Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund

Open to groups of 3 or more applicants, the majority being between the ages of 15-24 years old, who reside in, attend school in, or whose initiative directly benefits the community of Mesa.

While all parts of the Climate Action Plan are important and applications addressing any part of the Mesa Climate Action Plan will be considered on merit, the city would like to take a moment to encourage student applications that address our most immediate identified needs such as Heat Mitigation, Water Stewardship, Clean Air, and increasing Mesa’s shade tree canopy.

Project Ideas to Inspire You

Here are some project ideas to get you thinking, but use your imagination! This is your project and your chance to make a difference.

Physical Projects – build a school or community garden; change out outdated lightbulbs with energy efficient options; create a rainwater harvesting basin; add desert-adapted plants to your neighborhood, church or school; create a public art display; organize tree plantings; hold neighborhood or roadway clean-ups. 

Build a Rain Garden on Your School Campus

Sow It Forward’s Tower Garden Farm-To-Market Program

Install a Hydration Station to Reduce the Use of Bottled Water

Outdoor Recreation Terracycle | Office of Sustainability (arizona.edu)

Events and Education – host an outreach event online or in person; host educational events such as a water conservation campaign or promoting the value of trees; organize a bicycle or pedestrian event; hold a waste collection or waste reduction drive; implement energy efficiency measures at your school or other community space. 

Palm Drive District - Shade Sail Installation | Office of Sustainability (arizona.edu)

Sustainability Summit 2024 | Office of Sustainability (arizona.edu)

Data-based Projects – tree inventories; data research; data collection.

RM Going Green (Red Mountain High School) Climate(PDF, 1MB)

Rubbish Ravagers (Red Mountain High School) Recycling(PDF, 263KB)

Undercover Slim Shady (Westwood High School) Urban Heat(PDF, 5MB)

Eco Innovators (Westwood High School) Urban Heat(PDF, 5MB)

UA Database for Metal Contaminants in Produce | Office of Sustainability (arizona.edu)

Key Dates 2025

March 28 - Apply by this date to be considered for first-round funding. To apply, please use the link below.

May 23 - Final date to apply (Note: funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis). 

October 31 - All projects must be completed.

November 14 - Final reports must be submitted.

Each application much include:

• Project Advisor: A project advisor must be an individual 18 years or older and associated with an organization such as a school or university, a 501c3 organization, Limited Liability Company (LLC), Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) or other similar organization.

Note: If your group has a project idea, but does not have a Project Advisor, please contact Kathrine Blomquist and we will do our best to pair you with one.      

• Project Description: A brief overview  of your project, including its main goals and objectives, along with the expected effect on the community and the environment.
  
  
• Project Outputs: The direct results of project activities, showing immediate accomplishments and progress. They provide a snapshot of the project’s activities and immediate achievements.
  
  

  Example: Plant 20 low-water-use trees to reduce urban heat island effect on school grounds.

• Project Outcomes: These are specific and measurable, lasting changes or benefits from a project, showing its real-world impact and demonstrating how the project makes a difference over time. They reflect changes in behavior, knowledge, feelings, or processes.
  

  Example: Shaded areas can experience temperature reductions of 2-9°F. Trees planted today will continue to provide environmental and educational benefits for decades, including improving air quality and biodiversity, and promoting a culture of sustainability within the school community. 

• Timeline: A timeline indicating key milestones and the expected duration of the project. 
  
  
• Budget: Detail the anticipated expenses associated with the project (Request for funding can range from $1,000 - $5,000). See a Sample Budget(PDF, 86KB).

The following expenses CANNOT be covered by grant funding: 

• services covered by existing city initiatives
• rent or utilities
• nonprofit/NGO incorporation fees
• speaker honorariums
• improvement projects that primarily serve churches and/or other religious organizations
• scholarships or other direct support to individuals or families
• partisan political organizations, political candidates, fundraisers, or projects
• capital campaigns, endowments, or endowed chairs
• events or fundraisers not related to youth climate action.

• Climate Action Plan Alignment: Explain how the project aligns with Mesa’s Climate Action Plan.
  
  
• Supporting Documents: Provide any additional materials that can strengthen your application. These can include, but are not limited to, budget outline, letters of support, or supplementary video for youth who feel more comfortable communicating verbally. Final reports are due November 14, 2025. 

