Youth Climate Action Fund

 

                                  

The City of New Orleans, in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, has been selected for Round 2 of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund (BYCAF), reinforcing the City's commitment to empowering young people as leaders in climate resilience. Through this initiative, New Orleans will receive an additional $100,000 in grant funding to support at least 17 youth-led climate projects, following its participation in the program’s inaugural round. 

 

JOIN THE MOVEMENT!

Are you between the ages of 15-24 years old? Do you want to make a difference in the New Orleans community? Are you ready to take action on climate change  and help the enviroment? If so, the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) Micro-Grant Program is for you!

Vision

To empower young people to design, implement, and govern climate solutions, fostering a more sustainable future.

Goal

To activate youth-led initiatives and address urgent climate challenges in the City of New Orleans. All projects must fit within one or more of the following New Orleans Climate Action Plan priorities: Energy Efficiency, Transportation, Nature-Based Solutions, Circular Economy & Waste Reduction and Data, Research & Engagement.

 

This program is a key step in embedding youth participation in the City’s climate action strategy by: 

  • Providing youth with resources, mentorship, and funding to implement high-impact climate projects that align with the City's Climate Action Plan. 

  • Creating a platform for young leaders to co-govern climate initiatives and partner with city officials on long-term sustainability goals. 

  • Developing a selection committee that includes City officials and community leaders to review applications and ensure an equitable grant process. 

  • Sustaining successful projects beyond initial funding, allowing for long-term integration into City programs. 

 

Microgrants will be reviewed and awarded based on criteria such as: 

  • Climate Impact: Projects must align with New Orleans’ Climate Action Plan and resilience goals. 

  • Youth Leadership: Each project must have at least three young adults as project leads. 

  • Equity & Sustainability: Projects should prioritize diverse, community-driven solutions and have potential for long-term integration into City efforts. 

CONGRATULATIONS TO ROUND 2 WINNERS!

  • Bee Beneficial, sponsored by Grow Dat Youth Farm – Building native bee habitats and training community members on pollinator care.
  • Bridging the Intergenerational Gap, sponsored by Illuminating the Youth – Connecting youth and seniors through shared gardening and climate dialogue.
  • Diversity in Bloom, sponsored by Louisiana Green Corps – Promoting resilience through gardening workshops and seed-sharing.
  • Iris Impact: NOLA Blooming, sponsored by New Harmony High School – Planting Louisiana irises and producing a youth-led documentary.
  • Sustainable Dining, sponsored by YMCA of Greater New Orleans – Creating a guide for eco-friendly packaging in local restaurants.
  • Junior Koats4Kids Krewe, sponsored by Koats4Kids – Upcycling coats and showcasing sustainable fashion through workshops.
  • Keep Loyola Beautiful, sponsored by Loyola Students for Environmental Action – Revitalizing a native vertical garden and raising awareness of urban biodiversity.
  • Lights, Camera, Climate Control, sponsored by Keyon Fitness & Performing Arts – Using performance and fitness to explore climate justice.
  • Lowering Food Waste Through Gardening, sponsored by UNO Garden Club – Composting dorm food waste for campus gardens.
  • Music from Waste, sponsored by Make Music NOLA – Repairing discarded instruments and hosting a concert featuring youth-created recycled art.
  • New Orleans Unhoused Recycling Initiative, sponsored by Grace at the Greenlight – Reducing plastic waste and promoting reusable bottles among unhoused communities.
  • Slow Fashion, sponsored by ricRACK – Educating teens on sustainable garment-making through an eight-week summer program.
  • SustainaBold, sponsored by Puentes New Orleans – Hosting recycled crafting days, bilingual climate education, and a youth climate magazine and blog.
  • Uncharted Waters, sponsored by Trinity City Arts – Hosting “read-and-color-along” events to build youth water literacy.
  • Warren Easton Green Initiative, sponsored by Youth Rebuilding NOLA – Installing stormwater planters and trees on a high school campus.
  • Water Wise Youth, sponsored by Water Wise Gulf South – Creating educational games for local festivals focused on waste reduction and green infrastructure.
  • Youth for a Greener Tomorrow, sponsored by Reaping the Harvest – Expanding recycling infrastructure and educating the community through digital content.
  • 2nd Line Clean Up, sponsored by Train Up A Child NOLA – Placing recycling bins along second line routes and leading environmental workshops.

 

 

 

 

 

 

AWARD SIZE

Successful applicants will receive a micro-grant ranging from $1,000 - $5,000 through the Greater New Orleans Foundation in August/September 2024 to fund their projects. 

 

 

Hear from one of the former Grant Recipients

on BeLoud's Podcast below!

Podcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For More information, Please contact:

 

The Youth Climate Action Fund is aligned with New Orleans’ first-ever Youth Master Plan, a 10-year (2020-2030) roadmap for creating and sustaining a positive youth development focused, results-oriented New Orleans that works for all of our young people.

This inititative also aligns with The City's Parks Master Plan-The Big Green Easy. To learn more click here.

Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund

Check Out the PRESS RELEASE HERE !

 

Youth Climate Action Fund  

Greater New Orleans Foundation