Youth Climate Action Fund | Round 2
In April 2024, the Halifax Regional Municipality was selected as one of 100 cities to receive $66,000 CAD from Bloomberg Philanthropies and United Cities and Local Governments through the new Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF). The program is designed to empower young people to take meaningful action on climate change in their communities.
Following a successful first round, the municipality, together with the Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact Fund (HCi3), was awarded an additional $140,000 CAD to support even more youth-led climate initiatives across the region.
With the second round of applications now closed, we are excited to begin reviewing a wide range of creative and impactful proposals from local youth. There are so many ways that youth in the municipality are stepping up to the challenge, from community gardening projects to new ways of using technology.
The YCAF network spans 38 countries across six continents, representing over 62 million residents. To date, this global movement has supported more than 1,000 climate projects and engaged more than 100,000 young people who are leading the charge toward a healthier, more sustainable future.
Local governments driving climate action
Local governments are on the front lines of the climate crisis. A recent survey by the Municipal Net-Zero Action Research Partnership found that more than 60% of Canadian cities have climate action plans, and nearly half have set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Here in Halifax, we’re proud to lead with HalifACT, our long-term climate action plan. Through programs like YCAF, we’re not only tackling emissions and climate risks, we’re also supporting vibrant, resilient communities.
Supporting youth leadership
HalifACT and HCi3 are proud to support the next generation of climate leaders. The young entrepreneurs and changemakers in our region are developing innovative, community-driven solutions to today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
These local efforts are helping to build healthier, more connected and more resilient communities now and for future generations.
Be sure to check this page for updates on selected projects and winning teams.
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