Youth Climate Action Fund

The Youth Climate Action Fund is a local grant initiative spearheaded by the City of Hoboken in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies. Launched in April 2024, this initiative is designed to foster youth-led climate resilience efforts in Hoboken, New Jersey. The fund is a product of a $50,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies and operates in collaboration with United Cities and Local Government and the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. It targets young individuals aged 15 to 24 who live, work, or study in Hoboken and wish to contribute actively to local climate action efforts. This initiative is part of a broader national framework supported by Bloomberg to promote youth engagement in addressing climate change at the municipal level. The fund offers microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for climate-related projects led by youth or organizations that prioritize youth involvement. The goal is to empower the next generation of climate leaders to design and implement initiatives that tackle both mitigation and adaptation challenges in their communities. Applications are open to projects in areas such as climate education, public awareness, community gardening, reforestation, waste reduction, and youth-led policy development. Each applicant organization may submit one application per project but may submit multiple projects for consideration. Eligible projects must clearly demonstrate youth leadership and alignment with the fund’s objectives to combat climate change and enhance community resilience. The projects may include climate hackathons, environmental surveys, youth-led public art campaigns, tree planting, composting initiatives, and more. Also included are youth-government partnerships that result in co-developed climate action plans and advisory boards. A diverse evaluation committee comprising youth leaders, city officials, and subject matter experts reviews all applications based on criteria such as community impact, feasibility, innovation, and alignment with the fund’s environmental goals. The 2024 and 2025 cycles of the Youth Climate Action Fund have already seen a variety of innovative projects funded. Examples include rooftop gardening to address stormwater runoff, pollinator hive installations with community education components, reuse container systems at local institutions, and the creation of local seed libraries. These projects were selected for their creative approaches to sustainability and for enhancing Hoboken’s urban resilience. Recipients are expected to use the funds to implement their projects and may also receive technical assistance facilitated by the program’s broader partnership network. There is no stated requirement for matching funds, and the fund provides full financial backing for the selected microgrants. Applications are submitted directly through the city’s channels, though specific submission platforms or forms were not detailed in the public announcement. Given the municipal scope, no federal registration (such as with SAM.gov) is required. Contact information for inquiries or support is available through Hoboken City Hall, with phone numbers provided for further assistance. The Youth Climate Action Fund is a recurring opportunity, with new rounds anticipated annually. While no explicit application deadlines are provided for the 2025 cycle, the announcement history and ongoing project support suggest the program will continue in 2026 and beyond. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the City of Hoboken’s departmental updates for details on future funding rounds. The fund exemplifies a locally-driven, youth-powered approach to climate innovation and participatory governance.