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 microgrants 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). View the Sustainable Bellevue Dashboard to see the data behind each focus area.

Applications are now open!

How to Apply:

1. Complete the Application Form.
   • Answer all required questions on the Application Form and submit it by the final submission deadline.
2. Download and Complete the Budget Template.
   • Download and Export a copy of the Budget Template excel file.
   • Fill out the Budget Template and save as an Excel file (.xlsx) using the following naming format: Budget_[PROJECT NAME]
3. Email your Budget Template.
   • After submitting your Application Form, email your completed Budget Template to ycaf@bellevuewa.gov with the subject line: BUDGET: [Project Name]
   • Your project name must match the project name submitted on your Application Form.
   • The Budget Template must be emailed by the final submission deadline.
4. Receive confirmation.
   • You will receive confirmation once both your Application Form and Budget Template have been received.
5. Project selection announcements.
   • Applicants will be notified of project selections and awards in November.

The city will be holding application support workshops in October to offer technical assistance and support for designing effective projects and writing successful proposals.

Please review the Youth Climate Action Fund Guidelines for additional information on project eligibility, types of eligible expenses, and fiscal sponsorship. If you have an existing sponsor organization in mind, please fill out this form so the city may contact them.

Apply by Nov. 5.

Program Details

Program Eligibility

• Teams of no fewer than 2 must be ages 15–24.
• 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 disbursed to recipients in December 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 Plan and 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. Project Teams are encouraged to work with a community-based organization (CBO) that they have an existing relationship with. If you do not currently work with a CBO or are unsure of how to find a fiscal sponsor, the city will match you with one.

If you are a nonprofit or local youth-serving organization and are interested in being a fiscal sponsor, please fill out the Fiscal Sponsor Sign Up Form for additional information.

Eligible fiscal sponsors 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.

15% of the total project budget should be allocated for fiscal sponsor administrative expenses.

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.