City of Melbourne, with the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action Fund External link is offering funding for climate change efforts led by young people aged 15 to 25 years.
From education programs and creating plans, to taking action – if you have a bold idea for our municipality, we want to hear about it.
We are offering a second round of micro grants of between $1500 and $7500 for projects led by young people, supported by organisations that work with young people.
Applications have now closed.
For more information about the Youth Climate Action Grants, email Krystel.bendle@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
2025 Youth Climate Action Grant recipients
| Organisation | Project name | Project summary |
| Future Forte Incorporated | Green Pathways: Promoting Green Jobs for International Students | This project will promote Green Jobs for International Students as an in-person workshop designed to introduce young people to sustainability careers. It includes two core sessions on how climate change impacts industries and how to build a professional profile for climate work, followed by a Green Careers Fair & Networking Session. |
| Eco Warriors Australia | Yedabila Habitat Pods - Air-conditioned Turtle Domes | This project will be used to run Community Workshops where students and others will be taught traditional First Nations weaving techniques to create Yedabila Habitat Pods, which will provide a cool microclimate habitat for freshwater turtle nests. During the workshops information will also be provided on why turtles need the pods, including the impacts of climate change on temperature-dependent sex determination in turtles. Following creation, the pods will be installed at key areas for turtles. The project will also target areas where fox predation is a known problem. |
| Sustainability Team at the University of Melbourne | Pollinators in Peril Multimedia Project | This public awareness campaign will use a multimedia approach to educate Naarm (City of Melbourne) residents and highlight the impacts of climate change on native bees, pollinators, and flowering plants, plus other environmental phenomena and bio-indicators like the timing of seasonal events. By incorporating First Nations knowledge (especially Wurundjeri people) of climate and seasons, the project will educate and engage the Melbourne community on the importance of pollinators and their conservation. |
| Sustainability Team at the University of Melbourne | Eco-Resilience: Melbourne Urban Biodiversity Expo | This project will empower young people to recognise the hidden ties between urban living and preserving biodiversity through an Urban Biodiversity Expo. This will showcase exciting local projects, run hands-on workshops and build critical awareness of links between biodiversity loss and extreme weather. Additionally, an online platform, social media, and a newsletter provide young people with resources for taking action to preserve biodiversity and mitigate extreme weather, celebrate biodiversity wins, and offer volunteer opportunities that can connect young people to nature. |
| Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at University of Melbourne | 'Adopt a Verge' Community program for Native street gardens | This 'Adopt a Verge' project engages young people and residents to green their urban streetscapes and nature strips to enhance biodiversity and urban canopy cover in the City of Melbourne in a culturally considerate manner. Funding will support workshops in areas with low greenspace and canopy cover, fostering community connection to local ecology and First Nations knowledge holders. Residents will receive native plant spotter's guides, seeds, and the opportunity to 'adopt a verge' by creating and maintaining native gardens in their residential area. |
| Melbourne City Mission - Frontyard Youth Services | Extreme Weather Resilience Resources for People Experiencing Homelessness | This project will fund the creation of physical and digital resources that provide information and education to people experiencing homelessness on the dangers of extreme weather conditions, strategies to manage associated risks, and where they can seek relevant services and support. These will be codesigned through community workshops to address compounding needs/risk factors, ensuring the content is relevant, accessible and appropriately delivered. |
| Climate for Change | Trishlaa: Swapping Culture, Shaping Change | This collaborative project pilots three pathways to reshape clothing consumption among young people. It explores: (1) demand for a digital clothing swap platform through user research, (2) interest in in-person swap events via large-scale activations at universities, schools and community hubs, and (3) a workshop series combining education, discussion and hands-on learning (e.g. repair cafés, climate talks, op shop myth-busting). |
