Youth Climate Action Fund

Youth Climate Action Fund is sponsored by City of Savannah, Georgia. Supports youth-led projects addressing local climate and environmental challenges in Savannah.

Youth Climate Action | Savannah, GA - Official Website Planning and Economic Development Youth Climate Action Fund Information Session — Recording Available Missed the session? Watch the recording to learn about the Youth Climate Action Fund, eligibility, application process, key dates, and more.

Empowering Savannah's Young Leaders to Take Climate Action The City of Savannah is excited to announce that it has been selected to receive a $50,000 grant through the Youth Climate Action Fund , a worldwide initiative supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

The funding will allow the city to provide microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to support innovative, youth-led projects that address local climate and environmental challenges. This program empowers residents ages 15–24 to lead innovative projects that address local environmental challenges, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve community resilience, and create a more sustainable future for Savannah.

Through this program, Savannah's young leaders will have the opportunity to turn their ideas into meaningful action that benefits neighborhoods across the city. The Youth Climate Action Fund will be implemented in several phases throughout the year: August 3–September 11, 2026: Open Call application period for youth-led climate action projects. Fall 2026: Selected applicants will be awarded microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 .

Fall 2026–Spring 2027: Selected applicants will begin their projects with City support. Spring 2027: Completed projects and their results will be shared. The program is open to youth-led projects created by young people ages 15–24 who live in Savannah.

Focused on addressing local climate and environmental challenges Designed to benefit the Savannah community Aligned with the goals of the Youth Climate Action Fund Funding will be awarded to eligible applicants, including youth groups, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations that support youth-led climate action projects.

Any i ndividual youth applicant that is not familiar with a youth-serving organization may reach out to us to be paired with one and vice versa. Open to applicants ages 15–24 who are interested in leading climate action initiatives that take place within the City of Savannah and create a positive impact for Savannah residents and communities.

Additional Eligibility Requirements: Applications must be submitted by, or in partnership with, an eligible organization that is able to receive and manage grant funds, such as a nonprofit organization, school, 501(c)(3), LLC, or other formally established entity. Must have an established bank account under the organization’s name and the capacity to responsibly manage grant funds.

Applications must include a project description and a simple budget outlining how grant funds will be used. All proposed expenses must comply with the Youth Climate Action Fund guidelines. Equipment and capital purchases may not exceed 50% of the total project budget.

Have clear charitable goals. Youth-led groups that are not incorporated may apply with a fiscal sponsor that can receive and administer the grant funds on their behalf. If you do not currently have a partnership organization to work with, the Office of Sustainability can help connect you with an eligible organization that may be able to partner with your project and support your application.

Selected applicants will receive microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to support the implementation of their youth-led climate action projects. Download the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Microgrant Application below. Complete the application and submit your completed form through the Submit YCAF Application section.

Please note the below qualifications when completing the budget portion of your applic ation: Admini strative costs from the grant-receiving organization must not exceed 15% of the total microgrant value Capital investments must not exceed 50% of the total microgrant value Youth per diems or compensation, like gift cards, much be reasonable in proportion to the activities and must not exceed 50% of total microgrant value Additional eligible expense information is available below in the FAQ section Have questions about the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) application ?

We’re here to help. Submit your questions through our Contact Us form, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible. Join us virtually every Wednesday from 1:00–3:00 PM to speak with a member of our team.

Wednesdays | 1:00–3:00 PM Microsoft Teams- YCAF Applicant Q&A Projects must be led by youth ages 15–24 . Youth-led groups and organizations that support youth in the City of Savannah can apply. Other Savannah organizations can also apply if they work with a local youth-serving group or a Savannah resident ages 15–24 .

What types of projects qualify? Eligible projects should be youth-led initiatives that address climate and environmental challenges in Savannah, including but not limited to tree planting, green spaces, climate education, recycling and waste reduction, community gardens, energy efficiency, water conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable transportation.

Projects should reflect youth leadership, respond to community needs, and create a positive environmental impact. Where can I find information about Savannah’s sustainability and climate action efforts? You can learn more about Savannah’s climate efforts through the City of Savannah’s Office of Sustainability and the 100% Savannah Clean Energy Plan : Office of Sustainability & 100% Savannah Plan .

How and when will the city approve proposals? Applications will close at 11:59 PM on September 11, 2026. The City will review all applications to ensure they meet the program's minimum qualifications.

Applicants whose projects do not meet the requirements will be notified. A selection panel will then review all eligible applications. Approved applicants will be notified by early November, 2026.

When does my project need to start and end? Your project should begin after you receive the grant funds and must be completed by Thursday, April 15, 2027. Can I participate if I live outside the Savannah city limits?

Yes. You are still eligible to apply if you live outside the Savannah city limits. However, your proposed project must take place within the City of Savannah and primarily benefit Savannah residents and communities.

How many young people can participate in my project? Projects must involve a minimum of two young people . While there is no maximum number of participants, we recommend keeping the group size manageable to support effective project implementation and provide a high-quality experience for participants.

What expenses are eligible for a microgrant? Eligible Microgrant Project Expenses Project supplies and material s: You can rent or buy items needed to carry out the project, such as equipment, tools, art supplies, or technology. Community event and workshop costs: Venue rental, printing, and basic refreshments Permit s: Required permits for the project.

Trave l: Reasonable local travel costs for youth participants or team members working on the project. Promotion: Photography, videos, printing, and other materials used to promote the project and share results. Training and mentoring: Reasonable fees for workshops with youth participants.

Administrative costs: Up to 15% of the microgrant for organizations helping manage the grant. Youth participation: Reasonable support such as food per diems or gift cards is allowed, but these costs cannot make upthe majority ofthe grant. Essential Capital purchases: Equipment or other major investments are allowed if they are essential to the youth-led project and make up no more than 50% of the grant.

What expenses are not eligible for microgrant funding? Microgrant funds must be used for eligible project activities that support the goals of the program.

The following expenses are not eligible for microgrant funding: Services or expenses already covered by existing city initiatives Rent or utilities, unless specifically identified as eligible Nonprofit/NGO incorporation fees Speaker honorariums or speaker fees Direct financial or other support to individuals or families Partisan political contributions or expenses Political campaigns, fundraisers, or political projects Lobbying activities, including attempts to influence legislation Voter registration activities Commercial activities or expenses Endowments or endowed chairs Payments to government officials Events or fundraisers that are not related to youth climate action Regranting or sub-granting funds to other organizations or individuals Government Websites by CivicPlus®