Youth Climate Action Fund

Every YCAF microgrant project must help mitigate climate change and/or help with adaptation to climate change. Your project might do both! 

Climate change mitigation: preventing or reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, or enhancing carbon sinks, to reduce the impacts of climate change. A few examples include:

• Transitioning away from fossil fuel consumption to prevent new GHG emissions; for example, installing e-bike chargers at school or creation of a model house demonstrating beneficial electrification that can be taken school-to-school.
• Encouraging energy efficient practices, which reduces GHG emissions; for example, an awareness campaign to change behaviours at home.
• Planting and stewarding trees and forests, which helps to absorb atmospheric carbon; for example, a de-pave and tree planting project on school grounds.
• Raising awareness of the climate crisis by running a performing or visual arts event, perhaps using art exhibitions, music, or short student films

Climate change adaptation: the process of adjusting to the current and future impacts of climate change. A few examples include:

• Educating youth or families on best practices to reduce the risks of climate change, such as from increased extreme heat days and weather events; for example, installing a demonstration rain garden or a youth-led climate resilience workshop for community members.
• Enhancing tree canopy, parks, gardens or other green features to help our communities adapt; for example, starting a new community food garden or removing litter and trash from waterways and the natural environment.
• Improving social connectivity and building community-level resilience, especially for vulnerable community members and youth; for example, by creating a youth advisory group to support climate-related decision-making in local government. 

Showing alignment with climate change-related initiatives and priorities within The Blue Mountains Future Story (the Town’s sustainability plan) and/or Going Green in Grey (Grey County’s Climate Change Action Plan) will help your application be successful. 

*Note that for YCAF Round 2 in 2025, tree planting and litter pickup project proposals will need to demonstrate a new and innovative approach to be considered.

To determine whether the project meets the basic eligibility requirements for the Youth Climate Action Fund it must fulfill the following criteria: 

1. The Project is primarily led and implemented by youth between the ages of 15 and 24.
2. The organization proposing the project, or that is sponsoring a youth-led project team, is formally incorporated and has a bank account that can be used to accept and distribute funds for eligible project expenses. Please read the 'Recipient Eligibility' section below for more information. 
3. The application is complete.
4. The proposed project must be a new initiative; YCAF cannot fund existing programs.
5. The expenses in the proposed budget align with the eligibility criteria of the Youth Climate Action Fund. Read the 'Eligible Expenses' section below. 
6. The project demonstrates that it supports The Blue Mountains Future Story (the Town’s sustainability plan) and/or Going Green in Grey (Grey County’s Climate Change Action Plan).
7. The project is implemented within the Traditional Territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. This includes The Blue Mountains and other municipalities in Grey County; Southern Georgian Bay communities (Collingwood, Clearview, and Wasaga Beach); Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation; Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation; Bruce County; and some of the communities within Huron, Wellington and Dufferin Counties. If you are not sure if your community falls within this territory, please reach out to the Sustainability Coordinator.

The Youth Climate Action Fund is for youth who feel the urgency of climate change and are excited to use a microgrant to raise awareness, engage youth and take action to address the climate emergency. A willingness to share stories and pictures will be an important part to sharing the impacts that YCAF funds have had and to inspire youth and adults alike in our communities.

Awareness, Education, Research, Co-Development Initiatives

• Youth Climate Advisory Boards: Establish advisory boards or councils composed of young people to work alongside city officials in designing and refining climate policies and programs, ensuring that they reflect the needs and perspectives of youth.
• Youth-Led Climate Education Programs: Develop educational initiatives led by young people that target local schools and communities to increase awareness and understanding of climate issues.
• Youth Climate Hackathons: Organize hackathons where young tech-savvy individuals can create innovative solutions and apps to address climate challenges in the city.
• Youth-Led Climate Surveys and Research: Engage youth in conducting surveys and research on local climate impacts, helping to gather valuable data for decision-making.
• Youth-Designed Public Art and Awareness Campaigns: Encourage young artists to create public art installations and awareness campaigns that convey the urgency of climate action and the city’s goals.

