Open Call for Young People under the Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund Programme

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund Programme in Sarajevo provides microgrants of 1,700 to 8,500 KM to support youth-led projects addressing local climate and environmental challenges. Teams of at least two young people aged 15–24 must apply with the support of an eligible registered organization or institution in Sarajevo Canton, with projects focused on areas such as clean energy, sustainable mobility, waste management, climate resilience, and green infrastructure. Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund Programme: Overview The Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund Programme is a youth-focused climate initiative launched by the City of Sarajevo to help young people develop and implement practical solutions to local environmental and climate challenges. The programme supports youth participation in climate action by providing small grants for projects that contribute to a greener, more resilient, and sustainable Sarajevo. Projects should align with the priorities of the FUA Sarajevo Climate Agreement and demonstrate clear benefits for the local community. The programme has a total funding budget of 75,000 KM. What Is the Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund? The Bloomberg Youth Climate Action Fund is designed to give young people the resources and opportunity to turn climate ideas into practical community projects. The programme recognizes that young people can contribute to climate solutions through: The strongest projects should connect the proposed activities with a clearly identified local climate or environmental need. Who Is Eligible? The programme is primarily designed for young people aged 15 to 24. Applicants must form a team of at least two young people. However, young people do not apply completely independently. Each team must apply with the support of an eligible registered organization or institution in Sarajevo Canton. Eligible supporting organizations or institutions can include: Youth-led organizations NGOs working with young people Secondary schools Educational institutions Faculties Museums Other eligible registered institutions in Sarajevo Canton Private companies are not eligible to apply. Individuals applying alone are also not eligible. Political parties and organizations affiliated with political parties are excluded. Age Requirement Each project team must consist of young people aged 15 to 24. The programme encourages balanced participation of girls and boys, particularly in areas where young women are underrepresented. This means applicants should consider gender inclusion when designing their teams and project activities. How the Application Structure Works Applications are divided into two LOTs.

LOT 1: Secondary Vocational Schools

LOT 1 is intended for teams from secondary vocational schools. Students can develop climate-related projects connected to their educational environment, local community, technical skills, or broader environmental challenges.

LOT 2: Other Eligible Institutions and Organizations

LOT 2 covers teams from:

Other schools Associations Youth organizations Faculties Museums Teams must still meet the programme’s youth eligibility requirements and apply with support from an eligible registered organization or institution. How to Apply Applicants should follow the relevant application requirements for their LOT and work with their supporting organization or institution. A strong application should clearly explain the problem, proposed solution, beneficiaries, activities, budget, and expected climate impact.

Step 1: Form a Youth Team

Create a team of at least two young people between 15 and 24 years old. Make sure all team members meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Find an Eligible Supporting Organization

The team must work with a registered organization or institution in Sarajevo Canton. Potential partners include schools, youth organizations, NGOs, faculties, museums, and other eligible institutions.

Step 3: Identify a Local Climate Problem

Define a specific environmental or climate challenge affecting Sarajevo.

For example:

Poor waste separation Limited recycling Lack of climate awareness Unsustainable transport Loss of green spaces Low awareness of energy efficiency Climate vulnerability Lack of youth participation in environmental decision-making

Step 4: Develop a Practical Solution

Explain what the project will do to address the identified problem. The proposed activities should be realistic for a youth-led microgrant project.

Step 5: Prepare the Budget

Create a detailed budget covering only eligible project costs.

Pay particular attention to:

The maximum grant of 8,500 KM The 15% administrative-cost limit The 50% capital-investment limit Excluded expenses

Step 6: Select the Correct LOT

Determine whether the team belongs under:

LOT 1: Secondary vocational schools

LOT 2: Other eligible schools, associations, youth organizations, faculties, and museums

Step 7: Submit the Application

Submit the proposal through the designated programme application process with the required supporting information and documentation. Ineligible Costs and Activities Applicants should carefully distinguish between eligible project expenses and costs that cannot be funded. Direct financial support to individuals or families Political expenses Commercial activities Capital campaigns Payments to government officials Unrelated events Re-granting activities Applicants should ensure that every budget item directly supports the approved project. Important Budget Restrictions Two restrictions are particularly important.

Administrative costs: No more than 15% of the microgrant can be allocated to administrative expenses.

Capital investments: Capital investments are limited to 50% of the microgrant.

For example, if a project receives the maximum 8,500 KM, administrative expenses should not exceed 1,275 KM, while capital investments should not exceed 4,250 KM. Why It Matters Youth participation is increasingly important in local climate