| The Venny Inc | Junior Urban Farmer Program (JUFP) | This project is to encourage, educate and support children and young people to take an active, ongoing role in activating and maintaining the food garden and composting systems at the Kensington Adventure Playground. It will involve identifying children and young people who are interested in joining the program, providing them with the skills and education needed and implementing systems to ensure our young urban farmers have ongoing support from The Venny staff and garden volunteers. |
| Green Citizens Australia Network | EcoNext: Youth-Led Innovation Hub | This project will deliver EcoNext, a youth-driven incubator empowering young people (ages 12–24) from multicultural backgrounds to ideate climate-tech microbusinesses that can address environmental challenges. The funding will be used to support venue hire, mentoring sessions, youth-led innovation workshops, and the final showcase event where participants pitch their sustainable solutions to the community, industry leaders, and investors. |
| Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at University of Melbourne | The Power of Your Purchase: Responsible Consumerism Workshop Series | This project will involve a series of workshops on responsible consumerism and greenwashing awareness that comprise a mix of education and self-reflection elements to both upskill young people in identifying greenwashing products and get them to interrogate their own understandings of responsible shopping behaviour. |
| St Hilda's College | Waste at St Hilda's College | This project is empowering young people to confront our waste crisis by transforming students from passive consumers to environmental leaders. The project will conduct a student accommodation waste audit, establish permanent food waste systems that continue long after funding ends and run educational workshops teaching lifelong skills in setting up, maintaining and using compost and worm farm solutions. The project’s goal is to create a generation of Melbournians with the tools and motivation to revolutionise how our city handles waste. |
| Climate for Change | Climate and Biodiversity Youth Leadership Program | This project will empower 100 youth leaders to advocate for nature-positive climate solutions through a fun, interactive, and inspiring day of biodiversity education and climate communication student leadership training. On-site workshops at the Melbourne Zoo will provide pathways for the young people's climate leadership journey. |
| Climate and Health Alliance | 2025 Melbourne Youth Climate & Health Summit | The project will establish a Youth Leaders Council and run a two-day youth climate summit to bring together young people interested in the intersection of climate and health to share ideas, discuss policies and engage with experts. Scheduled after the Global Climate and Health Summit, there will be a strong focus on applying a health lens to understand the co-benefits of climate action solutions within the City of Melbourne. The first day will facilitate climate and health education, including guest speakers and an expert panel. Day two will be a youth hackathon for proposing actionable climate solutions. |
| STEM Sisters | Dress To Express Melbourne 2025 during Melbourne Fashion Week (20 to 26 October 2025) | Dress to Express Melbourne 2025 empowers young women migrants, international students, and women of colour aged 18-25 through sustainable fashion during Melbourne Fashion Week. Funding will support event production, workshops, and the Clothes Swap Lounge, promoting environmental sustainability and cultural diversity while building confidence and community among participants. |
| North & West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centre | Moving Towards Sustainability: THE SHOW | This project will deliver a one-day Sustainability Fair which will be held during University of Melbourne Sustainability Week (15–19 September 2025). The fair will offer attendees a tangible, interactive experience of what a sustainable future could look like using creative arts mediums. Complementing the exhibition, a series of workshops and activities will be held to deepen student awareness of environmental issues and promote sustainable practices. |
| Australian Youth Climate Coalition | Climate Justice Training Weekend | This project will deliver a training summit that build the skills and confidence of young people to make a difference on climate change. It will support 25 young people from Melbourne in two days of training and relationship-building. Key topics will include understanding how climate change intersects with social inequities and how you can make a difference, how to communicate climate and solutions, and skills to improve teamwork, leadership and facilitation. |
| The Wattle Fellowship at the University of Melbourne | Bleed Lightly | This project will equip young women with the knowledge and skills to make more sustainable menstrual management choices. Currently, the average woman will use and throw away in excess of 10,000 single-use period products throughout their lifetime, generating significant emissions and producing tremendous plastic waste. They will facilitate educational workshops for young Melbournian women aged 13-22 years to raise awareness of the environmental burden of conventional period products, provide practical and hands-on education about sustainable management options, and empower them to prioritise sustainability in their menstrual management. |
