Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund

We’ve joined Bloomberg Philanthropies’ new Youth Climate Action Fund, which will provide technical assistance and funding for 100 mayors to activate young people ages 15 to 24 around the world to design, produce and govern urgent climate solutions in their cities.

On this page:

1. About the fund
2. Eligibility
3. Funded projects
4. Types of projects supported
5. Our climate action priorities
6. Consultant

About the fund

Through Bloomberg Philanthropies’ new Youth Climate Action Fund, the City of Kitchener has received $100,000 USD to distribute as microgrants ($1,500 CDN to $6,500 CDN) to fund youth-led climate initiatives. We are administering this grant in consultation with the GreenHouse, a social impact incubator.

From tree-planting or public education campaigns to recycling or waste reduction initiatives to climate change mitigation planning or preparedness programs, efforts funded by the new Youth Climate Action Fund will advance community goals like meeting decarbonization commitments or reducing consumption-based emissions.

Eligibility

Applicants and projects must be:

• led by youth ages 15 to 24
• Kitchener-serving and support our climate action priorities
• run by a formally incorporated organization (with a bank account to receive funds) or be a youth-led team partnered with a fiscal sponsor
• complete by October 31, 2025

Funded projects

2025

• Building Climate Mitigation Bridges at Kitchener Secondary Schools - Building on what students learned at the WRDSB Expo and Stocktake, this project empowers student-led climate action in schools. With mentorship from environmental nonprofit staff and EcoCompany peers, students will design and implement climate mitigation projects tailored to their school communities. Through workshops and planning sessions, they will develop ideas, set learning objectives, and bring their visions to life—gaining real-world experience and leadership skills while making a tangible environmental impact.
  
  
• Climate Design Sprint - Climate Design Sprint is a youth-led social innovation program empowering young changemakers to develop design solutions to complex challenges at the intersection of climate change, innovation, and social impact. Through a decentralized, project-based summer format, youth teams work on self-directed initiatives within selected thematic areas. Participants receive funding, mentorship, and skill-building workshops. The program culminates in the *Relentless Showcase* in September at the Communitech Waterloo Accelerator Centre, where teams present their work and compete for the Young Eye Innovators Award.
  
  
• Climate Hope Lab (Climate Cafes) - The Climate Hope Lab fosters community and transforms climate apathy into action. It supports youth feeling hopeless, angry, and anxious about the climate crisis by hosting climate cafes for emotional discussion with peers. In Kitchener, where 78% of Canadian youth report climate change impacts their mental health, these spaces are crucial. Without intervention, we risk alienating a generation that deserves support and is vital for a just, sustainable future. Let's empower Kitchener's future climate leaders through community connection and action.
  
  
• Eco Flow:Youth-Led Climate Action for Sustainable Menstruation - Aurora Renovation is combating climate change by creating compostable, non-toxic menstrual pads made from agricultural by-products like leaves and stalks. These pads decompose quickly, reducing landfill waste and preventing an estimated 650 kt of CO₂ emissions annually. Free from harmful chemicals like lead, PFAs, and dioxins, they offer safe, eco-friendly menstrual care. In line with Canada’s new workplace menstrual product law, Aurora will provide sustainable B2B pad subscriptions, launch a pilot fiber extraction facility, and lead educational campaigns on sustainable menstruation—offering businesses and communities an innovative, environmentally responsible solution.
  
  
• EcoScan - EchoScan simplifies waste disposal with an AI-powered image recognition tool and generative AI chatbot that provide real-time sorting guidance based on the Region of Waterloo’s waste management rules. Whether at home or on the go, users can scan single or multiple items, and the app instantly identifies the correct disposal method—be it garbage, recycling, compost, or a local drop-off site. EchoScan eliminates guesswork and promotes responsible waste habits with region-specific accuracy.
  
  
• Ehsaas: Rooted - This youth-led initiative weaves storytelling, environmental memory, and mentorship to explore identity and climate action. Through interactive workshops, arts-based reflection, and one on one research mentorships, underrepresented youth are empowered to deepen their connection to land, culture, and climate. The project fosters insight into community-driven solutions and creates space for lived experience, empathy, and collective transformation—rooting awareness in action and meaningful change.
  
  
• Green Lens - The Green Lens is a youth-led digital media series by Young Eye International that spotlights youth-driven climate solutions in Kitchener. Operating on Instagram and YouTube, it features short, engaging content on climate activism, sustainable innovation, and community-led initiatives. By using accessible, youth-focused platforms, The Green Lens addresses the lack of visibility in mainstream media and amplifies the voices and impact of young climate leaders.
  
