YCLC Fund for Young BIPOC Climate Leaders (US)

The Fund provides access to resources for young BIPOC climate leaders between the ages of 18 and 32 who are reshaping the broader climate movement. With a focus on centering local movements and initiatives, the YCLC Fund will uplift models of climate resistance and regenerative practices rooted in creativity and advancing transformative change. This award opportunity has been crafted to broaden their impact in the climate justice space and deepen their commitment to resourcing the changes they wish to see in the world. Award recipients will have access to capital and seed money based on a liberatory practice and framing that embraces fewer stipulations attached to the award. Awardees will be asked to share via three quick evaluations and a final narrative reflection at the end of the fund term that reports back on the impact of the award and the project’s progress. Participants may apply individually or as a part of a BIPOC collective. Please note this award is not tied to a built-in cohort experience, additional mentoring support, or virtual capacity building. Young people most directly impacted by climate disasters will be prioritized for this opportunity. They strongly encourage applications from young people who are based in the Northeast, the Gulf South, California (Central Valley), and Tribal lands.

Funding Information 

• $2,000- This funding tier provides seed grants to projects in the “idea” phase. These projects may need support getting off the ground, proving the concept, etc. These projects may be in the beginning stages and need financial support, thought partnership, mentoring, additional resources, training, materials, or skillshare to bring the idea to fruition. (They understand this project may be in the incubation and idea phase; therefore, short answers and answering the questions to the best of your ability are fully acceptable.)
• $6,000-This funding tier supports projects that are beyond the idea phase but still need support to scale and grow. A project at this level of funding might support the creation of a product (e.g., visual arts, presentation, event, etc.) or more intensive training to further advance their work.
• $8,000- This funding tier supports more established projects. These projects have demonstrated a clear proof of concept, scale, etc., and are working to expand reach and impact. A project at this level of funding might support more intensive training and skills building, fund targeted project needs, support scaling a project to reach more people, cover expenses such as stipends or vendors, etc.
• $10,000- This funding tier supports clearly well-established projects. These projects have demonstrated a clear proof of concept, scale, etc., and have previously shown their reach and impact. For a project at this level funding might support targeted project needs to further deepen and expand reach and continued scalability, in addition to intensive training, coaching, and skills building.

Uses of the Fund 

• Funding is available for new projects or already-in-motion initiatives that need additional support and may cover training, classes, workshops, certifications, education costs, the purchase of tools and equipment, etc. Projects must be completed in a community or group setting. Projects must align with a community-driven approach that centers on the needs, impact, and solutions to and in the community. All awards will be considered based on the merit of each application. Fund recipients will be selected following a panel application review. They welcome previous applicants and alumni of their youth programs, Young Black Climate Leaders (YBCL) and Young Climate Leaders of Color (YCLC) to apply for this opportunity. Current active cohort members are ineligible. A small number of awards will be available specifically to YCLC & YBCL Alumni members.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Applicants must:
  • Identify as Black, African, Afro-Latinx and or part of the Afro-Indigenous diaspora, Indigenous, and/or as a Person of Color.
  • Be based and implement their project in one of the following places: the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii), Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • Be 18-32 years old (OK to be turning 18 by December 1, or turning 32 during the project year).
  • Complete all evaluations and final Impact & Narrative Reflection
  • Attend a virtual Awardee session and orientation
  • Provide Scheduling for Optional Peer Cyphers
  • Complete a Reflection Project due December 2025
  • Special note: Only one person may apply on behalf of a group or collective. All collective members must be BIPOC, between the ages of 18-32 and meet eligibility requirements.
  • If your collective project is awarded funds, the funds will be dispersed to the primary applicant on behalf of the project team.

For more information, visit People’s Climate Innovation Center.