The Office of the Lord Mayor of Kampala City has launched the second round of the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), a program dedicated to empowering young people to take action against climate change. This initiative, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, provides funding and technical assistance to youth-led projects, enabling them to design and implement impactful climate solutions.
Background
In 2024, the inaugural round of YCAF successfully funded 10 youth-led organizations that developed innovative solutions such as mobile apps to track plastic pollution, green space restoration projects, and climate education initiatives. Building on this success, the second round aims to support even more ambitious and creative solutions, ensuring that youth engagement becomes a lasting part of Kampala’s climate action strategy.
Focus Areas
Applicants are encouraged to develop projects in one or more of the following areas:
- Climate Education, Awareness, and Advocacy
- Public campaigns, school programs, and workshops.
- Digital and community-based climate literacy initiatives.
- Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
- Tree planting, urban farming, recycling, and waste management.
- Climate-resilient solutions for urban communities.
- Climate Policies, Negotiations, and Partnerships
- Advocacy for sustainable policies and local legislation.
- Collaborations with local authorities and climate organizations.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for funding, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Projects must align with the Kampala City Climate Action Plan.
- Organizations must be youth-led, with at least three members aged 15-24.
- Entities must be formally incorporated or registered. (Unregistered organizations can partner with a registered entity to receive funds.)
- Must have a bank account in the organization’s name.
- Projects must demonstrate high impact, innovation, and sustainability.
- Applicants must have the capacity to implement the project and manage funds effectively.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Proof of organization registration.
- Banking details.
- Project description, including:
- The problem being addressed.
- Objectives and intended impact.
- Sustainability plan.
- Detailed budget, ensuring that no more than 50% of funds are allocated to equipment and capital investment.
Eligible and Ineligible Expenses
Eligible Expenses:
- Project supplies and materials.
- Costs for organizing community events and workshops.
- Travel expenses for youth participants.
- Promotional materials.
- Training and mentorship for youth participants.
Ineligible Expenses:
- Services already covered by existing city initiatives.
- Rent or utilities (except where explicitly specified).
- Nonprofit/NGO incorporation fees.
- Speaker honorariums and fees.
- Scholarships or direct individual support.
- Political campaigns or partisan activities.
- Capital campaigns, endowments, or fundraisers not related to youth climate action.
Application Timeline
- February 4, 2025 – Applications Open
- March 15, 2025 – Applications Close (Deadline: 4:00 PM EAT)
- March 20 – April 10, 2025 – Selection Process
- April 22, 2025 – Winners Announced
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online by March 15, 2025, at 4:00 PM (EAT).
Join the movement! Be part of a new generation of climate leaders driving meaningful change in Kampala. Apply now and turn your climate action ideas into reality!
