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YOUTH CLIMATE
ACTION FUND

Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies

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Funds are still available. Apply NOW!

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The City of La Crosse was awarded a second round of funds by Bloomberg Philanthropy allocating $85,000 for YCAF microgrants. This program is being coordinated with the help of the Sustainability Institute and the La Crosse Area Community Foundation. Applications will be accepted starting March 6 and continuing until June 1 or until all funding is awarded, whichever comes first. The grants will be distributed on a rolling basis, beginning in April.

A SECOND ROUND OF YCAF FUNDING

VISION

The YCAF aims to empower young people to design, implement, and govern climate solutions, fostering a more sustainable future.

GOAL

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The goal of the YCAF is to activate youth-led initiatives and address urgent climate challenges in La Crosse. All projects must fit within the strategies of the City's Climate Action Plan.

ELIGIBILITY & AWARD SIZE

Open to applicants between the ages of 15-24 years old whose initiatives directly benefit the city of La Crosse. If youth-led groups are not incorporated entities, they may partner with one that serves as the micro-grant recipient and fund administrator.  Entities must have a formal tax-exempt status of some kind, (for example a school district or not-for-profit organization), a bank account in its name, and an ability to manage the funds. La Crosse Area Community Foundation can only disperse funds to tax exempt, charitable organizations. If a youth does not have a partner organization who fits the requirements to receive and manage the project funds, the La Crosse Area Community Foundation and/or the Sustainability Institute can help in locating a supportive project partner.

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Successful applicants will receive a microgrant, distributed to their sponsor organization, ranging from $1,000 - $5,000 to fund their projects. Youth can apply for more than one project. Sponsor organizations cannot support more than three projects.

RESOURCES
 

GRANT TIMELINE

  • Informational Zoom: Thursday, March 6 - 6:00pm

  • Application Opens: 3/12

  • Informational Zoom: Wednesday, March 12 - 12:00pm

  • Grant Writing Recorded Walk Through - March 18

  • Application review begins for applications received by 3/31

  • CAPSC initial selection: 4/14 

  • 1st Grantee Announcement: 4/22 at Ecolution Event

  • CAPSC second selection: 4/30

  • Support Workshop: 5/7 6:30-8pm (Drop-in) RSVP NOW

  • Application Closes: 6/1​ - unless funds are exhausted prior

  • CAPSC additional selection: 6/9 (if needed)

  • Projects completed by: September 30, 2025

Have a question? Contact us!

YCAF GRANT - ROUND 2 AWARD PROJECT GRANTEES

  • Karissa AdamsMerit Badge and Adventure Badge Kits for Scouts

  • Cassi Creason Community Wealth-Building for Homeless

  • Charlie GaugerRenew the GROW School Gardens

  • Adela PiggushExtreme Weather Kits for Vulnerable Populations

  • Peter ThomsonFilm Capturing La Crosse’s Passion for Nature

  • Kaarina Dunn

  • Grant Mathu

  • Ishmael Dekrahn

  • Aditi Muduganti

UPCOMING EVENTS

YCAF SUPPORT WORKSHOP

Wednesday, May 7th 6:30-8:00PM

Western Technical College

Union Market - RSVP NOW

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The 2025 Youth Climate Action Fund grant is being distributed and administered on behalf of the City of La Crosse by the

La Crosse Area Community Foundation in collaboration with a supported partnership from the Sustainability Institute.

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