Launching Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Initiatives

• Community Gardens, and Urban Farming: Support youth-led initiatives to create community gardens, green rooftops and urban farming projects to promote sustainable food production and reduce carbon emissions.
• Youth-Managed Recycling and Waste Reduction Programs: Empower young people to lead efforts in recycling, waste reduction, and upcycling programs, making communities more environmentally friendly.
• Green Transportation Initiatives / Designing Streets with Kids: Encourage youth to propose and implement bicycle-sharing programs, pedestrian-friendly initiatives, and electric vehicle charging stations to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Youth-Led Reforestation and Tree-Planting Campaigns: Mobilize young volunteers to plant trees, improve urban green spaces, and increase urban canopy coverage for better air quality and climate resilience.
• Climate Resilience Workshops and Disaster Preparedness: Youth groups can organize workshops and training sessions on disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and community-based responses to extreme weather events.

Involvement in Governance of Local Climate Action Plans

• Youth Climate Participatory Budgeting: Establish dedicated resources for young residents to allocate annually toward climate priorities set by cities for programs created by youth.
• Youth Climate Ambassadors: Designate youth climate ambassadors to represent young people’s perspectives in city council meetings, climate task forces, and public consultations.
• Youth-Hosted Climate Town Halls: Organize town hall meetings moderated by youth leaders where community members can discuss climate-related concerns and ideas for solutions.
• Youth Climate Data Monitoring: Develop apps or youth citizen science platforms for tracking and reporting on local climate data, helping authorities make informed decisions and involving young people in data-driven governance.
• Youth-Created Climate Action Plans: Encourage youth teams to develop their own climate action plans for their communities, which can be integrated into the city’s broader strategy.

A Selection Committee organized by the Town will look at the following six categories when scoring and selecting projects. Try to think about how your project might address these different areas when you write your proposal.

Relevance to Local Climate Action Plan or relevant policy document  

To what extent does the project address local/regional climate change priorities? 

Youth Engagement  

What is your plan to engage youth (24 years or less, focus on 15-24 years)? 

Innovation and Creativity  

What makes the project unique or stand out? 

Feasibility and Project Planning  

What is the plan for the project to achieve its goals and overcome any challenges by October 31, 2025? 

Budget and Justification for the Budget

Have you identified and described how the grant money will pay for different project activities? 

Impact

To what extent does the project address climate change and other sustainability goals?

• Applications Open: February 24, 2025
• Application Deadline: Applications are due by April 30, 2025, at 12 p.m. (noon). Applicants are encouraged to begin the application process early and to reach out for support. We can help you understand if your project idea is eligible, and/or help you find a sponsoring organization if you need one.  
• Successful projects (submitted on or before April 7, 2025) announced: April 22, 2025
• Successful projects (submitted between April 8 and April 30, 2025) announced: May/June, 2025
• All Funds and Project Activities Completed by: October 31, 2025
• Final Report Due: November 14, 2025

Safety is an important consideration for all participants, especially as this program focuses on youth-led projects and collaboration, including minors 15-17 years of age. YCAF participants will be expected to follow best practices for youth safety, as follows:

All youth leads (15-24 years of age)

Youth will ensure they are not alone when communicating with parties involved in their project, including the sponsoring organization (Fiscal Lead) and Town, by doing the following: 

• Including their fellow youth leads and/or a trusted adult on emails, phone calls or virtual meetings related to the project.
• Attending in-person meetings accompanied by their fellow youth leads, friends, and/or a trusted adult, and informing other trusted contacts of the location and time of these meetings.

Minors (15-17 years of age)

• Minors will inform their parent(s) and/or guardian(s) of their desire to participate in a YCAF funded project and will secure the permission of their parent(s)/guardian(s) prior to applying. 
• Applications to the YCAF program that include minors as one or more of their Youth Leads must provide the name and contact information of at least one ‘trusted adult’ to be included in Town communications with the youth leads. The trusted adult may be a parent/guardian, teacher, or other designated adult. 

