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YOUTH CLIMATE
ACTION FUND
Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies
Information about Funding Round #2 is currently being updated. Adjustments may be made throughout the week of 3/3.
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The City of La Crosse was awarded a second round of funds by Bloomberg Philanthropy allocating $85,000 for YCAF microgrants. This program is being coordinated with the help of the Sustainability Institute and the La Crosse Area Community Foundation. Applications will be accepted starting March 6 and continuing until June 1 or until all funding is awarded, whichever comes first. The grants will be distributed on a rolling basis, beginning in April.
A SECOND ROUND OF YCAF FUNDING
VISION
The YCAF aims to empower young people to design, implement, and govern climate solutions, fostering a more sustainable future.
GOAL
The goal of the YCAF is to activate youth-led initiatives and address urgent climate challenges in La Crosse. All projects must fit within the strategies of the City's Climate Action Plan.
ELIGIBILITY & AWARD SIZE
Open to applicants between the ages of 15-24 years old whose initiatives directly benefit the city of La Crosse. If youth-led groups are not incorporated entities, they may partner with one that serves as the micro-grant recipient and fund administrator. Entities must have a formal tax-exempt status of some kind, (for example a school district or not-for-profit organization), a bank account in its name, and an ability to manage the funds. La Crosse Area Community Foundation can only disperse funds to tax exempt, charitable organizations. If a youth does not have a partner organization who fits the requirements to receive and manage the project funds, the La Crosse Area Community Foundation and/or the Sustainability Institute can help in locating a supportive project partner.
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Successful applicants will receive a microgrant, distributed to their sponsor organization, ranging from $1,000 - $5,000 to fund their projects. Youth can apply for more than one project. Sponsor organizations cannot support more than three projects.
RESOURCES
GRANT TIMELINE
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Informational Zoom: Thursday, March 6 - 6:00pm
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Application Opens: 3/12
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Informational Zoom: Wednesday, March 12 - 12:00pm
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Grant Writing Webinar: Tuesday, March 18 - 5:30 - 7pm
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Application review begins: 3/31
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CAPSC initial selection: 4/14 - additional selections will occur on a rolling basis.
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1st Grantee Announcement: 4/22
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2nd Grantee Announcement: 4/27 at the Earth Fair
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Ideation Panel + Collaboration Workshop: 5/7 5:30-7pm
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Application Closes: 6/1​ - unless funds are exhausted prior
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CAPSC additional selection: 6/6
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Projects completed by: September 30, 2025
Have a question? Contact us!
UPCOMING INFO SESSIONS & EVENTS
INFO & Q&A WEBINAR
Thursday, March 6th 6:00-6:30PM
INFO & Q&A WEBINAR
Wednesday, March 12th 12:00-12:30PM
GRANT WRITING
WEBINAR
Tuesday, March 18th 5:30-7:00PM
Registration Coming Soon
IDEATION PANEL &
COLLABORATION WORKSHOP
Wednesday, May 7th 5:30-7:00PM
More Details Coming Soon!
The 2025 Youth Climate Action Fund grant is being distributed and administered on behalf of the City of La Crosse by the
La Crosse Area Community Foundation in collaboration with a supported partnership from the Sustainability Institute.
