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Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF)

Students at a tree planting day

Got a bold idea for Perth? We'll help you fund it.

Think global, act local and join a global movement of young people driving climate action.

The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) empowers young people aged 15 – 24 to lead meaningful climate action and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient Perth. This funding program is delivered by the City of Perth and supported by a global funding initiative from Bloomberg Philanthropies.

What to do next

  • Review the grant guidelines to understand what’s on offer and eligibility requirements
  • Sign up for a Co-design Information Session to help turn your ideas into a grant application
  • Sign up to our subscribers list or reach out to our program lead for help here
  • Youth Climate Action Fund – how to apply

    The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) empowers young people to lead meaningful climate action and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient Perth.

    The program supports youth leadership, innovation, and practical solutions that benefit people and the planet.

    What: funds of between $1,500 and $7,000 (exc GST) to implement your idea

    Who: must be led by young people aged 15–24 and supported by a non-profit or charitable organisation responsible for the funds

    How: develop your idea, your plan, your team and your outcomes, and align with one or more of the City’s Climate Priorities – Mitigation and Resilience, Circularity, Inclusivity, and Governance.

    When: Applications open 24 August and close 2 October 2026. This grant is exhaustive funding and may close sooner where the budget is expended.

    YCAF Grant Guidelines 2026 – 2027

  • The City's climate priorities

    Projects must align with one or more of the City’s climate priorities:

    Mitigation and resilience Actions to reduce emissions or to strengthen our community, natural and built environments to withstand impacts of climate change.
    Circularity Keeping materials and resources in use for as long as possible, minimising waste and protecting our environment, waterways and natural systems.
    Inclusivity Ensuring everyone has a voice in and benefits from climate action, including First Nations peoples and those facing cultural, economic, or other barriers.
    Governance Building the networks, trust and engagement needed to accelerate meaningful climate action and enable conditions for lasting behaviour change.

  • Co-design information sessions

    If you have an idea and would like to learn more, or chat with our city staff and other potential applicants, sign up for one of our free Co-design Information Sessions.

    Register for sessions in August and September

  • Important dates

    Application timeline

    • Application open: 24 August 2026
    • Application close: 2 October 2026 (or sooner where funds exhausted)

    Results timeline

    • Successful applicants announced: November 2026

    Grant timeline – successful applicants

    • Projects funded: Projects may start anytime after the funds are dispersed in ~November 2026
    • Award event: Celebrating successful applicants and projects in ~November - December 2026
    • Projects completed by: Projects and acquittals completed by 15 April 2027
    • Global announcement: Outcomes from participating cities shared worldwide on Earth Day 22 April 2027

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