Apply Here

Scoring Rubric

Relevance to Climate Action Plan: 20 pts
A good project will directly address or align with one of Mesa’s six climate actions goals (Heat Mitigation, Water Stewardship, Air Quality, Food Systems, Energy, Materials Management).

Project Planning and Timeline Feasibility: 20 pts
A good project includes specific activities and steps your project will undertake and provides a timeline with easily obtained benchmarks that can be completed during a given timeframe. 

Project Outputs: 20 pts
The direct results of project activities, showing immediate accomplishments and progress. They provide a snapshot of the project’s activities and immediate achievements.

Example: Plant 20 low-water-use trees to reduce urban heat island effect on school grounds.

Project Outcomes: 20 pts
These are specific and measurable, lasting changes or benefits from a project, showing its real-world impact and demonstrating how the project makes a difference over time. They reflect changes in behavior, knowledge, feelings, or processes.

Example: Shaded areas can experience temperature reductions of 2-9°F. Trees planted today will continue to provide environmental and educational benefits for decades, including improving air quality and biodiversity, and promoting a culture of sustainability within the school community.

Innovation and Creativity: 10pts
A good project will be creative and/or innovative with a clear and narrowly defined focus.

Budget Rationale: 10 pts
A good project will have well-researched budget estimates that reflect a clear project focus and a clear vision of the project expenses as a whole.

Geographic Proximity to Mesa - School/Resident and Project Boundaries: 20 pts
Projects that are completed by youth, students, or residents in Mesa and projects that directly impact Mesa will be prioritized by geographic proximity. 

Design Jam Presentation(PDF, 3MB)
This handy resource provides more information on MYCAF and guidance on developing project ideas.

Sample MYCAF Application(PDF, 4MB)

Sample MYCAF Project Budget(PDF, 86KB)

 Mesa Climate Action Plan

Recorded in October 2024, these three workshops are key to guiding you through the application process as you develop your project. Our experts offer valuable insights and visuals on project management, reporting, and how to share the story of your project.

• Project Management & Budgeting

Presenter – Amie Perea, MYCAF Round 1 Project Manager
This workshop dives into the 5 essential components of managing a project. The workshop includes key information on how to break down project tasks, time management, and budgeting.

• Data Collection and Metrics

Presenter – Evan Allred, City of Mesa Chief Data Officer
This workshop shares the four steps to measuring the progress of your project and how to define and measure its success. You will learn how to develop your project’s objectives, data collection, as well as the importance of defining outputs and outcomes clearly.

• Storytelling and Audience Engagement

Presenters – Delia Johnson, City of Mesa Public Information & Communications Specialist and Lily King, City of Mesa Senior Public Information & Communications Specialist

In this workshop, you will learn essential techniques to tell your project’s story. The presenters go into detail about how to develop interview questions, the importance of storyboarding including a how to, video editing, and easy ways to share and promote your story on social media. 

Basic Information

What is a grant?
A grant is financial assistance provided by a government, organization, or person for a specific purpose. Unlike a loan, grants do not need to be repaid.

How many projects will be selected?
We expect to choose 20 to 35 projects, based on available funding and the amount each project requests ($1,000 to $5,000). 

Can we combine projects?
No. While more than one project can be granted to the same fiscal organization, each project much be separate and unique with different youth leadership teams. The goal is to include the maximum number of youth possible.

Can I apply for or participate in more than one project?
Potentially. Project leads/applicants need to be unique to each project. It only takes one youth lead and one fiscal agent to apply as long as the larger group has been identified or a plan to identify group members is included in the application. Ultimately each project group will need to consist of 3 or more group members with the majority of members being 15-24 years of age. Any youth can participate in more than one project if the projects are unique and separate from one another in one or more aspect such as different fiscal agents or project types.

What is a microgrant?
Microgrants are small grants that do not have to be paid back to ignite movement towards a specific goal. The Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund microgrants are between $1,000 and $5,000 and designed to empower youth to initiate and implement projects that address climate community needs or promote youth development in terms of the Mesa Climate Action Plan. Bloomberg Philanthropies would like to provide opportunities for young people to participate in youth-driven climate initiatives, foster innovation, leadership, and community engagement among youth.

What are the key dates?

