Youth Climate Action Fund

The City of Richmond is excited to participate in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), a global initiative that provides capital and capacity to help municipalities mobilize young residents ages 15–24 in designing and delivering climate solutions.

The Office of Sustainability, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office, will award $1,000 to $5,000 microgrants for youth-led climate projects that advance the goals of the RVAgreen 2050 Climate Equity Action Plan, build community resilience, and center the voices of young Richmonders on the frontlines of climate change.

Richmond’s fiscal agent for this program, NextUp RVA, will work directly with grantee organizations to process and distribute microgrant funds in accordance with program timelines.

Grant Details

Application Deadline - August 26, 2026

Program Period - July 2026 to April 2027

Microgrant Range - $1,000 to $5,000 per project 

Total Available - Up to $45,000 in youth project funding 

Number of Projects - 8 to 45 youth-led projects 

Eligible Youth - Ages 15 to 24

Aligned Plan - RVAgreen 2050 Climate Equity Action Plan

Fiscal Agent - NextUp RVA

Application Deadline - September 9, 2026 

Program Goals 

  • Fund youth-led projects aligned with RVAgreen 2050 Climate Equity Action Plan priorities.

  • Support new ideas from Richmond youth on local climate challenges.

  • Build lasting pathways for young Richmonders to engage in city climate governance.

  • Deepen trust between the City and young residents through visible collaboration and results.

  • Center equity by prioritizing communities on the frontlines of climate change.

Apply to the Youth Climate Action Fund 2026 here

More Details

  • Projects may include, but are not limited to: 

    • Climate education and awareness campaigns (courses, public art, community events)

    • Youth climate advisory boards or governance participation

    • Research and data collection (mapping environmental health, citizen science)

    • Community gardens, green rooftops, and urban farming

    • Recycling, waste reduction, and upcycling programs

    • Sustainable transportation initiatives (cycling, pedestrian safety, transit promotion)

    • Tree planting, reforestation, and green infrastructure

    • Climate resilience workshops and disaster preparedness training

    • Youth-developed climate action plans or participatory budgeting processes

  • July 15 to August 26, 2026- Open Call for Applications 

    August 26, 2026 - Application Deadline  

    Late September 2026 - Projects Selected, Applicants Notified 

    October - November 13, 2026 - Funds Distributed by NextUp RVA to Grantee Organizations 

    Nov. 2026 to Apr. 2027 - Project Implementation and Support Phase 

    April 15, 2027 - All Projects Must Be Completed; Final Participant Data Due to NextUp RVA 

    April 22, 2027 - Results Announced Publicly (Earth Day) 

  • Every project must: 

    • Be proposed, designed, and led by at least two young people ages 15 to 24 

    • Connect to at least one RVAgreen 2050 Climate Equity Action Plan priority 

    • Include at least one measurable output and one measurable outcome with numerical targets 

    • Be completed no later than April 15, 2027 

    • Have a budget between $1,000 and $5,000 

    • Not direct more than 50% of the budget to equipment or infrastructure 

    • Not charge more than 15% of the microgrant as an administrative or sponsorship fee

  • All projects must connect to at least one of Richmond’s climate priorities under the RVAgreen 2050 Climate Equity Action Plan: 

    • Physical Health: Air Quality, Water Quality, and Urban Heat

    • Connected and Green Communities: Walkability, Cycling, Transit, Tree Canopy, and Park Access

    • Environmental Stewardship: Reducing Illegal Dumping, Litter, and Environmental Hazards

    • Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions: Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Waste Reduction

    • Community Empowerment and Collaboration: Education, Awareness, and Policy Recommendations 

    • Climate Resilience and Adaptation: Flood Resilience, Stormwater Management, and Disaster Preparedness 

    • Climate Governance: Youth Advisory Roles, Participatory Budgeting, and Co-Design with City

  • Projects are led by youth, but grant funds are distributed by NextUp RVA directly to eligible grantee organizations. Eligible recipients include youth-led organizations, youth-serving nonprofits, schools, city agencies, community organizations, museums, and libraries. Private companies, individuals, and partisan political organizations are not eligible. Receiving organizations must be legally registered, recognized as nonprofit or public entities, and maintain a bank account in the organization’s name.

Questions? Contact Michael Smart, Sustainability Engagement Manager, Office of Sustainability at Michael.smart@rva.gov.