Columbus Youth Climate Action Fund

 Sustainable Columbus Logo   A group of youth posing outside
Columbus Youth Climate Action Fund Logo

Applications for the Columbus Youth Climate Action Fund will open August 10, 2026 and close October 23, 2026.

 

Overview

About 

With 84 percent of youth around the world reporting that they are worried climate change threatens people and the environment, the Columbus Youth Climate Action Fund continues to support young people in leading local climate action projects. After two successful years of youth-led projects, the City of Columbus is continuing the program for a third year with almost $50,000 available to support youth groups working to address climate change and its impacts on our community.

Microgrants of $1,000 - $5,000 will enable youth groups ages 15 - 24 to implement new projects related to one of the following program areas in our Columbus Climate Action Plan:

  • Empowering the community the “Columbus Way”: Builds or supports community collaboration, education, awareness, leadership related to climate action
  • Sustainable Neighborhoods and Environment: Supports climate resilient neighborhoods or a healthy environment
  • Buildings and Energy: Promotes renewable energy or energy efficiency in residential, commercial or community buildings
  • Transportation: Supports mode shift to bikes, scooters and public transportation or promotes zero-emission vehicles
  • Waste Reduction: Reduces waste generated or sent to the landfill

Projects can be focused on climate mitigation (reducing pollution), climate resilience (adapting to the impacts of climate change), or climate engagement (getting people educated or involved).

View our   2024 Grant Recipients(PDF, 166KB) and their projects!

View our    2025 Grant Recipients(PDF, 94KB)  and their projects!

How to Apply

Applications open August 10, 2026 and close October 23, 2026.

Program Guidance: 2026 YCAF Program Guidance(PDF, 820KB)  

2026 YCAF Application: 2026 YCAF Application(DOCX, 411KB)

Read the program guidance, download the word document, fill in all aspects of the word document requiring information, and email the completed word document to Roberto Burga at RWBurga@columbus.gov with the subject line: YCAF Application - [Your Project Title].

 

After submitting, applicants may be contacted for clarification, a follow-up meeting, or additional documentation. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Selected applicants will receive next steps for award acceptance, funding, reporting, and project documentation. If you have any questions, or have problems with accessing or submitting documentation please email RWBurga@columbus.gov.

Example Projects

  • Tree and native species planting
  • Recycling, composting, and other waste reduction projects
  • Climate education programs
  • Public art and awareness campaigns
  • Biking, walking, and pollution-free transportation initiatives

 

Be creative! We’re looking for youth leaders with new ideas for the future! 

RWBurga@columbus.gov

Contact number:

(614)-645-6992

Eligibility and Program Requirements

Eligible Applicants

Grants are available to youth-led and youth-serving groups. In all cases, at least three youth ages 15 to 24 must participate in project planning, proposal writing, and implementation.

Organizational Eligibility

Applicants must either:

  • Be an organization with an existing, documented youth program, such as a nonprofit that already operates youth-focused programming;
  • Be an established youth group with a documented name and organizational structure, such as a college or university student organization;

OR

  • Demonstrate that the proposed project is youth-led, includes sufficient youth participation, and has the organizational capacity needed to complete the project successfully.

If the project is led by youth under age 18, an adult sponsor, teacher, mentor, or other responsible partner must be committed to guiding the project and managing funds as needed.

Funding Eligibility

Grant funds cannot be paid directly to individuals. Eligible applicants must either:

  • Be incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a bank account that can receive funds;

OR

  • Designate an incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit fiscal sponsor with a bank account that can receive funds. If you need help identifying a fiscal sponsor, please contact us for guidance.

Program Requirements

  • Youth ages 15 to 24 must lead and implement the project.
  • Projects must be new and support the Columbus Climate Action Plan.
  • Projects should take place in the City of Columbus and clearly identify the site where the project will be implemented.
  • Projects should target completion by July 30, 2027.
  • Standalone litter clean-up projects are not eligible for funding through this program.
  • Grant recipients must submit regular reports and documentation of expenditures.

Eligible costs

Eligible grant costs include materials, supplies and services to implement and promote the project; youth participation costs (e.g. transportation, food); adult project sponsorship costs

Ineligible activities

Ineligible project expenses include projects already ongoing; services covered by existing City initiatives; speaker honorariums and speaker fees; projects that primarily serve religious organizations; indirect costs like rent or utilities; nonprofit incorporation fees; scholarships; direct support to individuals or families; partisan political organizations, candidates, fundraisers, or projects; legislative advocacy or lobbying activities; capital campaigns, endowments, or endowed chairs.

 

Important: See the 2026 Program Guidance for full details on program requirements and eligible activities.

Link to an email popup to the Youth Climate Action Fund

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