City Opens Applications for Youth Climate Action Fund Microgrants
Published on August 21, 2026
Youth-led projects can receive $1,000–$5,000; public design session scheduled for September 2
Pittsburgh, PA – The City of Pittsburgh has opened applications for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund, offering microgrants of $1,000–$5,000 to help young people turn their climate and environmental ideas into action.
Projects must be meaningfully led by at least two young people ages 15–24 and address a climate challenge or opportunity affecting Pittsburgh communities. Eligible projects could include tree planting, community gardens, waste reduction and composting, stormwater improvements, climate education, neighborhood data collection, biking and transportation initiatives, or other creative ideas connected to Pittsburgh’s climate goals.
“Young people understand the climate challenges facing their neighborhoods, and they have ideas about how to address them,” said Mayor Corey O’Connor. “This fund gives them the resources and support to put those ideas into practice and make a visible difference in Pittsburgh.”
Applications must be submitted by an eligible sponsoring organization working with the youth project team. Schools, colleges, universities, nonprofits, community organizations and other legally recognized public or nonprofit entities may serve as sponsors. Sponsoring organizations will receive and manage grant funds, provide administrative support and help with required reporting, while young people remain responsible for leading the project’s planning, decision-making and implementation.
Applications are due October 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Selected projects are expected to receive awards in November 2026, and all project activities and spending must be completed by April 15, 2027.
Public Invited to Youth Climate Action Design Session
The City will host a public design and innovation session on Wednesday, September 2, to help participants learn about Pittsburgh’s climate priorities, explore potential project ideas and begin developing strong proposals.
The session is open to young people, schools, educators, nonprofits, neighborhood groups, environmental organizations and other residents interested in supporting youth-led climate action. Participants do not need to arrive with a fully developed proposal. City staff will guide attendees through activities designed to identify community challenges, generate project ideas and connect youth teams with organizations that may be able to serve as project sponsors.
Organizations interested in sponsoring youth-led teams, providing mentorship, offering project space or helping young people develop their ideas are especially encouraged to participate.
Program guidelines, application materials and additional information are available at:
The Youth Climate Action Fund is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and administered by the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Innovation & Performance and Department of City Planning’s Division of Sustainability and Resilience.
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Molly Onufer
Press Secretary
molly.onufer@pittsburghpa.gov