Youth Climate Action Fund

The Youth Climate Action Fund is an initiative supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and implemented locally by the City of New Orleans in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation. The program is part of a global effort that selected 300 cities to empower youth leadership in addressing climate challenges. Through this initiative, New Orleans has been awarded funding to distribute microgrants to youth-led projects that align with the city’s Climate Action Plan. The fund is administered through the Office of Youth and Families within the New Orleans Health Department, reflecting a broader municipal commitment to youth engagement and environmental resilience. The primary purpose of the Youth Climate Action Fund is to activate youth-led initiatives that address urgent climate challenges while fostering leadership among individuals aged 15 through 24. Projects funded under this program must align with one or more priority areas outlined in the New Orleans Climate Action Plan, including energy efficiency, transportation, adaptation and nature-based solutions, and circular economy and waste reduction. The program emphasizes both immediate environmental impact and long-term sustainability, encouraging projects that can be integrated into ongoing city programs. Funding for this initiative is distributed as microgrants, with individual awards ranging from 1000 to 5000 dollars. A total of 40000 dollars is available for the current funding round, with at least eight projects expected to be supported. Projects funded through this round are anticipated to be completed within a defined performance period from November 2026 through March 2027. The funds are intended to support project implementation costs directly related to climate action activities, such as materials, outreach, and program delivery, rather than general organizational expenses. Eligibility for the program requires applicants to form teams composed of at least three youth leaders within the specified age range. In addition, applicants must work with a fiscal sponsor that holds 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in order to receive funds. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations located in Orleans Parish, as well as youth teams partnering with such organizations. This requirement ensures financial accountability and compliance with grant administration standards while enabling youth-led initiatives to access funding through established nonprofit structures. The application process requires submission through the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s online grant portal. Applicants must create or log into an existing profile, complete the application form, and provide any required supporting materials. Information sessions are offered to assist applicants in understanding the program requirements and application process. These sessions include overviews of the funding opportunity and guidance on forming partnerships and developing impactful proposals. Applications are evaluated based on several key criteria, including climate impact, youth leadership, and equity and sustainability. Projects must demonstrate alignment with the city’s climate goals, active leadership by youth participants, and a commitment to inclusive, community-driven solutions. Preference is given to initiatives that show potential for long-term integration into city programs and measurable environmental benefits. A selection committee composed of city officials and community leaders is responsible for reviewing applications and ensuring an equitable grantmaking process. The application period for the current funding cycle opens on July 20, 2026, and closes on September 10, 2026, with a submission deadline of 5:00 pm on the closing date. Applicants can expect notification of funding decisions by October 7, 2026. The program is structured as part of a broader multi-year initiative aligned with the city’s Youth Master Plan and Parks Master Plan, suggesting the potential for recurring funding opportunities in future cycles, although specific future dates are not formally confirmed.

Align project clearly with Climate Action Plan priorities; demonstrate strong youth leadership and community impact; emphasize sustainability and long term integration potential