The City of Oberlin has again been selected to participate in the Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
In 2025, the City of Oberlin was one of 100 cities around the globe to receive $100,000 in funding and technical assistance through the Youth Climate Action Fund to support youth-driven climate action. We awarded 16 project grants that engaged over 200 young people around Lorain County. Now in our 2nd year, the City is excited to have the opportunity to deepen collaboration, support more impactful projects, and inspire the next generation of local youth leaders.
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!
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.
- Completed application that includes project description AND a simple budget showing how funds will be used.
- All cost must be within the parameters set forth by the Youth Climate Action Fund.
- Equipment and capitol investments cannot represent more than 50% of the project’s micro budget.
- Have clear charitable goals.
- 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!
We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis through December 1, 2026. Funds will be given out to qualifying and high quality projects on a first come, first serve basis until the funding runs out.
We are excited to see what the brilliant young minds of today can do to combat climate change and benefit our community.
Complete the application by clicking the button below.
AWARDEES
Click the button below to view organizations that were awarded micro-grants in 2025 and the descriptions of their projects.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Youth between the ages of 15 and 24 who are a part of a youth-serving organization. The youth-serving organization has to be able to accept grant funds.
It's an opportunity fueled by Bloomberg Philanthropies that allows the City of Oberlin to fund micro-grants to rapidly launch and support youth-led climate initiatives throughout Lorain County. Lorain County organizations that serve youth ages 15-24 can apply for funds between $1000 and $5,000 for a project to help facilitate climate action within our city.
Click here to check out more about BLOOMBERG Youth Climate Fund
Any youth-led (15-24 years of age) project that is focused on sustainability and climate change that directly benefits residents of Lorain County and that is aligned with our Climate Action Plan. Example projects can include school community gardens, waste collection programs, road/waterway clean-ups, renewable energy projects, tree plantings, murals related to biodiversity, theater that supports climate resilience, energy efficiency projects, bicycle education and infrastructure building projects, etc. Additionally, projects could also include hosting events or organizing online or in-person activities. The list is endless! Be creative!
Funds may be used to cover all project related expenses such as materials, equipment, and community outreach activities.
Ineligible costs include: Services covered by existing city initiatives, rent or utilities, nonprofit/NGO incorporation fees, speaker honorariums and speaker fees, scholarships, direct support to individuals or families, partisan political organizations, political campaigns, fundraisers, or projects, capital campaigns, endowments, or endowed chairs, events or fundraisers not related to youth climate action.
