City of Jacksonville

Who can participate?

Projects are led by young people, but funds must be disbursed to organizations. Eligible recipients include:

• Youth-led organizations (e.g. youth clubs or groups)
• Youth-serving organizations (adult-led organizations supporting young people)
• Sponsor organizations, such as city agencies, schools or other educational institutions, museums, or community organizations

Private companies, individuals or political parties or party-affiliated organizations are not eligible.

All organizations must:

• Be legally registered entities
• Be recognized as a non-profit or charitable organization under local laws (unless a public entity)
• Have a bank account in the organization’s name

What types of projects are eligible?

• Environmental education and awareness, like courses, experiences, or the arts
• Research and data collection, like mapping environmental health
• Resilience and adaptation, such as addressing water quality or heatwaves
• Green Infrastructure, reforestation, and environmental protection, like creating parks, or green roofs for community buildings
• Sustainable agriculture and food systems, like community gardens and workshops 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
• Sustainable transportation, like encouraging walking, cycling, and using public transportation
• Climate governance, like youth councils or consultation of youth for public decision

Which project expenses are eligible for Youth Climate Action Fund microgrants?

Eligible microgrant project expenses:

• Project supplies and materials, including rental and purchase of items directly needed to carry out the project, such as equipment, tools, art supplies, or technology.
• Costs for organizing community events, workshops, or educational sessions, including venue rental, printing of materials for participants, and basic refreshments.
• Costs for any necessary permits to implement the project in accordance with local regulations.
• Reasonable ground travel expenses (such as public transit, ride shares, or taxis) for youth participants or team members directly involved in project implementation.
• Promotional materials to raise awareness about the project, encourage engagement from stakeholders and the greater community, and share project results, including photography, editorial support, and videography.
• Reasonable fees for training and mentorship offered in workshops with youth participants.
• Administrative costs that local NGOs, civic groups, neighborhood clubs, schools, or other organizations may charge for administering a microgrant on behalf of youth project leads. The costs should be no more than 15% of the microgrant value.
• Small amounts to enable youth participation such as per diems for food or gift cards if these expenses are reasonable in proportion to the activities. In no event may these expenses make up the majority of the microgrant.
• Capital investments when they do not exceed 50% of the microgrant and are an essential part of the project suggested and led by youth

Ineligible microgrant project expenses:

• Services/expenses covered by existing city initiatives
• Rent or utilities, unless specified above
• Nonprofit/NGO incorporation fees
• Speaker honorariums and speaker fees
• Scholarships
• Direct support to individuals or families
• Partisan political contributions or expenses 18
• Expenses related to political campaigns, fundraisers, or projects
• Expenses related to lobbying (attempting to influence legislation) or voter registration
• Expenses related to commercial activities
• Capital campaigns, endowments, or endowed chairs
• Payments to government officials
• Events or fundraisers not related to youth climate action
• Regranting or sub-granting to other organizations or individuals

Expense Eligibility Examples