  
• Holistic Sustainability - This project aims to reduce its carbon footprint by eliminating food waste and promoting sustainability through various initiatives. Plans include organizing a Thrift Week, creating a community garden, and raising chickens to reduce food waste sent to landfills. The team will also install solar panels on the roof, potentially adding a bee habitat, and implement a rainwater collection system to support the garden. These efforts will showcase the feasibility of sustainable living and inspire the community to adopt more eco-friendly practices.
  
  
• Hope to Action: Strategic Research Foundations - Despite a vibrant range of climate initiatives in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, youth engagement remains low, with only 15.7% regularly volunteering for environmental organizations. This project aims to connect youth to local climate initiatives tailored to their interests, time, and resources by leveraging technology, social influence, strategic marketing, and community building. Currently in the research phase, the organization is ensuring the project meets local needs while fostering relationships with youth and environmental leaders in the KW region.
  
  
• Incubator Hacks - Incubator Hacks is a youth-led, beginner-friendly hackathon empowering young people to explore climate action through tech innovation. This year, a dedicated sustainability track will engage over 100 youth in developing creative solutions to environmental issues, with mentorship to turn their ideas into real projects. The goal is to make climate-focused innovation accessible to youth, particularly from underserved communities, and provide support through an incubator model that helps ideas grow into lasting impact.
  
  
• KW Youth Climate Council - Redesigning The "Cure For Litter" Awareness Campaign - This project aims to revitalize the "Cure for Litter" campaign in collaboration with the Region of Waterloo, enhancing its digital and physical presence. By updating the campaign’s messaging and design, the initiative will use art as a medium to inspire social change and raise awareness about littering. The project will involve creating more engaging, modern visuals and expanding the campaign’s reach through various platforms, such as bus billboards and public spaces, to grab attention and encourage community action against litter.
  
  
• KW Youth Climate Council - Sustainable Art - Awareness Exposition - Building on their previous project, this initiative will organize a series of youth-led community cleanups, focusing on frequent engagement rather than a single art installation. After each cleanup, participants will collect and repurpose found objects and artifacts to create a dynamic exhibition. This project aims to raise awareness about environmental issues by transforming discarded materials into meaningful artwork, encouraging the community to reflect on waste reduction and sustainability. By showcasing the creativity and impact of these cleanups, the project seeks to inspire collective action and promote environmental stewardship.
  
  
• More Trees in Montgomery Park! - This project addresses climate change by increasing the tree canopy in the neighborhood, fostering a stronger sense of community. It brings together youth and students from ECI High School, along with local residents near Montgomery Park, to plant large trees that will have an immediate impact on the environment. By working together, participants will help combat climate change while strengthening community bonds and promoting environmental stewardship.
  
  
• Project Conscious Couture - Project Conscious Couture aims to reduce textile waste by empowering youth to upcycle used garments into unique fashion pieces. Through a series of workshops and a culminating fashion show, the project promotes sustainable fashion practices that are both eco-friendly and financially accessible for youth. The goal is to foster a community that values creativity, sustainability, and mindful consumption, encouraging responsible fashion choices while showcasing the talent and innovation of young designers.
  
  
• Pyroneers: Turning Invasive Species into Carbon Sequestering Biochar - This project addresses the issue of invasive buckthorn by converting it into biochar, a sustainable soil amendment that locks carbon in the ground while enhancing soil health, water retention, and plant resilience to climate change. By removing the invasive species, the project aids in ecosystem restoration and raises awareness about the role of biochar in climate resilience. This initiative promotes environmental restoration, supports sustainable land management, and helps mitigate climate change impacts through innovative solutions.
  
  
• ReClimate - RecClimate is a platform designed to tackle information overload and anxiety related to climate change. It provides verified, specialist climate information in an accessible and engaging way, helping youth navigate the complexities of climate issues. The platform also offers opportunities to participate in local initiatives and allows businesses to connect with the community more efficiently. By focusing on proper awareness, RecClimate empowers individuals to take meaningful climate action. The project’s goal is to reclaim our climate through informed, accessible, and enjoyable resources for everyone.
  
  
• Reclimate Workshops - This project empowers youth to take action on climate change through engaging workshops and community-driven events. Topics include waste management, circular fashion, and composting, alongside hands-on activities like cleanups and educational sessions. By combining education with real-world action, the initiative makes climate solutions accessible and fosters a sense of community involvement. The goal is to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge and tools needed to address climate change effectively, while creating lasting environmental impact.
  
  
• Resilient School Food Gardens in Kitchener - This project aims to establish approved school food gardens in Kitchener, creating spaces where youth can grow food for themselves and their communities. It empowers young people to lead community-based food production while providing resources to optimize these gardens for long-term sustainability. Serving as a case study, the project demonstrates how to effectively engage and empower youth to utilize school garden spaces, support local neighborhoods, and increase access to fresh, affordable produce—all through youth-led efforts.
  