| Drummond Street Services | Upcycling Fashion & Bike Riding Workshop | The project will comprise of two parts. The first is an upcycling workshop, which will aim to empower young people to promote and learn about sustainable fashion by transforming clothing with their creativity to develop hands-on practical skills, by educating young people about environmental awareness and responsible consumption. The second part will consist of a bike riding workshop which will aim to inspire young people about healthier lifestyles, raising awareness of the environmental benefits of cycling, such as reducing the carbon footprint, and learning cycling skills with a focus of fostering a sense of connection to the community. |
| Sports Environment Alliance | Green Sports Day - City of Melbourne | This project will deliver a Green Sport Day in Australia in October 2025. The Sport Day will actively engage organisations, participants and volunteers involved in sport and active recreation, increasing awareness of climate change and sustainability, encouraging action and commitment to effect real change on our environment at their local clubs. |
- Applications open: 3 March 2025 at 9am (AEST)
- Applications close: 30 March 2025 at 11:59pm (AEST)
- Notifications of application outcomes: April 2025
- Projects to be fully completed: by 31 October 2025
- Project acquittals to be completed: by 15 November 2025.
All applications will be assessed by a nominated panel before final decisions are made.
$1,500 to $7,500 (excl. GST)
- Individuals cannot apply for funding – funds will be granted only to organisations that support young people.
To be eligible to apply, the application must be made by one of the following organisation types, in partnership with young people:
- Incorporated association
- Public Company
- Charitable Foundation
- School
- University / TAFE institution
- Social enterprise
It is expected that the project will be lead by young people and that the organisation will take responsibility for assisting young people to lead and apply for the funding.
If successful they will receive and manage the funds, provide coverage for the activity under their public liability insurance, ensure the project is completed and acquitted on time and provide advice and support to the young people when needed.
If you are a young person with an idea but are in need of a partner agency, please contact krystel.bendle@melbourne.vic.gov.au
If you're unsure whether your organisation is eligible to apply, please email Krystel.bendle@melbourne.vic.gov.au to confirm.
All projects must support the achievement of at least one of our climate priorities:
Emissions
Our city is powered by renewables, uses active transport and has a circular economy.
Nature
Our natural environment is cared for and cools the city.
Built environment
Our assets and infrastructure are built for extreme weather.
People and Governance
Our community is connected and prepared for extreme weather.
To learn more about our climate priorities, visit Taking bold action on climate change.
| Climate category | Example youth-led projects |
| Emissions |
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| Nature |
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| Built environment |
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| People and governance |
|
What we will fund
- Costs for organising community events, workshops or educational sessions, including venue, printing and basic catering
- Promotional materials to raise awareness of the project and increase engagement, as well as share project results through photography, videography, editorial support
- Reasonable fees for training and mentorship offered in workshops for young people
- Supplies for projects such as equipment, tools, art supplies technology
- Funds to enable young people to participate such as travel, food or gift cards
- Permit costs needed for the project
- Auspicing fees which should be no more than 15 percent of total grant
- Initiatives within the City of Melbourne
What we won't fund
- Religious or political organisations or activities
- Capital campaigns, endowments or endowed chairs
- Commercial activities and/or organisations
- Projects that are already funded
- Operational costs such as rent, utilities, insurance, incorporation fees
- Activities that denigrate or exclude parts of the community or that breach Commonwealth or State anti-vilification laws
- Political campaigns or fundraising activities
- Scholarships or direct support for young people or families
- Speaker honorariums or speaker fees
- Events not related to youth climate initiatives
- Projects that have already commenced or occurred
- Initiatives that take place outside of the City of Melbourne municipality
- Incomplete applications
- Late submissions
How to apply
- Read the guidelines above.
