Youth climate action project request for proposals

In this section

• Overview
• Eligibility
• Apply to the RFP

Project requirements

We are looking for climate action project proposals that:

• Are proposed, designed and led by at least two youth or young adults ages 15–24
• Are aligned with Minneapolis climate priorities
• Address a need in the community
• Are focused on youth leadership and action
• Are submitted by youth and a supporting organization as their fiscal sponsor
• Will be completed by Thursday, April 15, 2027
• Have a total budget of $4,950 or less
• Have total equipment and infrastructure costs no more than 50% of the total project budget

There are strict requirements for projects funded by this RFP. Read the full bid package to understand if your project is eligible.

Background

The City's Green Careers Exploration Program (GCEP) was selected as a participant in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund. The Youth Climate Action Fund helps youth and young adults put their climate ideas into action.

• Learn more about Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund
• Learn more about the Green Careers Exploration Program
• Read the Climate Equity Plan to learn about our City's climate goals and initiatives

Application deadline

Completed applications must be submitted by Thursday, Oct. 1 at 4 p.m.

Funding

Funds will be provided to awardees through a reimbursement process. Funds may be used for eligible costs directly related to carrying out a youth-led climate action project.

We have a total of $40,000 to award across multiple contracts. Selected proposals will be awarded one microgrant, at a maximum of $4,950. 

Youth leaders need to apply with a partner organization

Youth and young adults have to submit their proposal with support from an organization that can receive funding.

The project must be youth-led, but the partner organization will serve as a fiscal sponsor.  Only one proposal should be submitted for each project.

In the project proposal, organizations need to describe:

• The services they offer
• Their previous experience
• How they will support and supervise youth
• Their experience with environmental, sustainability, and/or public health programming
• Their ability to manage funding and invoices 

Partner organizations

Organizations supporting youth-led climate action projects have to:

• Be legally registered and recognized as a nonprofit or charitable organization, or be a public entity
• Have a bank account in the organization's name
• Provide hands-on support and guidance to youth throughout the project
• Support youth project leaders in exploring green career opportunities
• Share participant information with the City
• Complete a post-project evaluation 

Eligible organizations include:

• Youth-led or youth-serving organizations that support young people
• Sponsor organizations such as schools, educational institutions, museums, community organizations, or other public entities

Private companies, individuals, political parties, and organizations affiliated with political parties are not eligible.

Eligible expenses

All equipment and infrastructure costs can be no more than 50% of the total project budget.

Funding may support costs directly related to the project, including:

• Project supplies and materials
• Workshops and educational activities
• Venue rental, printing, permits
• Reasonable transportation costs
• Promotional materials
• Training and mentorship
• Limited administrative costs

When appropriate for the budget, limited funds may also be used to support youth participation, such as:

• Reasonable food stipends
• Gift cards
• Wages

Review the RFP bid package for the complete list of eligible expenses and applicable limits.

Eligible projects

Projects can target a variety of local climate and environmental challenges. Examples of general project topics include:

• Climate education and awareness
• Climate research and data collection
• Climate resilience and adaptation
• Environmental protection
• Green infrastructure 
• Local circular economy initiatives
• Preparing for climate-related disasters
• Reforestation
• Sustainable agriculture and food systems
• Sustainable transportation
• Sustainable waste management
• Youth participation in public decision-making

Read the RFP

You can find all current City bidding opportunities on the eSupplier dashboard.

View the bid package details for complete:

• eSupplier application instructions 
• Application questions
• Budget requirements
• Eligibility requirements
• Project requirements
• Required forms
• Addendum documents

View a list of City RFPs in eSupplier

Instructions to apply

• Select the event named RFP_HLTH_Youth Climate Action Projects. The event ID is 4277.
• Select 'View Bid Package' to see the event's attachments.
• Review and download the bid package attachments.
• You must submit all application materials together as one PDF.
• See the steps to submit a bid