Youth Futures Fund

The Young Black Climate Leaders (YBCL) Youth Futures Fund is a core initiative of the People's Climate Innovation Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities and advancing equitable solutions to climate change. Inspired by cultural and ecological legacies, the program uplifts the visions and contributions of Black youth leaders working at the intersections of climate justice, social equity, and community resilience. The Fund is part of a broader commitment to resourcing young Black leaders as architects of transformative change, acknowledging the systemic barriers they face and seeking to equip them with the necessary tools, networks, and financial support. The YBCL Youth Futures Fund specifically targets Black youth aged 18 to 28 who are engaged in community-based projects advancing climate justice. The fund is youth-led and reflects a commitment to both leadership development and grassroots impact. Funding priorities include climate resistance, regenerative practices, dismantling White supremacy, and fostering cultural and ecological integrity. Projects supported by this initiative span a broad spectrum, including but not limited to community organizing, environmental education, the arts, political strategy, and restorative ecological practices. The Fund is complemented by events such as the YBCL Dream Lab, a virtual gathering space that fosters learning, community building, and collective imagination among young Black climate leaders. This immersive experience includes workshops, mentorship, and cultural programming that align with the values of liberation and intergenerational knowledge. Participants in past Dream Labs have also been eligible for related scholarship opportunities averaging $1,500, which support a wide range of leadership, education, and community initiatives. Applications for the 2025 Youth Futures Fund are currently open, with a submission deadline of March 27, 2025. The application process is designed to be accessible and empowering, though specific components such as required forms or essays are not explicitly detailed in the public materials. Prospective applicants are encouraged to explore the FAQ and reach out to the program directly for guidance. While there is no mention of a pre-application step such as a Letter of Intent, the fund places high value on community-rooted, creative, and justice-oriented work, suggesting that applicants should be prepared to communicate the impact and alignment of their projects with the fund’s mission. The selection process for the Youth Futures Fund is not explicitly outlined in the materials provided, nor are the total number of awards or overall funding budget disclosed. However, examples of previous recipients—ranging from sustainable fashion creators to popular educators and ecological scientists—indicate that the fund values diversity in methods and impact areas. No information is available regarding post-award expectations, such as reporting requirements or project timelines, nor is the exact performance period of funded projects disclosed. Interested applicants or those seeking additional information are encouraged to contact the program via email at ybcl@climateinnovation.net. While no downloadable application or RFP PDF was available in the source material, ongoing updates and news about the program can be accessed through the People’s Climate Innovation Center’s website. Given the annual cadence of the fund and its recurring application cycle, the next anticipated round would likely open in early 2026.