Youth Climate Action Grants

Applications for the Youth Climate Action Grants are now open. Apply online by October 30.

 

The Youth Climate Action Grants provide up to $1,000 in funding for Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) student-led projects, activities and events that:

  • Empower youth to lead local climate action in their schools and communities
  • Develop climate literacy, leadership skills and confidence to take action on climate change
  • Promote solutions that support more climate resilient schools and communities

This program is a partnership between the City of Toronto, the TDSB and the TCDSB.

Complete: Request for Funding Opens
September 28, 2026- Current

 

Current: Information Session
October 7, 2026 – Complete

Watch recording.

Incomplete: Drop-In Question & Feedback Session
October 14, 2026 – Upcoming

Register for session.

Incomplete: Drop-In Question & Feedback Session
October 21, 2026 – Upcoming

Register for session.

Incomplete: Request for Funding Closes
October 30, 2026 – Upcoming

 

Incomplete: Full Grant Proposal Closes
November 30, 2026 – Upcoming

 

Incomplete: Application Review
November to December 2026 – Upcoming

 

Incomplete: Applicants Notified
January 2027 – Upcoming

 

Priority will be given to projects completed before the last day of the current school year; however we will consider applications for projects that will be completed within one year.

Key dates are subject to change.

The Youth Climate Action Grants are open to all TDSB and TCDSB student-led groups consisting of two or more students from grades JK to 12. A TDSB or TCDSB staff member must serve as the project supervisor.

Eligible Applicants

Student-led groups, including:

  • Classroom projects
  • School clubs and teams
  • Student councils
  • Student groups that partner with parent councils
  • Student-teacher collaborations

Ineligible Applicants

  • Individual students
  • Teachers (without student collaboration)
  • Multiple groups from the same classroom
  • Principals and vice-principals
  • TDSB or TCDSB Facility Services, Administration and Trustees
  • For-profit businesses
  • Grant making organizations
  • TDSB or TCDSB approved vendors
  • Community organizations
  • Registered charitable organizations and/or non-profit environmental organizations
  • School groups allied with political parties
  • Groups previously funded via a City of Toronto grant that have not provided proof of project completion (i.e. submission of a Final Report and Expense Summary)

Eligible Projects:

  • Must be led and delivered by TDSB or TCDSB students
  • Must support one or more of the grant program objectives:
    • Empower youth to lead local climate action
    • Develop climate literacy and leadership skills
    • Promote solutions that support climate resilient schools and communities
  • Must take place within the City of Toronto
  • Must comply with TDSB or TCDSB policies, procedures, and requirements (e.g., using approved vendors or educational programming partners)
  • Must obtain all required approvals and permissions from the school principal and the TDSB or TCDSB, as applicable (e.g., approval to install a garden)

    Ineligible Projects:

    • Projects that have already been completed (retroactive funding is not available)
    • Projects that repeat a previously funded project by the same group or classroom. Returning applicants must demonstrate how their project is a new concept or a meaningful expansion with new activities, goals, or outcomes
    • Projects that duplicate another project at the same school (i.e., projects with substantially the same climate action concept)
    • School infrastructure, capital improvement, or facility upgrade projects (e.g., playground construction, permanent structures or building renovations)
    • School beautification projects without a clear climate action or environmental benefit
    • School ground/outdoor projects that have not received required board approvals (e.g., a TDSB Viability Review, where applicable)
    • Projects or activities that do not align with the objectives of the Youth Climate Action Grants program or the goals of the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy

    Projects may fall within one or more of the following categories; this list is meant to demonstrate the kinds of possible projects. Projects are not limited to the categories and examples below.

