Columbus Youth Climate Action Fund

Overview

Microgrants of $1,000 - $5,000 will enable youth-led organizations 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

Note that projects can be focused on climate mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions), climate adaptation (adjusting to or reducing the impacts of climate change), or climate engagement (getting people educated or involved).

Example Projects

• Climate education programs
• Climate surveys and research
• Public art and awareness campaigns
• Climate data monitoring
• Community gardens, tree plantings, and urban farming
• Recycling and waste reduction programs

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

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants are organizations led by young people between the ages of 15 and 24 that either:

• Are incorporated as a non-profit organization, with a bank account to receive funds

OR

• Have an incorporated non-profit fiscal sponsor, with a bank account to receive funds

If you are in need of a fiscal sponsor, please go ahead and submit an application and we will attempt to find a match.

Program Requirements

• Projects must be new.
• Youth (ages 15-24) must be involved in project planning, proposal writing, and project execution. However, your project/program itself can impact youth and adult residents of all ages.
• Applicants can submit more than one project proposal.

Eligible costs

Materials, supplies and services to implement the project; youth participation costs (e.g. bus fare, food); adult project sponsorship costs

Ineligible activities

Projects already ongoing; services covered by existing city initiatives; speaker honorariums; partisan political organizations, candidates, fundraisers, or projects; legislative advocacy or lobbying activities; projects that primarily serve religious organizations; indirect costs like rent or utilities; scholarships or other direct support to individuals or families; capital campaigns, endowments, or endowed chairs.

Unsure if your program idea fits the requirements? Email MLFord@columbus.gov for guidance!

Scoring Criteria

Projects that support the priority criteria below will be the strongest competitors. Keep these criteria in mind as you develop your project and your application.

After your project is completed, a report is expected to be sent back to the City of Columbus. This report should include:

• A description of project activities and how funds were spent
• At least one output and one outcome
  • Example output: Numbers of trees planted
  • Example outcome: Neighborhood cooling from increased tree shade
• Documentation of expenditures