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New! Youth Climate Action Grant
New! Youth Climate Action Grant
Do you have NYC Public Schools students who want to green a space; lead a waste audit; develop a climate lesson, experience or research tool; plan and plant trees; start a youth campaign; or lead a similar solutions-oriented climate project?
For the 2026-27 school year, we have a new grant opportunity for high school students to bring student voice into City climate planning.
NYC is among the 300 global cities selected to join Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund efforts to engage youth in municipal climate solutions, building capacity, organizational sustainability, and trust with City government.
For the first time, NYC Public Schools invites high school students to apply for funding for climate projects ($1-4K), with grantees receiving technical support and opportunities to share their projects with City leaders.
Info Sessions
Info Sessions
Students interested in applying for the grant, along with supporting staff from their schools, can join a virtual information session to learn more:
If you can't attend the info session, watch the recorded session (requires schools.nyc.gov login).
2026-27 Youth Climate Action Grant Guidelines
2026-27 Youth Climate Action Grant Guidelines
Up to twenty winning schools will receive $1,000-4,000 to support student-led projects this school year.
The application is open now and closes Friday, October 23 at 11:59PM.
Read eligibility requirements and application details below.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
Eligibility and Application Requirements
The grant is open to all NYC Public Schools with students ages 14-21. Applicants must attend a New York City Public School.
At least two youth project leads are required, but your proposal can include a larger student group (such as Green Team or Student Council).
Before applying, you will need a Project Advisor, and Principal approval to submit your application.
Youth Project Leads
Youth Project Leads
Two students must serve as your Youth Project Leads.
Youth project leads will work with our Office throughout the year to support project implementation and to develop leadership skills.
At least one youth project lead must attend monthly in-person meetings on Thursdays from 4:30PM-6:30PM.
Project Advisor
Project Advisor
A teacher or staff from your school must serve as your project advisor, and will be the direct contact for our Office.
They should be familiar with your project and school budgeting processes.
Project Requirements
Project Requirements
Each project proposal must state what happens in the project, the result (the measurable output showing immediate accomplishments), and the impact (how the project creates changes in behavior, knowledge, attitudes, or processes)
You must also include a draft of how you'll spend your budget.
The proposed project must be completed and shared in a planned presentation by April 8, 2027, in advance of Earth Day.
Proposals should align with one of the four Climate Action Day themes, building on PlaNYC Strategic Climate Plan.
Reduce Waste (to reduce carbon emissions through waste prevention, reduction, recycling, reuse, circularity practices like composting).
Increase Energy Efficiency (to meet City targets to be carbon neutral by 2050, including conservation, electrification, renewables).
Focus on Water (to conserve water, support clean water ecosystems, and adapt to increased rainfall).
Expand and Improve Green Space (to help protect us from climate threats, improve health, and provide outdoor learning and play spaces to learn and connect).
Expectations and Commitments for Winning Projects
Expectations and Commitments for Winning Projects
Youth project leads will work with our Office throughout the year to support project implementation and to develop leadership skills.
One youth project lead must attend monthly in-person meetings on Thursdays from 4:30PM-6:30PM (exact dates and location to be shared if your project is selected).
Your Project Advisor (teacher or staff from your school) will be the direct contact for our Office and should be accessible by email and knowledgeable on the project, as well as school budgeting.
Youth project leads will report back on project activities, outcomes, and budget spending throughout the school year.
Projects must be completed and shared in a planned presentation by April 8, 2027.
You will be invited to share your completed project with City leaders, and with other NYCPS students at the 2027 Youth Climate Summit (date TBD).
You will showcase your project with photos, videos, and other materials submitted to the Office of Energy & Sustainability.
If your project is selected, Youth Project Leads must submit required permission and consent forms. This includes but is not limited to the NYCPS media consent form, Third-Party Media Consent Form, and meeting attendance permission slip.
What You'll Need to Apply
What You'll Need to Apply
Application Template to plan and prepare your application
Budget Template (see Sample Budget for an example)
Declaration Document to be signed by your Principal, Teacher/Staff Project Advisor, and Youth Project Leads
When you have these materials ready, you must submit your application answers, completed budget template, and signed declaration document through the Google form (pending launch).
Information collected through these forms will be used by the NYC Public Schools Office of Energy & Sustainability to communicate about the Youth Climate Action Fund application process and related opportunities. These forms will only be accessible to authorized NYC Public Schools staff and will be maintained in accordance with NYCPS data privacy and security requirements.
See grants with rolling deadlines below followed by grants with specific deadlines throughout the year.
EcoRise student innovation fund
EcoRise student innovation fund
Deadline: Rolling
EcoRise’s resources, and grant funds can increase student engagement and cultivate eco-literacy and student innovation.
As a part of Sustainable Intelligence Program, K–12 educators receive professional development to implement design thinking in their classrooms and guide students through Eco-Audits.
Connect Kids to Parks Grant
Connect Kids to Parks Grant
Deadline: Rolling
The Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program (Connect Kids) is a field trip program designed to connect students attending NYS elementary and middle schools with nature and history.
CityRack Program
CityRack Program
Deadline: Rolling
NYC Department of Transportation manages and maintains 28,000+ CityRacks citywide. CityRacks provide free and public bicycle parking on New York City sidewalks.
