Application period open for the Municipality's Youth Climate Action Fund micro-grant program

Applications are officially open for the Municipality of Anchorage's Youth Climate Action Fund micro-grant program. This initiative aims to empower local youth to design and lead innovative, climate-driven projects in our community.

Anchorage was one of 300 communities worldwide selected to receive funding for Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action Fund in 2026. The Youth Climate Action Fund provides capital and capacity to support municipalities in mobilizing young residents ages 15 to 24 to design and deliver solutions aligned with municipal priorities.

The program offers a total of $40,000 in micro-grant funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies - not property tax dollars - with individual project awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Youth ages 15 to 24 residing in the Municipality are encouraged to submit creative proposals that address the distinct environmental conditions, opportunities, and challenges unique to Anchorage. Prior grant-writing experience is not required. The Alaska Conservation Foundation is partnering with the Municipality as a co-sponsor of this program.

"This is an exciting opportunity for young people in Anchorage to help lead the way in building a more resilient community," said Mayor Suzanne LaFrance. "These youth-led microgrants will allow our youngest residents to have a direct hand in securing Anchorage's future. We are proud to partner with Bloomberg Philanthropies and put these resources to work right here in our neighborhoods."

To qualify for funding, proposed projects must align with one or more of the four key focus areas from the Municipality's 2019 Climate Action Plan :

• Energy for buildings and transportation
• Consumption and waste
  
• Food systems
• Urban forests and watersheds

Because grant funds must be disbursed through an eligible tax-exempt entity, youth applicants will work alongside local non-profit partners who serve as fiscal sponsors. Local non-profit organizations interested in partnering with youth leaders are encouraged to step forward as sponsors for incoming project ideas.

A Q&A session will be held Sept. 17, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., for applicants and potential non-profit sponsors to connect and ask questions about project ideas and about the program and application process.

To learn more about the micro-grant program and to register for the Q&A, visit www.muni.org/Departments/Mayor/Pages/Youth-Climate-Action-Fund-​Grants.aspx.

Key Program Dates:

• Applications Opened: August 24, 2026
• Q&A Session: September 17, 2026 | 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
• Applications Close: October 18, 2026

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Contact: Emily Goodykoontz [email protected] 1 (907) 205-6683

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