    Theme Description Examples
    Building Emissions Reduction Cutting greenhouse gas emissions from buildings by using less energy, improving efficiency, and switching to cleaner energy sources. Energy conservation campaigns, energy audits, energy-efficient technology demonstrations, etc.
    Climate Change Education Teaching community members about the causes, impacts, and solutions to climate change so they can take informed action. Workshop series, eco-fairs, video campaigns, theatrical performances, etc.
    Community Cohesion & Resilience Helping communities stay connected and strong so they can adapt and recover from climate-related challenges together. Climate preparedness workshops, climate wellness initiatives, climate vulnerability mapping, etc.
    Food Security Improving access to safe, nutritious, culturally appropriate food, to foster resilient food systems. Food gardens, hydroponics and aquaponics, zero-waste cooking workshops, etc.
    Nature-Based Solutions & Biodiversity Conservation Projects that protect, enhance, or create natural environments to support biodiversity while leveraging ecosystem services to help communities reduce climate risks and build resilience. Schoolyard naturalization, biodiversity monitoring, green roof demonstration, etc.
    Renewable Energy Generation & Education Producing or promoting clean energy from sources like solar, wind, and water, while teaching people how these technologies work and why they matter for a sustainable future. Solar, wind, or renewable energy demonstration, neighbourhood renewable energy potential mapping, etc.
    Sustainable Transportation Encouraging low-emission forms of travel such as public transit, biking, walking, and electric vehicles. Bicycle repair workshops, active transportation campaigns, bike rodeos/buses etc.
    Waste Diversion & Circular Economy Reducing waste by encouraging reuse, recycling, and upcycling. Educating community members about proper waste management practices to divert waste from landfill. Repair cafes, tool libraries, clothing swaps, waste audits and education, etc.

    The funding requested cannot exceed $1,000. Funding can only be used for the direct delivery of the proposed project. Please refer to these lists when creating a project budget and spending your grant funding. If you are unsure if an expense is eligible, please contact climateactiongrants@toronto.ca.

    We encourage the hiring of Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving staff, consultants, labourers, interpreters and translators, and encourage supporting local, Indigenous, Black and equity-deserving businesses for eligible purchases.

    See an example Youth Climate Action Grants Budget for more information.

    Eligible Expenses
    Type of Expense Items/Services
    Accessibility & Barrier Reduction: Expenses related to removing barriers and improving project accessibility to support equitable participation.
    • Food and beverage expenses (up to 25% of total grant request)
    • Interpretation and translation fees
    • Personal protective equipment
    General: Other expenses related to project delivery.
    • Other expenses that may not be listed here but are deemed necessary (if you are unsure whether an expense is eligible, please contact climateactiongrants@toronto.ca).
    Materials & Supplies: Costs associated with purchasing materials and consumable supplies necessary to carry out project activities.
    • Project supplies – paper, pens, poster boards, markers, paint. etc.
    • Raw materials – wood, soil, compost, native plants/seeds, etc.
    • Educational supplies - books (subject to school board approval), instructional kits, etc.
    People & Labour: Costs for approved skilled labour, consultants, guest speakers, or facilitators supporting project activities.
    • Skilled labour (for example, hiring a contractor to build a garden box) (up to 25% of total grant request)*
    • Professional consultant fees (for example, design, translation, communications) (up to 25% of total grant request)*
    • Honoraria for voluntary services (for example, guest speakers or ceremonial duties) (up to 25% of total grant request)*

    * Skilled labour providers, professional consultants, guest speakers and workshop facilitators must be approved by the school board. 
    Tools & Equipment: Expenses related to the rental of large equipment or purchase of smaller tools necessary to carry out project Activities
    • Equipment rentals (e.g. audio equipment, gardening tools, etc.)
    • Small equipment purchases (any equipment purchased must remain within the school/classroom after the life of the project)
    Workshop & Event Facilitation: Costs associated with delivering workshops, training sessions, and events.
    • Fees for speakers, facilitators, artists, etc. (subject to school board approval)
    • Permit fees, space rental, liability insurance (for community events and activities only)
    • communications and promotion of events (e.g. flyers, posters, design, printing)

     

