Youth Climate Action Fund

The Youth Climate Action Fund, established and supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and delivered in partnership with United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation (BCPI) at Johns Hopkins University as a fiscally sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA), provides technical assistance and funding to cities worldwide to engage tens of thousands of youth aged 15 through 24 in designing, implementing, and overseeing urgent climate solutions. In just one year, the program has delivered remarkable results. During Round 1, 98 cities collectively awarded over US$4 million to fund 1,102 youth-led projects, empowering nearly 4,000 young people to lead local climate action.

Building on the successes and lessons learned from Round 1, this next phase focuses on greater ambition, more creative solutions, and the long-term integration of youth engagement into city practices and routines - reflecting the growth of the program and the leadership of participating cities.

Vision:

To empower young individuals to design, produce, and govern urgent climate solutions in our city, in alignment with the 50% by 2030 Climate Action Plan.

Award Size:

Chosen applicants will receive micro-grants of $1,000 - $5,000 to support climate action projects done by youth.

Eligibility:

Projects are led by youth between the ages 15 - 24 years old who live, work, study, and play in Dubuque and surrounding areas. Projects can vary in scope but have to align with Dubuque’s 50% by 2030 Climate Action Plan. However, funds must be disbursed to organizations/eligible recipients including:

Youth-led organizations (e.g. youth clubs or groups)
Youth-serving organizations (adult-led organizations supporting young people)
Sponsor organizations, such as city agencies, schools or other educational institutions, museums, or community organizations
Each project must involve at least 3 youth in the specified age range.

Private companies, individuals or political parties or party-affiliated organizations are not eligible.

Eligible Microgrant Project Expenses:

Project supplies and materials, including rental and purchase of items directly needed to carry out the project, such as equipment, tools, art supplies, or technology.
Costs for organizing community events, workshops, or educational sessions, including venue rental, printing of materials for participants, and basic refreshments.
Costs for any necessary permits to implement the project in accordance with local regulations.
Reasonable ground travel expenses for youth participants or team members directly involved in project implementation.
Promotional materials to raise awareness about the project, encourage engagement from stakeholders and the greater community, and share project results including photography, editorial support, and videography.
Reasonable fees for training and mentorship offered in workshops with youth participants
Administrative costs that local NGOs, civic groups, neighborhood clubs, schools, or other organizations may charge for administering a microgrant on behalf of youth project leads. The costs should be no more than 15% of the microgrant value.
Small amounts to enable youth participation such as per diems for food or gift cards if these expenses are reasonable in proportion to the activities. In no event may these expenses make up the majority of the microgrant.
Capital investments when they do not exceed 50% of the microgrant and are an essential part of the project suggested and led by youth.

Ineligible Microgrant Project Expenses

Services/expenses covered by existing city initiatives
Rent or utilities, unless specified above
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

Additional Information:

Budget Template

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

Applicants are not required to use the provided budget template and have the option to create their own but a budget must be included with application.

FAQs:

Are Dubuque County residents eligible?

Yes, any youth, ages 15-24 in the region are eligible.

Can I participate if I live outside of Dubuque, in the county, in Illinois or Wisconsin?

Yes, however City of Dubuque youth resident’s applications will be the priority.

Can my organization participate if we serve youth?

Yes, but the applicant must be a youth between the ages of 15-24 and the project led by youth.

Can I participate on my own?

Yes, we are working on making the process easy for individuals and groups to participate.

How many individuals can I have within my youth group?

As many as you’d like.

Do I have to pick a project from the idea bank above?

Nope. The idea bank is to spark ideas! We encourage you to create and implement your own solution as long as it aligns with the 50% by 2030 Community Climate Action Plan.

Are these microgrants only for science-based projects?

Nope! We would love to see and fund proposals centered around the arts! Here are some examples of using art to highlight important climate issues.

Art x Climate

Crud Joy - from waste to wonder

Round 1 Recipients of Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Microgrants