With the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), the municipality is partnering with the Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact Fund (HCi3) to seek out fresh ideas for addressing the climate emergency. We're discovering that climate solutions are flourishing in many of our youth-led organizations.
The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) gives financial support to young innovators that have creative ideas about how to tackle climate change at the local level. The municipality is one of 90 cities to receive $140,000 from Bloomberg Philanthropies and United Cities and Local Governments as part of the YCAF program.
How much can I apply for?
YCAF grants can range from $1400-$7000.
What projects are eligible to apply?
Projects must be located in the Halifax region and must be led by or serve the municipality's young residents (ages 15 through 24). Proposed projects for YCAF must also be new – it cannot fund existing projects.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Young people aged 15-24 and youth-serving organizations.
- Organizations that have a bank account registered under the organization’s name (rather than an individual’s name)
- Note: if youth-led groups do not possess bank accounts under an organization's name, other types of organizations can administer and manage the funds, serving as sponsors for projects.
How do I apply?
Submit your ideas for how we can create a healthier environment, a more stable climate and more resilient communities. No previous experience with grant writing is required to apply. Apply here: Youth Climate Action Fund Application — HCi3 Fund
Please reach out to Zaina Lamontagne at Zaina.Lamontagne@halifax.ca with any questions or if you need extra support with the application.
Timeline
Application deadline is March 31, 2025.
Projects must be completed and all funds spent by October 17, 2025.
Past Projects
In April 2024, the municipality was one of 100 cities that received $50,000 USD ($66,000 CAD) from Bloomberg Philanthropies and United Cities and Local Governments as part of the new YCAF program, which hopes to encourage the participation of young people in municipal climate action. On September 16, 2024, Mayor Mike Savage presented the recipients of YCAF funding with small grants of up to $5,000 USD ($6,600 CAD).
Spotlight: Shambhala School
Shambhala School is conducting a research project integrated into its Science 8, Science 9, Science Fair and High School Biology curriculums. Their project is providing hands-on lessons in cell biology, genetics, biochemistry and climate change by culturing several species of freshwater and marine algal species in the classroom. Shambhala School hopes to encourage students to tackle climate change at the local level and to spread awareness about possible solutions.
Spotlight: DalSol
The Dalhousie Solar Car Team (DalSol) is a student-led group dedicated to designing a 100% solar-powered electric vehicle (EV). They were the first team from Atlantic Canada to race at the Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP) in 2023, and followed it up with another race in 2024. The team is planning to return to FSGP in 2026.
DalSol's goal is to give students practical experience with problem solving and green transportation, and to spur innovation in renewable energy and EV technology.
Spotlight: Hope Blooms
For almost two decades, Hope Blooms has been encouraging community involvement in local food production. Over the years, the Hope Blooms Campus has added a community farmers market, an after-school leadership program for youth and the Green Labs mentorship program. This organization used YCAF funding to commission a large community mural by young residents and a local graffiti artist. The mural they created together depicts a scene of new growth and dedication to caring for the planet.
YCAF projects
- Caring for the Barrens, community capacity building
- DalSol (Dalhousie University), Solar-Powered Electric Race Vehicle open house
- Girl Child Art Foundation + Banye Art, My Climate and Art: A Climate Justice Art Exhibition
- Hope Blooms, community climate action mural
- Level: Changing Lives Through Law, Environmental Justice Program
- Oakhill Outdoor, Oakhill biomass project
- ONE North End, low carbon African Nova Scotian community ideas mobilization
- Preston Area Food Network, Growing Resilience: Youth Empowerment Through Sustainable Gardening
- Rotaract Club of Halifax, Seeds of Tomorrow
- Shambhala School, Turning the (Green) Tide: Investigating the Applications of Algal Climate Relief
- Woodlawn High School’s Oceans Club and the Canadian Wildlife Federation, From Land to Sea