    Ineligible Expenses
    Type of Expense Items/Services
    Accessibility & Barrier Reduction: Expenses related to removing barriers and improving project accessibility to support equitable participation.
    • Bottled water and single-use takeaway items
    General: Other expenses related to project delivery.
    • Contingency/emergency funding
    • Projects already approved for funding, including those funded by other City of Toronto grant programs
    • Research or scientific studies
    • Unspecified “miscellaneous” items
    Materials & Supplies: Costs associated with purchasing materials and consumable supplies necessary to carry out project activities.
    • Promotional items or prizes that could contribute to waste (for example, swag, buttons, event shirts, etc.)
    • Decorations (e.g. confetti, streamers, balloons, etc.)
    • Chicken wire, composters (TDSB)
    • Tablets and other electronics such as computers
    • Beautification, maintenance or landscaping materials (for example, ornamental gardens, pathways)
    • Playgrounds, furnishings, fencing, armour stone, water-bottle refilling stations
    • Trees. Visit Supports for Tree Planting on Private Property for funding opportunities.
    People & Labour: Costs for approved skilled labour, consultants, guest speakers, or facilitators supporting project activities.
    • Honoraria/stipends for non-approved roles
    • Fees and expenses for memberships, travel, personal vehicle use and parking
    • Salaries, hourly wages and income-generating activities for staff/group members
    • Prizes and thank you gifts (e.g. gift cards) as a form of volunteer appreciation or compensation
    • Disbursement of funds to provide additional grants, rebates, or incentives to other parties
    Organization Operating Costs: Costs associated with the ongoing operation, maintenance, administration and capital improvements of a group, club, or organization.
    • Computer equipment, software, phones, internet, accounting services, insurance, utility bills etc.
    • Deliverables that will result in a significant increase in school board operating or capital costs (for example, air conditioners, HEPA air filters or HVAC-related items)
    • Routine maintenance, emergency repairs or major capital improvements (for example, cricket pitches, artificial turf, solar installations, playground renovations)
    • Paid advertising campaigns in newspapers, etc.
    Tools & Equipment: Expenses related to the rental of large equipment or purchase of smaller tools necessary to carry out project Activities
    • Rental/purchase of combustion engine vehicles (for example buses or taxis) or any other gas-powered equipment
    Workshop & Event Facilitation: Costs associated with delivering workshops, training sessions, and events.
    • Conference registration fees
    • Banquets, receptions, GMs, sport tournaments
    • Alcohol or cannabis
    • Fundraising events
    • Political or religious activities
    • Lobbying or advocacy on behalf of for-profit entities
    • Programming provided by organizations that have not been approved by the TDSB or TCDSB
    • Pre-existing school projects and/or events (for example, annual fun fairs

          Step 1: Submit a Project Idea

          • Download and review the Request for Funding Application Questions Summary (PDF) (DOCX)
          • Submit a project idea using the online Request for Funding application.
          • Applications should be submitted by the lead student or teacher responsible for the project.
          • Submit only one application per group or classroom. If multiple applications are submitted by the same group, only the first submission will be reviewed.
          • Schools may submit multiple applications if they represent different student groups or classrooms and distinct climate action projects.
          • If you have questions or requests for accessibility supports, accommodation and/or a different application format, please contact us. 

          Step 2: Project Idea Review and Feedback

          • City and school board staff will review submitted project ideas for eligibility and alignment with program objectives.
          • Feedback will be provided by email and, where appropriate, through additional meetings or discussions.
          • Eligible projects will be invited to submit a full grant proposal (Step 3). An invitation to proceed does not guarantee funding.

          Step 3: Submit a Full Grant Proposal

          • Eligible applicants will be invited to submit a full grant proposal, including a project work plan, budget and supporting documentation.
          • Applicants should incorporate any feedback received during Step 2 into their full proposal.
          • Full proposals must be submitted by the deadline indicated in the Key Dates Timeline.

          Step 4: Review and Funding Decisions

          • Proposals will be evaluated by a Review Committee made up of representatives from the City of Toronto and the TDSB or TCDSB.
          • Proposals will be assessed based on:
            • Alignment with grant program objectives
            • Student leadership and participation
            • Community impact and engagement
            • Project feasibility and readiness
            • Budget reasonableness
          • The Review Committee is responsible for funding recommendations. Final recommendations for funding will be approved by the Executive Director of the Environment, Climate, & Forestry Division.
          • Successful applicants will be notified of their funding award and next steps.
          • Restrictions may apply to previous recipients to support the equitable distribution of funding.

