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

In phase 1 of the Youth Climate Action Fund Program the City of Oberlin was one of 100 cities around the globe to receive $50,000 in initial funding and technical assistance to support youth-driven climate action. We awarded eight project grants that engaged over 200 young people around Lorain County. We now enter phase 2 with more than 90 cities around the globe that have received $100,000 to fund youth-led climate initiatives. Round 2 offers cities 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!

Click the button below to view Oberlin City Council President Eboni Johnson's Call for Applications:
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.
  • 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 from February 1 through April 1, 2025.  Funds will be given out to qualifying and high quality projects on a first come, first serve basis until the funding runs out (which may be before April 1)

We are here to help you develop a successful application!  Reach out to any one of the YCAF team for questions and support while you are working on your application:

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.

Download Application
AWARDEES

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

Awardees
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For more information, contact Oberlin Sustainability Coordinator Linda Arbogast:
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