning.

Your application should identify: Outputs: The activities or products your project will complete. Outcomes: The changes or benefits your project will achieve. Include at least one measurable output and one measurable outcome, each with a clear numerical target whenever possible.

Responsible Use of Funding Grant funding should directly support the activities needed to complete your project. A strong budget is clear, reasonable, and demonstrates how each expense helps achieve your project's goals. Be sure to review the funding guidelines and allowable expenses before submitting your application.

Your application is your opportunity to tell us about your project, your team, and the impact you hope to make. We know every project is different, so focus on sharing your idea clearly and explaining why it matters to your community. You can download the application here (DOCX, 3MB) .

Tell us about your project. What do you want to accomplish? What activities will your team lead?

How will youth lead the project and make key decisions? Why is this project important to your community? How will you engage community members throughout the project?

Help us understand your vision and why your team is excited to bring it to life. Climate Challenge & Project Goals Describe the climate issue your project is addressing. What climate-related challenge are you trying to address?

Why is this issue important in Tucson? How will your project help make Tucson cooler, greener, healthier, or more resilient? How does your project support one or more priorities in Tucson Resilient Together, the City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan?

Don't worry if you're not familiar with the Climate Action Plan. We'll help you connect your project to the City's climate goals. Outputs are the activities or products your project will complete.

Host 5 community workshops Conduct 150 neighborhood surveys Create 100 educational toolkits Every project must include at least one measurable output with a numerical target. Outcomes describe the difference your project will make because of your activities. "What will change after our project is complete?"

More residents understand heat safety Increased participation in community climate programs Reduced neighborhood waste Improved community preparedness for extreme heat Increased use of active transportation Expanded tree canopy and shade Greater awareness of water conservation Identify at least one measurable outcome. Whenever possible, include a clear numerical target to demonstrate your project's impact.

Provide a simple timeline showing how your project will move from idea to action. Projects will be implemented over a six-month period, from November 2026 through April 2027. Your timeline should show how you plan to complete your project within that timeframe.

When your project will begin Community events or activities Your expected completion date All projects must be completed by April 15, 2027. Show us how you plan to use your grant funding to bring your project to life. Projects may request between $1,000 and $5,000.

Your budget should clearly explain how each expense supports your project's activities and goals. A strong budget is thoughtful, reasonable, and directly connected to what you plan to accomplish.

Please review the Funding Guidelines for information on: Eligible and ineligible expenses Equipment and infrastructure limits Other budget requirements Be sure your proposed budget follows all funding guidelines before submitting your application. web-support@youthclimateactionfund. org Need Help Getting Started?

Youth Climate Project Workshops Have an idea you'd like to explore, or looking for inspiration? Join one of our free Youth Climate Project Workshops to learn about the program, strengthen your project idea, and prepare your application. Workshop #1 – July 24, 2026 Workshop #2 – August 13, 2026 These interactive workshops are designed to support your ideas, not create them for you.

Youth are encouraged to lead every project from concept to completion. City staff and community partners will provide guidance, answer questions, and connect you with resources so you can bring your vision to life.

During the workshop, you'll have the opportunity to: Learn about the Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund and application process Explore Tucson's climate priorities and community needs Develop and strengthen your own project idea Receive guidance on creating a project plan, timeline, and budget Learn how to develop measurable goals and outcomes Connect with a sponsor organization, if needed Ask questions and receive feedback before submitting your application Whether you're just starting to explore an idea or already have a project in mind, these workshops are here to support you throughout the application process.

August 13, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 PM | Virtual Register: https://arcg. is/Wuafv2 Or Join Directly: https://teams. microsoft.

com/meet/268518872263527? p=T8wScVsyjyxQrf5Rrq Meeting ID: 268 518 872 263 527 Need more help with your project or application? Join YCAF Office Hours for additional support.

Each one-hour session begins with a short 10–15 minute presentation on a specific application topic, followed by open time to ask questions and get help with your project. You don't need to attend every session. Join the ones that are most helpful to you and bring your project idea, draft application, budget, timeline, or questions.

Office Hours topics include: project ideas, goals and impact, project planning and timelines, budgeting, and application troubleshooting. Register for Office Hours &rarr; https://arcg.

is/1reTLn3 Youth Climate Project Workshops Eligibility and Application Review Grant Agreements Signed & Funds Distributed Project Implementation Period November 2026 - April 15, 2027 Youth Survey #1 (Baseline Survey) Youth Survey #2 (Final Survey) Mayor's Youth Climate Leadership Awards April 23, 2027 (Earth Day) Looking for inspiration, guidance, or answers?

We've gathered resources to help you explore your ideas, prepare your application, and lead a successful project. Whether you're just getting started or putting the finishing touches on your application, these resources are here to support your ideas and your leadership.

Planning Your Project Project Planning Worksheet (Coming Soon) Budget Template (Coming Soon) Timeline Template (Coming Soon) Outputs & Outcomes Guide (Coming Soon) Examples of Eligible Projects (Coming Soon) Recorded Youth Climate Project Workshops (Coming Soon) Application Walkthrough Videos (Coming Soon) If you have questions or would like feedback on your project idea, we're here to help.

Join a Youth Climate Project Workshop Workshop #2 – August 13, 2026 Contact the Youth Climate Action Fund Team Frequently Asked Questions A grant is financial assistance provided by a government, organization, or foundation for a specific purpose. Unlike a loan, grants do not need to be repaid. A microgrant is a small grant that does not need to be repaid.