Sponsoring Organizations/Fiscal Leads and Trusted Adults

• Every application to the YCAF program requires the name(s) and digital signature(s) of at least one of the project’s youth leads of 18-24 years of age, and of a representative of the sponsoring organization (Fiscal Lead) for that project. 
• Every application also requires the contact information for at least one ‘trusted adult’ and a description of this adult’s relationship for any youth leads aged 15-17. 
• After projects are selected, but before funds are distributed, the Town will seek confirmation from all contacts in the project application (including youth lead(s), sponsoring organization/Fiscal Lead and trusted adults) that the project can proceed, and that any minors involved in youth leadership for the project have appropriate permission to participate. The Town will also ask if there are any missing contacts to be added to future communications from the Town. The Town will not process permission documentation; securing any necessary permission is the responsibility of the sponsoring organization/Fiscal Lead. 

The sponsoring organization should inform parents/guardians about possible risks associated with project-specific work; for example, an outdoor education project may involve risks associated with hiking (such as slips and falls, exertion, or sun exposure, and appropriate steps to mitigate these risks should be taken by all parties. 

Project implementation is the responsibility of youth leads with the support of their sponsoring organizations and trusted adults. The Town of The Blue Mountains does not assume responsibility for risks that participants, including youth, may face when implementing their self-directed YCAF projects. Sponsoring organizations should have insurance that includes youth participants and volunteers.

• Each project must identify a minimum of three youth helping to lead the project. Proposals with just one or two youth leads identified may not be considered for funding. 
• Every youth-led project must also be, or arrange to work with, an organization meeting the following requirements.
• Youth-Led and Youth-Serving Organizations
• The organizations must be legally recognized as incorporated entities.
• They need to have clear charitable goals. Private companies are not eligible as micrograntees.
• They must possess bank accounts registered under the organization’s name, not under an individual’s name.
• The organizations can be either youth-led or youth-serving organizations. A youth-serving organization is generally led by adults and provides programs and resources intentionally designed to meet the needs of young people.
• Other Sponsor Organizations
• Other types of organizations can administer and manage the funds and serve as sponsors for youth-led projects.
• These can include: a city agency or department (such as a library, museum, school, parks and recreation department, or other educational institutions), a community organization, a religious organization, or other recognized organizations or associations that can serve as fiscal agents to support project expenses.
• This arrangement can work, for instance, in cases where youth groups, classroom initiatives, or school clubs choose to submit projects and wish to manage funds through their affiliated schools.
• Youth-led projects need to be composed of at least three individuals aged 15 to 24 who actively participate in decision-making and oversight.
• One youth-supporting/sponsoring organization can apply on behalf of up to three different youth-led projects. The goal of the YCAF program is to support a variety of youth and types of projects, so repeat project types by the same organization may not all be considered.

Applicants will have to identify at least three youth leads and one sponsoring organization in their proposals. The sponsoring organization will need to sign a Recipient Agreement for each project they support that is chosen by the Selection Committee before the project can receive the requested funds. 

The following requirements summarize the essential terms of the Recipient Agreement:

• Funds must only be used for the purposes stated in the approved application and on the Eligible Expenditures list on the YCAF website.
• Best Practices for Youth Safety will be followed and upheld by the sponsoring organization
• Projects must be completed, and all funds spent by October 31, 2025.
• The Final Microgrant Report must be submitted by November 15, 2025.  Sponsoring organizations may need to follow up with their youth leads to ensure this date is kept. 
• Records of eligible expenditures, including copies of receipts, will be retained and provided to the Town alongside or shortly after the Final Microgrant Report
• Projects must comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Signing the Recipient Agreement is only necessary for proposals that are selected to receive YCAF funding.  An unsigned Recipient Agreement can be accessed here as an example for advance review by potential applicants.

The Final Microgrant Report is a mandatory report that will capture the impact of each project supported by a microgrant including the project’s final budget, the number of youth volunteers, and measures of outputs and outcomes. All YCAF recipients must submit this report by November 14, 2025. 

