Apply for the YOUTH Climate Action Fund

Empowering San José youth to lead climate solutions

The City of San José is offering $1,000–$5,000 grants for youth-led climate projects.

Projects may focus on:

• Healthy Homes & Clean Energy
• Climate-Friendly Transportation
• Climate Resilience & Healthy Neighborhoods

Applications open: August 17, 2026
Applications due: September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PT

Apply Now in WebGrants

Read the Full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

before you apply

Youth-led projects must:

• Be proposed, designed, and led by at least two youth ages 15–24
• Benefit San José communities and align with the City’s climate priorities
• Request between $1,000 and $5,000
• Be supported by an Eligible Lead Organization (ELO)
• Be completed by April 15, 2027

See the NOFO for complete eligibility requirements, eligible expenses, evaluation criteria, and application instructions.

Youth Climate Project Workshop recording

Missed the workshop? Watch the recording before you apply.

Climate Smart San José hosted a Youth Climate Project Workshop on September 2, 2026 to help youth teams and Eligible Lead Organizations prepare for the Youth Climate Action Fund application.

The workshop covers:

• YCAF eligibility and program requirements
• San José’s three climate project themes
• Developing a youth-led project idea
• Building a project budget
• The role of an Eligible Lead Organization (ELO)
• How to complete and submit an application through WebGrants
• Resources and support available to applicants

Watch the Youth Climate Project Workshop Recording

 View the Workshop Slides

Resources to Help Get you STarted

Whether you already have a project idea or are just getting started, these optional resources can help you develop a strong proposal.

Project Idea Guide

Explore San José's climate priorities, learn about eligible project approaches, and find inspiration for youth-led climate projects.

View and Download the Project Idea Guide

Climate Action Student Planner

Use this optional workbook to brainstorm ideas, organize your project, build an action plan, and prepare a competitive application.

Download the Climate Action Student Planner

Need an Eligible Lead Organization?

Youth projects must be supported by an Eligible Lead Organization (ELO), which serves as the grant administrator and provides organizational support while youth remain the project leaders.

Looking for an ELO?

Contact ClimateSmart@SanJoseCA.gov for assistance connecting with potential organizations.

Is your organization interested in supporting youth projects?

Organizations that are open to being connected with youth seeking an ELO can complete our ELO Connection Interest Form. Completing the form does not commit your organization to supporting a project.

Complete the ELO Connection Interest Form

key dates

help spread the world

Help us connect San José youth with this opportunity!

Schools, community organizations, public agencies, and other partners are encouraged to share the Youth Climate Action Fund with their networks. Our Partner Sharing Toolkit includes ready-to-use flyers, graphics, newsletter language, and social media content.

Download the Partner Sharing Toolkit

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Find answers to common questions about WebGrants, Eligible Lead Organizations (ELOs), youth eligibility, funding, and getting help.

View Youth Climate Action Fund FAQs

questions?

Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity for complete eligibility requirements, application instructions, eligible expenses, evaluation criteria, and program requirements.

Contact: ClimateSmart@SanJoseCA.gov

Stay Connected

For updates on the Youth Climate Action Fund in San José, visit this page, follow Climate Smart San José on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, and sign up for our email list.