To request a bike rack near your school, visit NYC DOT CityRacks Program
Pets in the classroom
Pets in the classroom
Deadline: Rolling
Pets in the Classroom enhance students’ educational and personal development through interaction with pets in their classroom. Each educator is eligible for one initial grant, and is then eligible for a $50.00 sustaining grant each school year thereafter.
Waterwise garden Grant
Waterwise garden Grant
Deadline: October 2, 2026
Hunter Industries and KidsGardening offer the Waterwise Garden Grant to support public and charter schools planning to teach about water conservation, water stewardship, and responsible water management through gardening.
¡Pueden aplicar a los programas en español! Aplica aquí y haga clic en el botón "English (US)" y cámbielo a "Spanish".
Bee Grants
Bee Grants
Deadline: October 30
The Traditional Bee Grant allows for K-12 schools or non-profit organizations that serve any grades K-12 to start a new or enhance an existing bee program hosting live bees on their campus.
WWF Greenprints for the Future Grant
WWF Greenprints for the Future Grant
Deadline: November 16, 2026
Apply to fund a student led project to address environmental challenges in your school and community. Through Wild Classroom, up to 15 educators will receive up to $1,200 to help students put their solutions to action.
KidsGardening Youth Garden Grant
KidsGardening Youth Garden Grant
Deadline: December 11, 2026
Since 1982, the Youth Garden Grant has supported school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for youth and their communities.
Up to 50 organizations will be awarded $750 in funding for their youth garden program.
gro more good grassroots grant
gro more good grassroots grant
Deadline: February 5, 2027
The GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant is designed to bring the life-enhancing benefits of gardens to communities across the United States.
Karma for Cara Foundation
Karma for Cara Foundation
Deadline: Jan 1, April 1, July 1, Oct 1
Students 18 years of age and under may apply for funds between $250 and $1,000 to complete service projects in their communities.
New york agriculture in the classroom grow with us grant
New york agriculture in the classroom grow with us grant
Deadline: Reopens in fall of 2026 for the 2026-2027 grant cycle
The Grow with Us Grant provides schools an opportunity to apply for one of four options: a bundle of three Tower Gardens, 3 tier grow rack with led grow lights, a vermicomposting Worm Café, or a compost tumbler.
Monarch Watch Free milkweed applications
Monarch Watch Free milkweed applications
Deadline: Applications open October 2026, close early-mid February 2027
Bring Back the Monarchs is a program supplying free Milkweeds for schools and non-profits to create habitat for monarchs and pollinators.
Catskills watershed corporation
Catskills watershed corporation
Deadline: Reopens in Fall 2026
This grant supports projects (up to $10,000) that emphasize the importance of the City’s water supply; the role of Watershed residents as stewards of that resource; the ecology of the WOH Watershed, the diversity of its aquatic and terrestrial life and habitat, and the unique cultural heritage of the Catskills.
Coast of Maine Growing Good Donations
Coast of Maine Growing Good Donations
Deadline: Open in Winter for Spring pickup
Coast of Maine donates products to schools, public gardens, and non-profit initiatives to promote both well-being and the health of the natural world.
citizensnyc Community leaders grant
citizensnyc Community leaders grant
Deadline: Twice a year in Winter and Summer
CitizensNYC awards micro-grants up to $5,000 to community building projects carried out by resident-led groups to improve neighborhood life, strengthen local leadership, and scale community partnerships.
clif family foundation grant
clif family foundation grant
Deadline: March 1 and August 3
Grants are awarded for general operational support as well as for specific projects that support climate justice, healthy food access, and inclusive outdoor access.
Resolution A (Reso A)
Resolution A (Reso A)
Deadline: Applications due to Borough Presidents in February or Council Members in March
Reso "A" projects are school specific capital improvement or enhancement projects that are funded through individual grants which are allocated by the Borough Presidents or members of the New York City Council.
Litter clean up mini-grant
Litter clean up mini-grant
Deadline: Reopens next school year
Take action beyond your school to improve the health of the neighborhood by removing litter from sidewalks, curbs, and storm drains.
This Sanitation Foundation grant provides educators with all of the supplies and guidance necessary to lead youth litter cleanups.
Shipt Community Garden Grant
Shipt Community Garden Grant
Deadline: Reopens next school year
The 2026 Garden Grants program to seed new urban gardens and restore existing gardens in select metro areas. The grant empowers awardees to establish, revitalize, and expand urban gardens, making them hubs of community connection and empowerment.
The Americas Green Hour School Challenge
The Americas Green Hour School Challenge
Deadline: Reopens next school year
National Wildlife Federation (NWF) invites you to participate in The Americas Green Hour School Challenge by submitting innovative projects or ideas to get your school, classroom, group, or club outdoors and connected with nature in meaningful ways.
shade structure grant
shade structure grant
Deadline: Reopens next school year
The American Academy of Dermatology's (AAD) Shade Structure Program awards funds to schools, day-cares, parks, and other non-profit organizations for installing permanent shade structures where children learn and play.
City Gardens Club of nyc school garden grants
City Gardens Club of nyc school garden grants
Deadline: Reopens next school year
City Gardens Club grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 are offered on a yearly basis for projects that bring the beauty of the natural world into the lives of children and adults in all five boroughs of New York City and to sponsor educational programs.
City Gardens Club Scholarship Program
City Gardens Club Scholarship Program
Deadline: Will reopen Summer 2027
The City Gardens Club of New York City is offering scholarships for science teachers to attend summer programs offered by local and regional organizations, such as the New York Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and The Horticultural Society of New York.
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