Youth Climate Action Fund

Note: The deadline to apply for round 2 of the Youth Climate Action Fund has been extended to April 7, 2025.

GreenHouse at United College has joined the City of Kitchener to deliver Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund, which will provide technical assistance and funding for young people ages 15 to 24 around the world to design, produce and govern urgent climate solutions in their cities.

From tree-planting or public education campaigns to recycling or waste reduction initiatives to climate change mitigation planning or preparedness programs, efforts funded by the new Youth Climate Action Fund will advance community goals like meeting decarbonization commitments or reducing consumption-based emissions.

A group of people stand together with a cheque in city hall
  1. 2025
    1. Mar
      1. March 6: Ideation Workshop

        5:00 to 7:00 p.m., SDG Idea Factory

        Curious about the City of Kitchener's Youth Climate Action Fund? This is the session for you! Learn more about this grant, dive deep into our community climate action plan, and brainstorm possible projects that might be a good fit for funding.
      2. March 10: Virtual Application Coaching

        5:00 to 7:00 p.m. | Online

        Have questions about the YCAF application? Want some support in strengthening your answers? Drop in between 5-7 for one-on-one assistance. 
      3. March 17: Virtual Application Coaching

        5:00 to 7:00 p.m. | Online

        Have questions about the YCAF application? Want some support in strengthening your answers? Drop in between 5-7 for one-on-one assistance. 
      4. March 20: In-Person Application Coaching

        5:00 to 7:00 p.m., SDG Idea Factory

        Applying to the City of Kitchener's Youth Climate Action Fund? Set yourself up for success by attending a coaching session with our staff. Learn tips and tricks to set your application apart and appeal to the judges. 
      5. April 7 (previously March 28): YCAF Applications Due

Looking for a project idea? Check out these suggestions from city staff and community partners. We are happy to connect you to learn more.

  • Planning net zero homes, heat pumps, and/or data modelling
  • How to track embodied carbon in new buildings or retrofits/demolitions for high performance building standards and energy targets
  • Implementing food prescription programs to address food insecurity at the University of Waterloo
  • Addressing plastic waste in dentistry through educational booths and providing sustainable alternatives (like bamboo toothbrushes)
Youth Climate Action Fund Logo