We are thrilled to announce the fifth iteration of the Young Black Climate Leaders (YBCL) Youth Futures Fund, open until March 27! Over the years, this program has supported and uplifted young Black climate leaders who are driving change in their communities. As we continue this journey, we are excited to once again provide funding and resources to support transformative climate justice work. The YBCL Youth Futures Fund provides financial awards to young Black climate leaders who are advocating for and transforming their communities toward racial and climate justice. The fund offers access to capacity-building support and resources for young Black climate leaders who are reshaping the broader climate movement. With a focus on centering local movements and initiatives, the YBCL Youth Futures Fund will uplift models of climate resistance and regenerative practices rooted in creativity and advancing transformative change.
Funding is available for new projects or initiatives already in motion 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 and align with a community-driven approach that centers on the needs, impact, and solutions to and within the community. All awards will be considered based on the merit of each application. Fund recipients will be selected following a panel application review and (if needed) an interview process. We welcome previous applicants and alumni of our sibling program, Young Climate Leaders of Color (YCLC), who have applied in the past to re-apply, if interested. The exception to this is if you are part of the current YBCL or YCLC cohorts. Previous YBCL cohort members are eligible to re-apply but note that priority will be given to new applicants over alumni. To be eligible for a YBCL Youth Futures Fund award, applicants must: 1. Identify as Black, African, Afro-Latinx and or part of the Afro-Indigenous diaspora. 2. 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. 3. Be 18-28 years old (OK to turn 18 by July 1 or 29 during the project). 4. Be available to complete a ZOOM interview - interviews will be scheduled between May 7 and May 16, 2025 (if needed). Fund applications will be accepted from February 25 to March 27, 2025 at 11:59 pm PT. Application decisions will be announced on June 9, 2025. Please share widely with your networks! If you have any questions please refer to our FAQs or email ybcl@climateinnovation.net. |