Deadline: February 11, 2022.

The GYCAF initiative is the first of it’s kind climate fund dedicated to financing youth-led climate action around the world. The idea for the fund was birthed over a three months consultation period that involved virtual dialogues with finance experts to help curate a vehicle that supports and champions youth-led climate action. The GYCAF is hosted by BLI Global.

GYCAF envisions a world where young people are given the resources to pursue green entrepreneurship and create a green economy with the goal of lowering carbon emissions and conserving the environment.

MICROGRANTS FOCUS AREAS

Projects under the following areas are accepted

1. Sustainable Agriculture: smart agriculture to ensure food sustainability.
2. Clean Energy: powering communities in need of light and energy. 
3. Oceans: protecting marine life and mitigating climate catastrophes.
4. Capacity Building: empowering youth with entrepreneurship skills. 
5. Green Stewardship: protecting biodiversity and influencing behavioral change.
6. Technology and Innovation: breakthroughs that solve climate-related problems.

ELIGIBILITY

• Youth-led organization (80 percent majority-owned; the definition of youth adopted is under 30 years of age)
• Strong motivation on creating change or an impact in the community through grassroots activism
• Conducting grassroots activism in their community
• Seeking grants to kick-start or support already existing initiatives
• Clear environment and socio-economic impacts of the project/initiative
• A clear idea of how to use the funds and why this grant will be useful to create more value and impact for the project
• Demonstrates well-planned project, with well-developed strategy, timeline, budgeting, and team management

GRANT

Successful applicants will be awarded grants between USD 500 – USD 1,000, depending on the grantee application.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Goal Alignment

• Goal aligns with GYCAF vision of realizing youth projects in sustainability

2. Functionality and Relevance

• Understand the audience and relevance of the project to the intended audience
• Determine how the project addresses a problem that is not currently or sufficiently being addressed

3. Financial Planning

• Great financial awareness with a clear idea of the project finances to be sustainable (including a clear budget/needs table)
• A clear understanding of how the team plans to meet the financial needs of the project
• Understanding long-term financial implications of the project (if relevant) 

4. Team

• Individuals who are motivated and committed to the project
• Demonstrates cohesion and excellent group dynamics with a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities

5. Implementability

• Demonstrates clear impact with a focus on the community 
• Have a clear timeline for implementation of the project
• Understand the key barriers to the successful deployment of the project and how the team plans on overcoming them

OFFICIAL LINK