The Global Youth Climate Action Fund (GYCAF) is the first of its kind climate fund dedicated to financing youth-led climate action around the world. The idea for the fund was birthed at COP25 and developed over a three months consultation period that involved virtual dialogues with finance experts to help curate a vehicle that supports and champions youth-led climate action. This initiative is hosted by BLI Global.
The GYCAF defines youth-led climate action as any initiative, activity, project, or program that is being coordinated or led by a young individual, a youth organization, community-based organization, or business venture that is geared towards climate adaptation, mitigation as a primary focus of the organization or entity (where the purpose of founding this organization was to solemnly combat climate change) or as a secondary focus (where the purpose of founding this organization was to commit to reducing their carbon footprint).
Successful applicants will be awarded grants between USD 500 - USD 1,000, depending on the grantee application.
- Two Program Managers (Grant-phase of the fund)
- Regional Board Members (3 Active and 1 Alternative Board Member)
- Two Steering Committee Members (UN Youth Representative, YOUNGO Finance and Markets Representative)
- Three Advisory Board Members (including 1 Academia, 1 Finance Consultant, 1 Donor Representative)
- GYCAF country ambassadors
The Fund targets youth-led organizations and networks seeking funding for their projects and businesses. The full Fund eligibility criteria is outlined below:
- Youth-led organization (80 percent majority-owned; the definition of youth adopted is under 30 years of age)
- Strong motivation on creating change or an impact in the community through grassroots activism
- Conducting grassroots activism in their community
- Seeking grants to kick-start or support already existing initiatives
- Clear environment and socio-economic impacts of the project/initiative
- A clear idea of how to use the funds and why this grant will be useful to create more value and impact for the project
- Demonstrates well-planned project, with well-developed strategy, timeline, budgeting, and team management
The focus of microgrants that the Fund supports include the following:
- Sustainable Agriculture: smart agriculture to ensure food sustainability.
- Clean Energy: powering communities in need of light and energy.
- Oceans: protecting marine life and mitigating climate catastrophes.
- Capacity Building: empowering youth with entrepreneurship skills.
- Green Stewardship: protecting biodiversity and influencing behavioral change.
- Technology and Innovation: breakthroughs that solve climate-related problems.
Global
- Goal Alignment
- Goal aligns with GYCAF vision of realizing youth projects in sustainability
- Functionality and Relevance
- Understand the audience and relevance of the project to the intended audience
- Determine how the project addresses a problem that is not currently or sufficiently being addressed
- Financial Planning
- Great financial awareness with a clear idea of the project finances to be sustainable (including a clear budget/needs table)
- A clear understanding of how the team plans to meet the financial needs of the project
- Understanding long-term financial implications of the project (if relevant)
- Team
- Individuals who are motivated and committed to the project
- Demonstrates cohesion and excellent group dynamics with a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities
- Implementability
- Demonstrates clear impact with a focus on the community
- Have a clear timeline for implementation of the project
- Understand the key barriers to the successful deployment of the project and how the team plans on overcoming them