Somerville Youth Climate Action Fund

Youth (Somerville community members between ages 15-24) will propose projects and partner with the City and local nonprofit partners to implement microgrant-funded projects. Microgrant awards will be between $1,000 - $5,000.

Microgrant project applications must address one or more goals or priorities identified in Somerville’s community climate action plan, Climate Forward. Project priority areas include: buildings & energy, community health & resiliency, natural resources & waste, transportation & mobility, and leadership.

Read the YCAF program flyer:

• English 

Project teams should include:

• at least two (2) Somerville youth
• local partner organization (the City can help connect you to organizations, reach out if you need help!)
• City staff
• optional: community mentors; individual, vetted community members with applicable knowledge and skills

Interested in submitting a project idea? Fill out this interest form and City staff will follow-up with you. 

This program will disburse grant funds to youth-led climate action projects. In order to receive funds, project teams (led by Somerville youth ages 15-24) must submit a project application. Once the application period ends, a review committee will review proposals and select projects based on program eligibility criteria. There are four phases to this program: the application period, notification period, implementation period, and project completion.
 

Key Dates:

• Applications open: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
• Applications close: Thursday, October 15, 2026
• Project funds disbursed: Friday, November 13, 2026
• Project must be completed: Thursday, April 14, 2027

Celebrate the YCAF Kick Off with us!

• Wednesday, September 9th from 5-6:30pm
• Somerville High School Cafeteria 
• 81 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 2143
• Dinner will be provided

Join us for the kick off of the Youth Climate Action Fund! Come learn more about this opportunity, start brainstorming your project, and meet other interested youth. 

Microgrant project applications must address one or more goals or priorities identified in Somerville’s community climate action plan, Climate Forward. Project priority areas include: buildings & energy, community health & resiliency, natural resources & waste, transportation & mobility, and leadership.

Project applications must include the following to be eligible for a microgrant: 

Project Team

• The project team includes at least two (2) Somerville youth (ages 15-24)
• The project team includes a local community partner organization - reach out to the City for more information! If you don’t have an organization in mind (they must be a registered non-profit), then the City can partner you with a partner organization

Project Topic

• The project idea supports Climate Forward and is related to at least one of the five Climate Forward topic areas

Project Feasibility

• The project outlines a budget, with the total budget being between $1,000-$5,000

• The project can be completed by April 15, 2027

   

Check out this project eligibility matrix for more details.

Not sure if your project team and/or project idea is eligible? Fill out this interest form and City staff will follow-up with you.

The application period is open through October 15th. 

Fill out the application now

Need some help with your project idea? Submit the interest form below and City staff will reach out to you.

Request help with your application or project idea

Attend application office hours (in-person and virtual options will be available). Office hour schedule is TBD.

If you are an organization interested in supporting youth climate action projects, please email Emily Sullivan at esullivan@somervillema.gov for more information.