Youth Climate Action Fund

About the fund

The Youth Climate Action Fund is a global initiative led by Bloomberg Philanthropies that supports cities to work alongside young people to deliver local climate solutions. You can find out more about the fund here: Youth Climate Action Fund | Bloomberg Philanthropies 

Who can apply?

You can apply if:

• you are aged 15-24 years
• your project will take place in Tauranga  
• your project supports at least one of Council's climate priorities:
  • contributing to emissions reductions, e.g. transitioning to active and lower emissions transport, energy efficient homes and classrooms, waste and circularity
  • supporting us, as a city, to understand our risks and prepare for a changing climate e.g. citizen science, education programmes 
  • enhancing nature and biodiversity to help us be more resilient to a changing climate e.g. coastal or riparian planting  
  • community action and awareness of climate change, e.g. events, exhibitions, workshops.  
•  you're completing your project with at least one other rangatahi aged 15-24
•  your project will be completed by 15 April 2027 
•  you are partnering with a support organisation who will apply for the funding on your behalf. 

What can you apply for?

Have an idea? We want to hear it. 

You don’t need to have everything figured out – just an idea and the drive to make a difference and support Tauranga’s climate priorities.  

Not sure what your project could look like? Here are some climate-related project examples to help spark some ideas:

• Sustainable transportation, like encouraging walking, cycling, and using public transportation
• Climate education and awareness, like courses, experiences, or the arts
• Green Infrastructure, reforestation, and environmental protection.
• Research and data collection, like mapping environmental health
• Resilience and adaptation, such as addressing water quality or heatwaves
• Sustainable agriculture and food systems, like urban farms that would enrich community access to fresh food
• Promotion and advancement of circular economy, like sustainable fashion or rethinking the use of discarded materials
• Sustainable waste management, like sorting, collection, or cleaning
• Climate governance, like youth councils or consultation of youth for public decisions

How to apply

1) Come up with your idea

Think about a climate issue you care about and how you could make a difference in Tauranga.  Need help shaping your idea?  We can help.
Email youthclimateaction@tauranga.govt.nz to chat and get prepared ahead of applications opening. 

2) Partner with an organisation that supports youth and/or the environment

Projects will need a partner organisation to support them. 

• A partner organisation is a group that:
•  Receives and manages the funding
•  Provides oversight and support
•  Helps ensure your project runs smoothly

We can help connect you with a partner organisation. Email us to get the ball rolling: youthclimateaction@tauranga.govt.nz

3) Submit your application

Applications open on Monday, 10 August 2026. You’ll apply through an online form and tell us:

• What your idea is
• What impact it will have
• How you’ll deliver it

4) Get support along the way

If you're unsure about anything:

• Council and partners can help guide you – we will be hosting two co-creation sessions during the application period. 
• Support organisations can help shape your idea
• You can ask questions before applying

What we will fund

Youth-led initiatives for people aged 15–24

• Projects delivered in Tauranga
• Projects that deliver clear climate or environmental benefits and align with Tauranga’s climate priorities
• Projects that are practical and achievable within the timeframe
• Projects that demonstrate creativity, innovation, or community benefit
• Projects supported by a partner organisation
• Costs for organising community events, workshops, or educational sessions (e.g. venue, printing, basic catering)
• Promotional materials to raise awareness, increase engagement, and share results (e.g. photography, videography, editorial support)
• Reasonable fees for training and mentorship in workshops for young people
• Project supplies (e.g. equipment, tools, art supplies, technology)
• Costs that enable youth participation (e.g. travel, food, gift cards)
• Permit costs required for the project
• Administration fees for a support organisation managing the funding on your behalf (up to 15%)

What we won't fund

• Projects lacking youth leadership
• Projects without a clear link to climate action or environmental outcomes
• Projects delivered outside Tauranga
• Projects for private or commercial gain
• Projects already funded by another source
• Projects including ongoing operational costs beyond the project timeframe
• Projects that are not realistic or deliverable within the funding period
• Religious or political organisations or activities
• Fundraising activities
• Capital campaigns, endowments, or endowed chairs
• Commercial activities or organisations
• Operational costs (e.g. rent, utilities, insurance, incorporation fees)
• Scholarships or direct financial support for individuals or families
• Speaker honorariums or fees
• Projects that have already commenced or been completed
• Incomplete or late applications

Appendix A - Eligible and Ineligible Expenses (293kb pdf)

FAQs

Key documents

• Appendix A - Eligible and Ineligible Expenses (293kb pdf)

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