YCAF

The City of Oberlin has been selected to participate in the Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Oberlin is one of 100 cities around the globe that has received $50,000 in initial funding and technical assistance to spur youth-driven climate action. Communities that respond to the urgency of the moment and commit the initial $50,000 within six months will receive an additional $100,000 to support more youth-driven projects over the course of one year.  We have chosen to broaden the fund to include projects that support youth throughout Lorain County.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT!

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

Click the button below to view Oberlin City Council President Eboni Johnson's Call for Applications:

VISION

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

GOAL

Activate youth-led initiatives and address urgent climate challenges in the City of Oberlin. All projects must fit within the goals of the Oberlin Climate Action Plan.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to applicants between the ages of 15-24 years old who reside in Lorain County and whose initiatives directly benefit the residents of Lorain County.

Other Eligibility Requirements:

•  Proposed project application must be submitted by a youth-serving organization that can accept grant funds:
•  Entity with formal incorporation or status of some kind (501c3, LLC, etc)
•  Must have a bank account in its name and have ability to manage funds.
•  If youth-led group is not an incorporated entity, they may partner with a fiscal agent that can accept and administer funds.

AWARD SIZE

Successful applicants will receive a micro-grant ranging from $1,000 - $5,000 to fund their projects.

HOW TO APPLY 

Applications now open! Download the application by clicking the button below or pick up a paper application at the Oberlin Center for Sustainability (36 South Prospect Street - Oberlin, OH) or at the Community Foundation of Lorain County (9080 Leavitt Road - Elyria).

Completed applications may be submitted to Oberlin Sustainability Coordinator Linda Arbogast:

• Via email: larbogast@cityofoberlin.com;
• Via mail:
  Sustainability Coordinator Linda Arbogast
  City of Oberlin Center for Sustainability
  36 South Prospect Street
  Oberlin, OH  44074

• Or deliver in person to the above address.

We are excited to see what the brilliant young minds of today can do to combat climate change and benefit our community through innovation in topics such as: the environment and natural resources, clean energy, reducing greenhouse gasses, carbon free transportation, education and outreach about climate change through the arts and climate resilience/adaptation.

AWARDEES

Click the button below for organizations already awarded micro-grants and descriptions of their projects.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS