Youth Climate Action Fund 2026

We know many young people in Melbourne care deeply about climate change, and want to be a part of bold climate action initiatives and see meaningful change. 

City of Melbourne, with the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund, is offering funding for climate change efforts led by young people. 

From education programs and creating plans, to taking action – if you have a bold idea for our municipality, we want to hear about it. 

We are offering a third round of micro grants of $1500 - $7500 for projects led by young people, supported by organisations that work with young people. 

For more information about the Youth Climate Action Grants you can email Krystel Bendle, Senior Youth Project Coordinator.

• Round Opens: 17 August 2026 at 9am (AEST)  
• Round Closes: 28 September 2026 at 11:59pm (AEST)  
• Notifications of application outcome: Early October 2026
  
• Projects must be fully completed by: 15 April 2027 (no extensions will be considered)
• Project aquittals to be completed by: 30 April 2027 
  

Applications will be assessed by a nominated panel before final decisions are made.

$1500 to $7500 (exc. GST)

• Individuals cannot apply for funding – funds will be granted only to organisations that support young people. 
• It is expected that the project will be led by young people and the applicant organisation will take responsibility for assisting the young people to apply for the funding, and if successful they will receive and manage the funds, provide coverage for the activity under their public liability insurance, ensure the project is completed and acquitted on time and provide advice and support to the young people when needed.
• To be eligible to apply the application must be made by one of the following organisation types in partnership with young people:
  • Incorporated association
  • Public Company 
  • Charitable Foundation
  • School
  • University / TAFE institution
  • Social Enterprise

• Projects are to be led by at least two young people aged 15-25 years
• Equipment and capital investment for infrastructure improvements must be less than 50% of the total budget
• No more than three microgrants may be awarded to the same applicant organisation 

If you are unsure if your organisation is eligible to apply please email Krystel Bendle.

All projects must support the achievement of at least one of our climate priorities:

Emissions 

Our city is powered by renewables, uses active transport and has a circular economy 

Nature 

Our natural environment is cared for and cools the city 

Built environment 

Our assets and infrastructure are built for extreme weather 

People and Governance 

Our community is connected and prepared for extreme weather 

To learn more about our climate priorities visit our website

Here are some examples of the types of eligible projects:

• Climate education and awareness, like courses, experiences, or arts projects
• Research and data collection, like mapping environmental health
• Resilience and adaptation, such as connection and care for waterways, stormwater pollution or heatwaves
• Green Infrastructure, reforestation, and environmental protection, like creating
  parks, community gardens, or green roofs for community buildings
• Sustainable agriculture and food systems, like urban farms that would enrich community access to fresh food
• Promotion and advancement of circular economy, like sustainable fashion or
  rethinking the use of discarded materials
• Sustainable waste management, like sorting, collection, or cleaning
• Sustainable transportation, like encouraging walking, cycling, and using public transportation
• Climate governance, like youth councils or consultation of youth for public
  decisions

• Project supplies and materials, including rental and purchase of items directly needed to carry out the project, such as equipment, tools, art supplies, or technology.
• Costs for organising community events, workshops or educational sessions, including venue, printing and basic catering
• Promotional materials to raise awareness of the project and increase engagement, as well as share project results through photography, videography, editorial support
• Reasonable fees for training and mentorship offered in workshops for young people
• Supplies for projects such as equipment, tools, art supplies or technology
• Funds to enable young people to participate such as travel, food or gift cards. These cannot make up the majority of the microgrant
• Permit costs needed for the project. 
• Auspicing fees which should be no more than 15 percent of total grant
• Capital investments when they do not exceed 50% of the microgrant and are an essential part of the project suggested and led by youth
• Initiatives within the City of Melbourne

• Religious or political organisations or activities
• Capital campaigns, endowments or endowed chairs
• Commercial activities and/or organisations
• Projects that are already funded
• Services/expenses covered by existing city initiatives
• Operational costs such as rent, utilities, insurance, Incorporation fees
• Activities that denigrate or exclude parts of the community or that breach Commonwealth or State anti-vilification laws
• Political campaigns, lobbying or fundraising activities
• Scholarships or direct support for young people or families
• Speaker honorariums or speaker fees
• Regranting or sub-granting to other organisations or individuals
• Events not related to youth climate initiatives
• Projects that have already commenced or occurred
• Initiatives that take place outside of the City of Melbourne municipality
• Incomplete applications
• Late submissions