          Project Reporting Requirements

          Upon project completion, grant recipients must submit:

          1. Final Report –  Describe your project activities, achievements, and outcomes. Include photos, testimonials, and other supporting materials that demonstrate project impact and completion.
          2. Final Budget Summary – Provide a summary of actual project expenses and how grant funding was used.

          A link to the online reporting form will be provided before the reporting deadline.

            Check out the amazing projects supported by the Youth Climate Action Grants and get inspired to launch your own climate initiative.

            2025 TDSB Grant Recipients and Projects
            School Climate Action Project Name Project Description Ward
            Alpha 2 Alternative School Waste Diversion & Circular Economy Closing the Loop: Turning Plastic Waste into Innovation This project addresses plastic waste by educating students, improving waste sorting, and reclaiming plastics for in‑school reuse  while building hands‑on skills in circular economy practices and climate‑conscious waste management. 9
            Annette St. Junior Public School Climate Change Education Eco-Awareness & Sustainability This project reduces school waste and energy use, raises urban biodiversity awareness, and engages families through student‑led audits, sustainability campaigns, and an interactive climate education booth. 4
            Beaumonde Heights Junior Middle School Climate Change Education Sustainable Energy Project Empowering students through Green Teams that leads sustainability actions, monitors energy and waste, engages in outdoor learning, and involves families in understanding how daily choices directly impact climate and ecosystems. 1
            Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute Food Security Future Farmers Garden A raised‑bed food garden where students learn hands‑on gardening skills, reduce food waste, improve soil health, and lead climate action through education and sustainable food choices. 20
            Broadacres Junior Public School Food Security Improving Indoor Air Quality by Cultivating Edible Plants Indoors Hands‑on learning growing edible plants, presenting on air quality and local food, planting and distributing seedlings, and participating in sustainability‑focused activities ending in a schoolwide STEM celebration 2
            Burrows Hall Junior Public School Food Security Hands In The Soil, Eyes On The Future A school garden project that engages students in native plant, vegetable, and Indigenous herb gardens that will support biodiversity, promote local produce, reduce food‑related carbon emissions, and build community resilience. 23
            Central Toronto Academy Nature-Based Solutions & Biodiversity Conservation Tree Carbon Sequestration for Climate Change By measuring school trees, students will estimate carbon sequestration using scientific tools and methods, while learning about urban tree equity in Toronto and why equitable access to green spaces supports climate resilience. 11
            Central Toronto Academy Food Security CTA Sustainable Urban Gardening Project Indoor and outdoor growing systems will engage students in hands‑on learning about sustainable food, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship while building practical skills in resource management and community resilience. 11
            Don Valley Middle School Climate Change Education Mission Possible: Climate Action Increasing climate literacy through a student‑led outdoor climate games event, where Eco‑Club members design and run interactive activities that teach climate change concepts and engage students and community members in climate action. 17
            Donwood Park Public School Waste Diversion & Circular Economy The Environment Club Students will lead garbage clean‑ups and waste audits, building pride and leadership while reducing litter and educating the school community about proper waste disposal and environmental responsibility. 21
            Dorset Park Public School Climate Change Education Eco School Climate Change Promoting energy conservation, waste reduction, and recycling through student‑led displays, creative reuse activities, and the creation of a garden featuring Indigenous plants to engage the school community. 21
            Eastview Public School Waste Diversion & Circular Economy The Green Sips, Waste Free Water Pledge Project A student‑led campaign reducing single‑use plastic by conducting a school‑wide bottle waste audit, educating students and families about plastic’s carbon footprint, and culminating in an Earth Day pledge to switch to reusable bottles. 24
            Elizabeth Simcoe Junior Public School Climate Change Education Simcoe's Eco-Fair A schoolwide eco‑fair where students learn about biodiversity through expert-led field trips and eco‑challenges, then share student-created projects with peers and families to promote environmental awareness. 24
            Fisherville Senior Public School Climate Change Education The Fisherville Environmental Station (FES) Students will design and build a solar‑powered weather station to collect and analyze local climate data, learn renewable energy concepts, and apply findings to develop solutions for climate‑related challenges in their communities. 18
