City of Hoboken launches applications for Youth Climate Action Fund microgrants

Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken today launched online applications for the Youth Climate Action Fund which will disburse microgrants of up to $5,000 to youth led climate action projects. The fund, made possible by a $100,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, aims to empower young residents to spearhead initiatives addressing climate challenges within the city.

“Young people are at the forefront of the fight against climate change, and the Youth Climate Action Fund empowers them to turn their bold ideas into real solutions,” said Mayor Bhalla. “Thanks to Bloomberg Philanthropies, we are providing the next generation of climate leaders with the resources they need to make a tangible impact right here in Hoboken. I encourage all eligible youth to apply and help drive meaningful change in our community.”

The Youth Climate Action Fund will provide microgrants of up to $5,000 to organizations that are youth-led or prioritize youth involvement. Eligible projects must be led by individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 years old who live, work, or go to school in Hoboken. Projects must design, plan, oversee, manage, and/or implement an urgent climate solution.

Youth are encouraged to propose ambitious projects across various categories, including but not limited to:

• Youth-led awareness, education, research, and development initiatives, such as: youth-led climate education programs; youth climate hackathons; youth-developed climate surveys and research; youth-informed clubs or curriculum; and youth-designed public art and awareness campaigns.
• Youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects, such as: youth-led community gardening, tree planting, reforestation, and urban farming campaigns; youth-managed recycling and waste reduction programs; and youth-produced climate resilience workshops and disaster preparedness programs.
• Co-governed youth climate action plans, such as: partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy ideas, decisions, or actions or the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards.

To be eligible for funding, organizations must be youth-led or prioritize youth involvement. Applicants are encouraged to submit one application per project, with the option for organizations to apply for multiple projects.  

Applications are now open and available online by clicking HERE. Applications must be submitted by April 1 at 4 p.m.

Last year, the City disbursed $50,000 to various youth-led projects.  

The funded projects covered a broad range of climate action initiatives, including:

• A beehive project to increase pollinators  
• A reusable to-go container pilot program  
• A public seed and plant propagation station and exchange
• A rooftop garden program to capture rainwater
• Urban community gardens including hydroponic gardens
• Food rescue and food waste reduction initiatives
• Bird monitoring and education
• Computer refurbishment
• Educational and art initiatives  

The Youth Climate Action Fund is powered by Bloomberg Philanthropies in partnership with United Cities and Local Government, and the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. It is designed to support youth-driven climate initiatives through technical assistance and grant funding, at no cost to taxpayers.