Denver Youth Climate Action Fund

Young people planting seedlings together at a table.

Have an idea to make Denver greener, healthier, and more climate-ready?

The City and County of Denver is offering up to $5,000 to support youth-led climate projects designed and led by young people ages 15–24.

Applications closed on Tuesday, October 13. 

About the Youth Climate Action Fund

The Youth Climate Action Fund supports young people who want to take action on climate change in their communities.

The City and County of Denver was selected to participate in the program, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Through the fund, Denver is offering up to $5,000 for projects designed and led by young people ages 15–24.

Projects should help make Denver greener, healthier, and more prepared for climate change.

Young people lead the projects, while eligible organizations receive and manage the funding.

Who Can Apply?

Projects must be proposed, designed, and led by at least two young people ages 15–24.

Young people lead the project, but grant funds must be given to and managed by an eligible organization.

Eligible organizations may include:

  • Youth-led organizations, such as youth clubs or groups
  • Youth-serving organizations that support young people
  • Climate-focused organizations with experience working with youth
  • Schools and other educational institutions
  • Sponsor organizations, such as museums or community organizations

Organizations must:

  • Be a nonprofit or 501(c)(3)
  • Have a completed W-9
  • Have a Colorado Certificate of Good Standing
  • Have a bank account in the organization's name

Private companies, individuals, political parties, and organizations affiliated with political parties are not eligible to receive funding.

Project Requirements

To receive funding, projects must:

  • Be proposed, designed, and led by at least two young people ages 15–24
  • Take place within the City and County of Denver
  • Have a total budget between $1,000 and $5,000
  • Keep equipment and infrastructure costs to 50% or less of the total project budget
  • Keep administrative costs to 15% or less of the total project budget
  • Be completed by April 15, 2027

Projects must support at least one of Denver’s climate focus areas:

  • Adaptation and Resiliency: Help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change
  • Sustainable Transportation: Promote sustainable transportation options
  • Better Buildings: Reduce energy and water use
  • Clean Energy: Increase the use of renewable energy
  • Green Jobs: Prepare young people for jobs in clean energy and resource management
  • Zero Waste and Circular Economy: Reduce waste, increase recycling and composting, and promote reuse
  • Environmental Justice: Supporting neighborhood-based climate and environmental justice programs.

Projects also need measurable goals.

Each project must include:

  • At least one output, or something the project will directly accomplish
  • At least one outcome, or a change that happens because of the project
  • A number-based goal for each output and outcome

For example, an output could be “hold three neighborhood clean-up events.” An outcome could be “increase the number of young people who know how to reduce waste in their neighborhood by 25%.”

Project Ideas

Not sure what kind of project to create? Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Climate education: Teach others about climate change and ways they can take action.
  • Community research: Collect information about topics like walkability, green spaces, or climate resources in your community.
  • Climate resilience: Create projects that help communities respond to heat, air quality, drought, or other climate impacts.
  • Food and gardening: Start a community garden or another project that helps people access fresh food.
  • Reuse and sustainable fashion: Find creative ways to reuse clothing or other materials instead of throwing them away.
  • Recycling and composting: Help your community reduce waste through recycling, composting, or other activities.
  • Sustainable transportation: Encourage walking, biking, public transportation, or other environmentally friendly ways to get around.
  • Youth voice: Create a youth council or another way for young people to help shape climate decisions.

These are just examples. We encourage you to come up with your own ideas.

Important Dates

Questions?

Have questions about the Youth Climate Action Fund or need help with your application?

Please contact Rhett Gutierrez: Ricardo.Gutierrez@denvergov.org or (720) 331-3616.

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