• March 28 - Apply by this date to be considered for first-round funding. 
• May 23 - Final date to apply (Note: funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis). 
• October 31 - All projects must be completed.
• November 14 - Final reports must be submitted

For Youth

What if I need special accommodations, translation assistance or help with the grant?
We are committed to making our programs and services accessible to all. If you need special accommodations, translation assistance, help with your grant or additional information, please contact Kathrine Blomquist, MYCAF Program Manager, Environmental and Sustainability Department.

Nos comprometemos a que nuestros programas y servicios sean accesibles para todos. Si necesita adaptaciones especiales, asistencia de traducción, ayuda con su subvención o información adicional, póngase en contacto con Kathrine Blomquist, Directora del Programa MYCAF, Departamento de Medio Ambiente y Sostenibilidad.

My friends and I want to apply with our project, but we aren’t sure who would be our fiscal partner. Can you help us?
Yes! Please contact Kathrine Blomquist and request assistance finding an organization or group to partner with.

I have a great idea, but I am only one person. Can I still apply?
Applications have to include three or more youth between the ages of 15-24. If you need help connecting with other youth or you need a fiscal partner, please contact Kathrine Blomquist for assistance.

Can teams be larger than 3?
Absolutely. Teams can be any size that is reasonably manageable for the time allotted as long as the majority of team members are between 15-24.

We have a group member who would like to participate who is outside the age range of 15-24. Can they still participate?
Yes. If the group leadership is between 15 and 24 years of age and the majority of your group falls between 15-24, additional members outside that age range may participate. 

What if our project ends up not being selected?
You are invited to contact Kathrine Blomquist to receive feedback from the selection committee.

Money/Funding Questions

I have an idea, but I don’t need $1,000 to complete it. Can I still apply?
All projects must fall between $1,000 and $5,000. Look at expanding your project in some way to meet the minimum requirements.

What is a fiscal partner?
A club, organization, or nonprofit with a project advisor who is 18 years of age or older who can receive the check and make sure funds are spent appropriately.

Do the fiscal agents have to be charitable organizations?
No. Organizations are not required to be charitable entities, but they must be legally recognized as incorporated entities and possess bank accounts registered under the organization’s name. They cannot receive funds to an individual or under an individual’s name. Assuming the budget does not include disallowed expenses and the project does not solely benefit a religious institution, school and community organizations and religious institutions can serve as fiscal agents, including booster clubs. 

Can we pay youth for their time?
You can request grant funds for transportation, food and gift cards for participation. 

For Organizations

What is the definition of a youth-led organization?
A youth-led organization is composed of at least three individuals ages 15 to 24 in leadership positions who actively participate in decision making and oversight within the youth organization.

What is the definition of a youth-serving organization?
Youth-serving organizations, while generally led by adults, provide core programs and resources intentionally designed to meet the needs of young people.

Can our organization oversee more than one project?
Yes. Any organization can serve as a fiscal agent for more than one project. Each project needs to be unique and will be funded separately.

Our organization wants to help but we are concerned about staff time. What are the reporting requirements?
Receipts and invoices and detailed reports are not required. A summary template will be provided to share the story of the project, describe purchases, and compare them to the submitted budget summary. Staff time requirements will be minimal.

Can our organization leaders apply, or does it have to be youth only?
If your organization qualifies as youth-serving (such as FFA, Scouts, National Honor Society, Boys & Girls Clubs), the club organizers can apply with a single youth as project leader, age 15-24. All project ideas are encouraged to come directly from the youth. Please indicate that additional group members will be identified after selection and meet the 15–24-year-old age requirement.

For Teachers

Our school club is located in Mesa, but we are already working on a project in another city. We would like to use the location we are currently working in for our project. Can we still apply?
Yes. As long as Mesa is benefiting in some way you can apply. If your group or organization is located outside the city limits, but the project will be conducted in Mesa, you can apply. If your project is outside Mesa, but is being led by youth and youth-led organizations who reside in or attend school in Mesa, you can apply. **

**Please note: there will be a geographic category on the scoring rubric with Mesa-led, Mesa-targeted projects taking priority.

Projects are listed below based on the applicable Mesa Climate Action Plan focus area which includes Air Quality, Energy, Food Systems, Heat Mitigation, Materials Management and Water Stewardship. 

Air Quality