Guidance on how to complete this report will be provided to recipients.

Youth leads for each project will also be asked to complete surveys relating to their experiences leading a climate action project and participating in the YCAF program. These surveys will also be due by November 14, 2025.

Eligible Expenses

• 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 organizing community events, workshops, or educational sessions, including venue rental, printing of materials for participants, and basic refreshments.
• Costs for any necessary permits to implement the project in accordance with local regulations.
• Reasonable ground travel expenses for youth participants or team members directly involved in project implementation.
• Promotional materials to raise awareness about the project, encourage engagement from stakeholders and the greater community, and share project results including photography, editorial support, and videography.
• Reasonable fees for training and mentorship offered in workshops with youth participants
• Project sponsorship costs that local NGOs, civic groups, neighborhood clubs, schools or other organizations may charge for receiving a microgrant on behalf of youth project leads. The costs should be no more than 15% of the microgrant value.
• Microgrants are not intended as stipends or salary for the youth leads, but rather to encourage volunteerism and civic engagement. Therefore, the following expenses are permitted, but they should not make up the majority of the microgrant: funds to enable youth participation such as bus fare, per diems for food or gift cards.

Note that equipment and capital investment for infrastructure improvements should not represent more than 50% of a project’s microgrant budget.  Capital improvements refer to the purchase and installation of public lighting, solar panels, furnaces, benches, pedestrian crossings, or any other equipment such as drinking fountains or digital screens in public spaces.

Ineligible Expenses

• Services covered by existing city initiatives
• Rent or utilities, unless specified above
• Nonprofit/NGO incorporation fees
• Speaker honorariums and speaker fees
• Scholarships
• Direct support to individuals or families
• Partisan political organizations
• Political campaigns, fundraisers, or projects
• Capital campaigns, endowments, or endowed chairs
• Events or fundraisers not related to youth climate action

Team Composition

The Project Team is currently comprised of: 

• Mayor Andrea Matrosovs
• Sustainability Coordinator of the Town 
• Communications and Economic Development Coordinator of the Town 
• CEO of The Blue Mountains Library
• Meghan Loney, Youth Engagement with Beaver Valley Outreach

Youth leads: Ethan Young, Owen Menominee, Kelsey Roote

Sponsored by: Bagida’waad Alliance

The Aki Guardians planned four events, including two guided educational nature walks, and two litter cleanups. A guided interpretive hike at Margaret Paull Side Trail in Clarksburg, and a guided birding hike at George Christie Nature Trail in Collingwood, provided hikers with outdoor education and connected their learning to climate change where possible. The first litter cleanup recovered broken glass, cigarette butts, plastics and other materials from the shoreline at Northwinds Beach. The second cleanup event was cancelled due to weather, and so the Aki Guardians pivoted to providing an educational presentation at the L.E. Shore Library in Thornbury on Species at Risk (SAR) and the role of The Blue Mountains and the escarpment as a wildlife corridor for bird migrations.

Outputs and Outcomes:

• Two guided educational hikes and one Species at Risk presentation to residents of The Blue Mountains and surrounding area
• More than 27 kg of litter recovered from Northwinds Beach
• Improved knowledge of the area’s natural environment for event participants

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Youth leads: Atticus Russwurm and Katie Stewart

Sponsored by: Beaver Valley Outreach

Using the grant funds, Katie and Atticus produced the Green Grey Blue 4-episode mini-series, highlighting climate action in the Saugeen Ojibway Nation traditional territory with a focus on The Blue Mountains community. The series showcases local organizations and community members’ sustainability initiatives, such as circular economy efforts, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism, and features over 19 interviewees. By highlighting local inspiration and success stories, the video series demonstrates actionable steps to contribute to a cleaner, greener community. 