Through the Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund, youth-led teams can apply for $1,000 to $5,000 to develop and implement projects that address local climate challenges while advancing Tucson Resilient Together, the City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. The program is funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action Fund to empower young people to lead climate solutions, foster innovation, and strengthen community engagement.

How many projects will be selected? We expect to fund approximately eight projects, depending on available funding and the amount requested by each project ($1,000–$5,000). No. While a Sponsor Organization may support more than one project, each project must be unique, have its own youth leadership team, and submit a separate application.

Our goal is to engage as many young people as possible. Can I apply for or participate in more than one project? Potentially.

Each project must have its own youth leadership team and Sponsor Organization. Youth may participate in more than one project, provided each project is unique and meets all program requirements. What if I need special accommodations, translation assistance, or help with my application?

We are committed to making our programs and services accessible to everyone. If you need accommodations, translation assistance, help with your application, or additional information, please contact Climate. Action@tucsonaz.

gov . Nos comprometemos a que nuestros programas y servicios sean accesibles para todos. Si necesita adaptaciones especiales, asistencia con traducci&oacute;n, ayuda con su solicitud o informaci&oacute;n adicional, comun&iacute;quese con Climate.

Action@tucsonaz. gov . My friends and I have a project idea, but we don't have a Sponsor Organization.

Can you help us? Yes! If you don't already have a Sponsor Organization, we'll help connect you with eligible schools, nonprofits, community organizations, or other organizations that may be able to sponsor your project.

Please contact Climate. Action@tucsonaz. gov for assistance.

I have a great idea, but I'm only one person. Can I still apply? Projects must be led by at least two youth between the ages of 15 and 24.

If you need help finding teammates or connecting with a Sponsor Organization, please contact Climate. Action@tucsonaz. gov .

We'd be happy to help. Can teams be larger than two? Absolutely!

Teams may be any size, provided they can be effectively managed during the project period and the majority of participants are between the ages of 15 and 24. We have a team member who is outside the age range of 15–24. Can they still participate?

Yes. As long as the project's youth leadership is between the ages of 15 and 24, and the majority of team members are also between 15 and 24, additional participants outside that age range may be involved. Who chooses the projects?

City staff will first review applications to confirm they meet the program requirements. Eligible applications will then be evaluated by an independent selection committee made up of community members and subject matter experts using the published evaluation criteria. What if our project isn't selected?

If your project is not selected, you're welcome to contact Climate. Action@tucsonaz. gov to request general feedback on your application.

I have an idea, but I don't need $1,000 to complete it. Can I still apply? Projects must request between $1,000 and $5,000.

If your project requires less funding, consider expanding its scope or impact to meet the minimum funding amount. What is a Sponsor Organization? A Sponsor Organization is an eligible school, nonprofit, community organization, museum, college or university, or other qualifying organization that receives the grant funds and helps provide administrative support for your project.

Sponsor Organizations help ensure funds are managed appropriately while allowing youth to lead the project. Does my Sponsor Organization have to be a nonprofit? No. Sponsor Organizations are not required to be nonprofits.

However, they must be legally recognized organizations with a bank account in the organization's name. Grant funds cannot be distributed directly to individuals or private companies. Schools, colleges and universities, museums, youth-serving organizations, community organizations, and religious organizations with charitable purposes may all be eligible to serve as Sponsor Organizations.

Can we use grant funds to support youth participation? Grant funds may be used for eligible project expenses, including transportation, refreshments, and modest participation incentives such as gift cards, when appropriate and consistent with the Funding Guidelines. Is there a limit on equipment or infrastructure costs?

Yes. Equipment and infrastructure costs may not exceed 50% of your project's total grant budget. For Sponsor Organizations What is a youth-led organization?

A youth-led organization is one in which young people ages 15 to 24 hold leadership roles and actively participate in decision-making, planning, and oversight. What is a youth-serving organization? A youth-serving organization primarily provides programs, services, or resources designed to benefit young people, even if it is led by adults.

Can our organization sponsor more than one project? Yes. Organizations may sponsor more than one project, provided each project is unique, has its own youth leadership team, and is funded separately.

Organizations may sponsor up to three projects. What are the reporting requirements? Reporting requirements are designed to be straightforward.

Sponsor Organizations will complete a summary report describing project activities, outcomes, and how grant funds were used. Detailed receipts, invoices, and financial reports will not be required unless otherwise requested. Can adults lead the project?

Adults, teachers, and organization staff play an important role by mentoring youth, providing guidance, and serving as the Sponsor Organization. However, project ideas should come from young people, and youth should remain the primary decision-makers throughout the project. For Teachers and School Advisors Our school club is already working on a project outside Tucson.

Can we still apply? Yes. As long as your project provides a clear benefit to the Tucson community, you may apply.

If your school or organization is located outside Tucson but your project will take place in Tucson, you are eligible to apply. Likewise, if your project takes place outside Tucson but is led by youth who live in or attend school in Tucson and clearly benefits the Tucson community, you may also be eligible. City of Tucson Climate Action Team Email: Climate.

Action@tucsonaz. gov Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund Application Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund Microgrant Application in English Tucson Youth Climate Action Fund Microgrant Application in Spanish Applications Open: July 20, 2026 Applications Close: October 15, 2026 Funds Disbursed: November 13, 2026 Projects Completed: April 15, 2027 City of Tucson Climate Action Team Email: Climate. Action@tucsonaz.

gov Tucson Resilient Together Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund Page Printable Poster to Promote Grant Opportunity (PDF, 1MB)