Bellevue Youth Climate Action Fund

Bloomberg Philanthropies launched the Youth Climate Action Fund to help empower the next generation of climate leaders. As a Bloomberg Sustainable City, Bellevue received funds to distribute as microgrants to youth groups seeking to address climate change and its impacts on our community. The city was awarded $50,000 to fund projects through micro-grants to youth teams to lead the climate action they want to see in their communities.

Microgrants of $1,000-$5,000 will enable youth-led organizations to implement new projects related to one of the following focus areas in our Sustainable Bellevue Plan:

• Climate Change
• Energy and Buildings
• Mobility and Land Use
• Waste and Materials Management
• Natural Resources

Projects can be focused on climate mitigation (reducing pollution), climate resilience (adapting to the impacts of climate change), or climate engagement (getting people educated or involved).

The application period for projects will be from July 15 to October 16, 2026.

Interested and want to stay up to date? Fill out the early interest form to get started.

Upcoming:

Webinar: June 3, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Bellevue Youth Climate Action Fund Overview. Register Here.

Program Details

Program Eligibility

• Teams of no fewer than 3 must be ages 15–24.
• At least one team member must be 18 or older.
• Youth must be involved in project planning, proposal writing, and project execution.
• Projects must be implemented by youth teams but may intend to impact residents of all ages.

Microgrant Details

• $1,000-$5,000 per project
• Funding available for youth-led climate action initiatives
• Projects should demonstrate clear environmental or community impact
• Funding will be dispersed to recipients in Nov. 2026.

Project Requirements

• Projects must be new and located in the City of Bellevue
• Grant recipients must submit regular reports and documentation of expenditures.
• Projects must demonstrate impact toward the goals outlined in the Sustainable Bellevue Planand be related to:
  • Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience
  • Energy and Buildings
  • Mobility and Land Use
  • Waste and Materials Management
  • Natural Resources

Example Projects:

• Community gardens, tree and native species planting
• Programs to encourage or facilitate recycling and composting
• Public art and awareness campaigns
• Education programs on climate change mitigation and resilience
• Initiatives to promote biking, walking and pollution-free transportation

Get creative!

Fiscal Sponsorship

Projects are led by young people, but funds must be disbursed to organizations. Eligible recipients include:

• Youth-led organizations (e.g. youth clubs or groups)
• Youth-serving organizations (adult-led organizations supporting young people)
• Sponsor organizations, such as city agencies, schools or other educational institutions, museums, or community organizations

All organizations must:

• Be legally registered entities
• Be recognized as a non-profit or charitable organization
• Have a bank account in the organization’s name

A single organization may receive up to three microgrants for separate projects.

Eligible Costs
Funding may be used for materials, supplies, and services needed to implement and promote the project, as well as youth participation expenses such as transportation and food. Limited costs associated with adult project sponsorship are also eligible.

Ineligible Activities
Funding cannot support projects that are already underway or services already provided through existing City initiatives. It also may not be used for speaker honorariums or fees, projects that primarily benefit religious organizations, or indirect expenses such as rent or utilities. Additional ineligible uses include nonprofit incorporation fees, scholarships, direct financial support to individuals or families, and any activities related to partisan political organizations, candidates, or fundraising. Legislative advocacy, lobbying efforts, capital campaigns, endowments, and endowed chairs are also not eligible for funding.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, contact ycaf@bellevuewa.gov.