Outputs and Outcomes:

• 21 youth between ages of 15 and 24 were engaged in filming or are featured in the video series
• 4 videos were produced with 19 interviewees showcasing 18 community sustainability features. Visit the Green Grey Blue Miniseries Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@green.greyblue/videos
• Improved knowledge of local sustainability and climate initiatives for viewers

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Youth Lead: Zoe Cadieux

Sponsored by: Beavery Valley Outreach (supported by Jacob Proctor)

This project involved testing four plant berries found in the region as viable marker ink alternatives. Schools contributed spent white board markers to enable experiments with the natural ink prototype. Georgian Bay Community School helped build awareness and identified potential youth volunteers for community & project collaboration, and also demonstrated the natural ink prototype for high school students. A small-scale tie dye workshop with six youth participants further promoted natural inks/dyes, and additional time was spent learning from and connecting with various community organizations to identify native dye sources and for future up-scaling of the project, as well as tying it to the naturalization movement of our local spaces.

Outputs and Outcomes:

• Four native/invasive plants were tested for their viability; one invasive plant was selected as most viable to proceed with further testing
• Engaged approximately 30 youth (15-24) in presentations and workshops to learn about natural-sourced dyes

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Youth lead: Jaden Slowiak

Sponsored by: Beaver Valley Outreach (supported by Climate Action Now Network)

Jaden worked with a local arborist and climate action organization Climate Action Now Network to design and plant a tiny forest. small areas by planting diverse varieties of trees and shrubs in a small space to spur competition and rapid growth, and to provide much needed habitat for insects and pollinator species. A community planting event brought together youth and adult volunteers to plant trees and shrubs, and to provide participants with information on how tiny forests work and their many community benefits.

Outputs and Outcomes:

A tiny forest is a more effective way to reduce the heat island effect. They are more likely to survive and are much denser than typical tree plantings spaced further apart. 

• 180 trees planted in the Tiny Forest method
• 40 volunteers participated in an activity relating to climate action
• The tiny forest will improve local biodiversity and carbon sequestration, and can provide future educational opportunities for students and other residents.

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Youth leads: Lindsay, Kennedy, Sydney and Natasha – High school students with St. Mary’s Highschool Eco Team (Envirothon)

Sponsored by: Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board

The St. Mary’s Highschool Eco Team applied their funding into the production, implementation, and sponsorship of bat boxes to improve endangered bat habitat in The Blue Mountains. Under the supervision of their teacher, Jacqueline Otterbein, the students visited The Blue Mountains and identified nine possible bat box locations at Peasemarsh Conservation area. The little brown bat faces several threats to its habitat, including climate change, and is a voracious consumer of mosquitoes. Three large bat boxes and six small ones were safely and properly installed with the help of Grey Sauble Conservation Authority staff. The students then produced magazines describing the project and sharing information about the bats to raise awareness.

Outputs and Outcomes:

• 15 youth (15-24) were engaged
• Nine bat boxes (3 large and 6 small) were installed to improve little brown bat habitat at Peasemarsh Conservation Area
• 50 environmental information magazines were created

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Youth Leads: Abbey Dunlop

Sponsored by: Events for Life

Events for Life received YCAF funding to engage and educate individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on climate action and to share their learnings with the community. The funds enabled Events for Life participant to research different climate topics each month and speak with local eco-friendly movements and businesses on these subjects. These topics included:

• September: pollinators and planting gardens for pollinators
• October: waste, including simple waste audits and 2 community clean ups 
• November: recycling and compost, including learning about compost methods
• December: sustainable living, thrift shopping and how to repair items

From these experiences, the youth lead and Events for Life participants created monthly articles that were published in the Blue Mountains Review, a local newsletter. 

Outputs and Outcomes:

• 42 youth (15-24) were engaged
• 4 workshops were held, 4 newsletters were published, 2 community clean-ups
• Engagement and enrichment of youth who are often not included in climate change conversations and activism

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A post-secondary student will coordinate a year-end event that will bring youth together with organizations and businesses in the environmental and sustainability sector.

A Master’s student working with the University of Guelph and Parks Canada will use water level loggers and satellite data to research the impacts of climate change on inland lakes, and will share information about the research design and preliminary results with other youth.