- Apply through the application form on Smartygrants External link - direct link to Youth Climate Action Grants round will be live from 9am on Monday 3 March 2025.
| Organisation | Project name | Project summary |
|---|---|---|
| The Wattle Fellowship at University of Melbourne | Melbourne Student Community - Building Around Urban Sustainable Farming | Aeroponics systems (soilless vertical gardening) developed by University of Melbourne and Swinburne students, to be installed at local student accommodation to promote urban greening and sustainable growing practices. The vegetables produced will be used to hold community-building events in partnership with the Healthy Eating and Nutrition Society (HENS) of University of Melbourne as well as dinners to spark interest in agriculture with a focus on sustainability and raise awareness on climate impact on food systems. Community engagement will be led by RMIT and copywriting, design, and marketing by University of Melbourne students. |
| STEM Sisters Victoria Incorporated | SWOPSIS digital swapping platform | SWOP SIS (www.swopsis.com) digital swapping platform. The platform allows people to swap clothing, promoting environmental sustainability and cultural diversity while building confidence and community among participants. |
| Kensington Community High School | Environment Safety: Student Power | Year 7-12 Kensington Community High School students will grow food on site at school, devise a sustainable school composting and paper recycling system in partnership with Kensington Urban Farmers, make food from produce grown to share at school, participate in community provided sustainability workshops, and make a video clip to promote their urban farm to share with other schools and to promote urban farming to the local and broader community. |
| The Wattle Fellowship at University of Melbourne | Bee Biodiversity in the Burbs - Bee Hotel Building Workshop Series | Educational workshops to learn about creating your own bee hotel, the value of native bees, prompting more people to assist in their conservation. The scarcity of nesting materials in cities makes bee hotels invaluable by providing crucial habitat for native bees in our parks, gardens and green spaces. |
| The Wattle Fellowship at University of Melbourne | Melbourne Student Repair Network | The Melbourne Student Repair Network will engage students in the hands-on fixing of household items, garment repair and bicycle maintenance to enable them to directly participate in the circular economy by utilising their skills to repair, reuse and recycle. Students with relevant repair skills will be supported to deliver educational training workshops to their peers to kickstart this powerful student community. |
| Green Citizens Australia Network | Youth Climate Summit | This project aims to organise a Youth Climate Summit, providing a platform for young people to engage in discussions and collaborative actions addressing climate change, with the theme ‘Youth empowerment and celebration’. The summit will serve as a catalyst for youth-led initiatives, advocacy, and community action. Funding will be used for planning and delivering the event. |
| The Wattle Fellowship at University of Melbourne | Melbourne Youth Ocean Summit and Hackathon | A series of co-design workshops with young people followed by a Melbourne Youth Ocean Summit and Hackathon. The project will bring together young people across Melbourne to foster ocean leaders by providing young people with knowledge and inspiration to actively make our oceans healthier. Young people will develop tangible solutions in response to UN Sustainable Development Goal ‘Life Underwater’ that directly benefit Melbourne’s marine biodiversity and community resilience in the face of extreme weather. |
| Regen Melbourne | Green Spaces in Unusual Places | The project is both an initiative to promote green space, and a community engagement tool to promote climate conversations. It will involve setting up a series of pop-up parks in unusual urban spaces. Each park is different with a unique conversation focus centered around disaster preparedness plans, innovative climate solutions and community desires. The idea uses an art installation concept inspired by the Rising Festival in Melbourne |
| Multi-cultural Leadership Initiative | Multicultural EcoStory: Melbourne climate tour and storytelling | Creation of a workshop to empower young people of multicultural backgrounds in telling their climate story around adaptation, resilience, sustainability and community, including understanding how extreme weather is impacting on the community and how to prepare for it. |
| Future Forte Inc | Green Pathways: Empowering International Students for Climate Resilience | A three-part workshop series educating international students on Melbourne-specific climate challenges, resilience strategies, and green job opportunities. This initiative aims to enhance climate awareness and preparedness among students. |