  
• Revitalization of Elmsdale Park Garden to Combat Plant Awareness Disparity and to Foster Neighbourly Connections in a Growing Community - This project addresses plant awareness disparity—the growing disconnection between people and the plant life around them—by creating meaningful opportunities for youth to engage with local species. Centered in Kitchener’s Elmsdale Park, adjacent to a rapidly growing residential area, the initiative proposes a redesigned wildflower meadow, a sustainable food forest, and a new community garden. These spaces will promote mindfulness, education, and connection with native plants and pollinators. By fostering early environmental awareness and stewardship, the project encourages sustainable, community-based learning in response to increasing urban density.
  
  
• Sow & Sustain Summer Workshops - This project empowers youth to take climate action by making environmental stewardship fun, accessible, and community-driven. With support from this grant, the team will host weekly summer workshops, farm field trips, and hands-on planting projects, allowing participants to grow their own produce and enjoy the harvest. By building partnerships with local gardens, environmental organizations, and KW cities, the initiative creates a supportive network rooted in a shared love for gardening. Through these engaging activities, youth will plant the seeds for lasting climate action—one summer workshop at a time.
  
  
• The Impact Studio: A Community Co-Lab & Celebration for Youth-Led Change - The Impact Studio is a bold, youth-led initiative that brings together young innovators and social impact organizations to co-create real-world solutions. Designed as a collaborative lab—not a competitive hackathon—it fosters creativity, authentic community building, and meaningful connections with local leaders, vendors, and changemakers. By amplifying underrepresented voices and bridging the gap between youth and the social impact ecosystem, the Impact Studio empowers the next generation to lead with purpose and drive lasting change. This initiative isn’t just about discussing change—it’s about making it happen, together.
  
  
• The Ripple Effect - This project empowers high school students to explore the connections between climate change, water, and science communication through interactive discussions and activities. Participants will design creative, hands-on activity centre ideas for grades 2–5 at the 2026 Waterloo Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival. The initiative fosters youth leadership and innovation while building essential skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and environmental outreach. By engaging older students in the development of educational programming for younger peers, the project strengthens the future of environmental education and inspires a new generation of climate-conscious learners.
  
  
• Wetlands Walk: Youth Leading Climate Action - This youth-led event explores the vital role natural-based climate solutions play at the Huron Natural Area. Through an interactive guided walk, participants will learn how land can combat climate change by storing carbon, preventing flooding, and protecting biodiversity. Led by members of the Ontario Nature Youth Council, the event offers youth in the Kitchener community a chance to engage, advocate, and inspire action to preserve these critical ecosystems.

2024

• Food Waste Project, Canadian Wildlife Federation
• Kitchener Community Compost Project, Waterloo Region Green Solutions
• Protected winter garden and enclosed growing space, Eastwood Collegiate Institute
• EcoSwap: Trade Today, Save Tomorrow!, GreenHouse - United College
• Future Ecoleader Youth, Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health
• GreenLog: Empowering Youth for Comprehensive Environmental Action, GreenHouse - United College
• Harvest to Garnish, Greenway Chaplin
• Native Plant Revival Project, GreenHouse - United College
• Roots for tomorrow: planting a better future, Kinbridge Community Association
• Drizzle to Downpour, Waterloo Wellington Children's Groundwater Festiva
• Tree Carbon Project, Canadian Wildlife Federation
• Microgrants for Student Eco-Clubs, Waterloo Region District School Board
• Youth Climate Hackathon, Young Eye Initiative
• Young Eye International Podcast, Young Eye Initiative
• Public Art Installation Meets Youth-Led Waste Reduction Initiative, GreenHouse - United College
• Invasive Species Removal and Native Plants Re-Introduction, Kinbridge Community Association

Types of projects supported

Successful projects should be aligned with our community climate action priorities.

Youth-led awareness, education, research, and development initiatives, including:

• youth-led climate education programs
• youth climate hackathons
• youth-developed climate surveys and research
• youth-informed clubs or curriculum
• youth-designed public art and awareness campaigns

Youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects, including:

• youth-led community gardening
• tree planting
• reforestation
• urban farming campaigns
• youth-managed recycling and waste reduction programs
• youth-produced climate resilience workshops
• disaster preparedness programs

Co-governed youth climate action plans, including:

• partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy ideas and decisions
• actions or the formation of youth climate ambassadors

Our climate action priorities

Projects funded by the grant should advance our climate action priorities:

• community climate action: TransformWR
• corporate climate action: Pivot: Net-Zero
• community climate adaptation: Community Climate Adaptation Plan, Climate Change and Health Vulnerability Assessment

If you have any questions or need help with your application, mmailto:AnnaMarie.Cipriani@kitchener.ca

Consultant

GreenHouse, located at the University of Waterloo, is a social impact incubator for students and community members who want to create social or environmental change. We’re working with GreenHouse to support youth climate action through the entire grant application and project process!