The Town of The Blue Mountains has announced that the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) is now accepting applications for its second round of funding.
Following a successful Round 1 YCAF program, the town has received an additional $100,000 USD to distribute as microgrants of between $1,500 and $7,000 CAD to fund youth-led climate initiatives.
Eligible projects can include, but are not limited to:
- Awareness, education, research and co-development initiatives
- Launching climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives
- Involvement in governance of local climate action plans
These projects can be implemented in any community within the traditional Territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which includes the Town of The Blue Mountains, Grey County, Southern Georgian Bay communities, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation, Bruce County and other communities within this area.
“We are proud to support youth in our region as they advance climate initiatives,” said The Blue Mountains Mayor and Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs. “It was inspiring to see our youth develop their projects last year. I encourage all youth to get involved and raise awareness, work together, engage their community and take bold climate action.”
Projects must be led and implemented by three or more youth between the ages of 15 and 24 and support The Blue Mountains Future Story (the town’s sustainability plan) and/or Going Green in Grey (Grey County’s Climate Action Plan). Proposals require the support of an eligible sponsoring organization to be considered. Organizations that are looking to participate or partner with youth applicants are encouraged to refer to the Eligible Groups and Organizations section of the Youth Climate Action Fund website.
Applications are due by March 31, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to begin the application process early to confirm project eligibility and to help youth leads partner with a sponsoring organization if necessary. Successful projects will be announced on April 22, 2025, with all projects to be completed by October 31, 2025.
For more information, including submission guidelines, eligibility criteria and funding details, visit the Youth Climate Action Fund page on the town’s website or contact: Nicholas Cloet, Sustainability Coordinator for The Blue Mountains, via email or at (519) 599-3131 ext. 235