CHICAGO— Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Environment today announced the launch of the Chicago Youth Climate Action Fund.
Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund, the program presents a new opportunity for young Chicagoans to receive financial support to develop projects that address climate and environmental issues in their communities.
Through the program, youth ages 15 to 24 will be invited to propose projects that advance Chicago’s climate goals.
Selected proposals will receive microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to help turn those ideas into action.
“Our young people deserve opportunities to shape the Chicago they will inherit,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “As we continue building Chicago’s climate resiliency while advancing environmental justice in every community, we have a responsibility to ensure future generations have an active role in that work.
Through the Youth Climate Action Fund, we are investing in our communities and giving young Chicagoans the power to take their big ideas for a better Chicago and turn them into reality.”
As part of the program, DOE will work with young people and community partners to support projects from development through implementation.
The program furthers the goals ofChicago’s Climate Action Planby empowering young people to advance climate solutions across five key themes:
Advancing Climate & Environmental Justice:Addressing the environmental risks, harms, and burdens that disproportionately impact many low-income, and/or Black and Brown neighborhoods across Chicago.
Creating Cool & Healthy Communities:Strengthening community health and preparedness for climate impacts such as extreme heat, flooding, and poor air quality.
Powering Our Clean Energy Future:Improving energy efficiency and expanding access to clean and renewable energy.
Moving Cleaner & Greener:Supporting cleaner, more sustainable transportation.
Championing a Circular City:Reducing waste and encouraging reuse.
Through youth-led projects, the YCAF will help turn these citywide climate priorities into local action in neighborhoods across Chicago.
“The best climate solutions are rooted in the people who know their communities best,” said Chicago’s Chief Sustainability Officer and DOE Commissioner Angela Tovar. “The Chicago Youth Climate Action Fund gives young Chicagoans a chance to bring those big ideas they want to see directly to their neighborhoods.
We are excited to experience their creativity and leadership as they help build Chicago’s healthier, more sustainable, more equitable future.”
Young people are encouraged to develop projects that reflect the environmental needs and opportunities they see in their own neighborhoods, but can also be implemented citywide or across several neighborhoods.
Examples of potential types of projects youth could pursue include community gardening; recycling and composting initiatives; neighborhood climate education; creative reuse and upcycled art projects; community preparedness workshops; neighborhood biking events; or any other focus that aligns with one of the key themes and responds to community needs.
Projects must be led by at least two young people ages 15-24.
Teams may include additional youth participants, volunteers, and project members.
Additionally, youth applicants must apply in partnership with a sponsoring 501 organization.
Applications will be accepted through Friday, November 6, 2026.
Applicants will be notified if their projects have been selected by December 7, 2026, and funds will be disbursed that same month. Projects will need to be completed by April 15, 2027.
To learn more about the program, register for a virtual information session, and submit an application, please visitchi.gov/ycaf.