            High Park Alternative School Waste Diversion & Circular Economy Zero-Waste Batch Bakers An after‑school club that teaches students and families climate‑friendly cooking, using local ingredients and batch baking to reduce food waste, cut food‑mile emissions, and strengthen school‑to‑home sustainability practices. 4
            Hillside Outdoor Education School Nature-Based Solutions & Biodiversity Conservation Hillside Grows A hands‑on outdoor classroom where students explore sustainable food systems, biodiversity, soil health, and waste reduction while engaging the school community in practical, local climate action. 25
            Howard Junior Public School Nature-Based Solutions & Biodiversity Conservation Earth Buddies' Bird Help Campaign Students will investigate climate impacts on local birds through research, habitat creation, and biodiversity monitoring while sharing findings to build awareness and appreciation of biodiversity with the school community. 4
            Howard Junior Public School Waste Diversion & Circular Economy The Journey of Stuff Action Project A student‑led inquiry where learners trace the life cycle of everyday products, reveal hidden climate and social impacts linked to them, and promote climate‑conscious action through repair, reuse, and sustainable consumption. 4
            Humberwood Downs Junior Middle School Waste Diversion & Circular Economy Kitchen-to-Clean Circular Economy Project Hands‑on workshops that turn kitchen scraps into natural products, reducing landfill waste, cutting chemical pollution, and lowering demand for single‑use plastic household cleaners through practical circular‑economy climate action. 1
            Indian Road Crescent Junior Public School Waste Diversion & Circular Economy Waste Reduction at IRC Empowering students to lead waste reduction through improved sorting stations, peer education, reuse initiatives, and friendly challenges that cut landfill waste, increase recycling and organics diversion, and foster lasting climate‑positive habits school‑wide. 4
            Island Public School/Island Natural Science School Food Security Greenhouse Greening Project Students will design and operate a school greenhouse, growing local food, reducing waste, and learning climate‑smart agriculture while educating families and visiting students about low‑carbon food systems. 10
            Islington Junior Middle School Nature-Based Solutions & Biodiversity Conservation Education through signage Students will develop bilingual signs with QR codes linking to research on native species, carbon storage, and ecosystem services, creating an accessible outdoor classroom that connects the community to urban biodiversity. 3
            Islington Junior Middle School Nature-Based Solutions & Biodiversity Conservation Tom Riley Creek Climate Action & Biodiversity Students will investigate how riparian vegetation supports carbon sequestration and climate resilience while connecting students to local waterways and create educational resources that promote stewardship and climate action. 3
            Islington Junior Middle School Climate Change Education Student-led Eco Science Festival An Eco‑Science and Climate Action Festival that engages students and families through interactive sustainability exhibits and workshops while reducing emissions by promoting waste diversion, composting, and active transportation to support long‑term community climate action. 3
            Islington Junior Middle School Food Security Indoor and Outdoor Planters Students will build balcony and tower planters for apartment living, enabling families to grow local food, reduce carbon emissions, and share practical construction skills and climate knowledge within their communities. 3
            Islington Junior Middle School Waste Diversion & Circular Economy Textile Upcycle and Repurpose Students will learn about the climate impacts of fast fashion while reducing GHG emissions through clothing reuse, upcycling, and repair, engaging students and the community in circular economy practices that divert textile waste from landfills. 3
            Joseph Howe Senior Public School Food Security Community Roots Project Creating a lasting, indoor propagation hub that will produce 500 seedlings yearly to cut food‑related GHG emissions, build climate leadership, support families, and remain self‑sustaining through seed saving. 25
            Kenton Learning Centre Nature-Based Solutions & Biodiversity Conservation Kenton Climate Joy Project Reducing climate anxiety by empowering students through growing food locally, community knowledge-sharing, fostering environmental hope, awareness, and stewardship, while expanding a successful initiative to additional classrooms to support wellbeing and climate action. 18
            Lanor Junior Middle School Waste Diversion & Circular Economy The 3 R’s @ Lanor: Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose! Understanding the link between overconsumption and climate change while building repair and repurposing skills, culminating in a showcase of student-created functional items and artwork. 3
            Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute Food Security LPCI Urban Indigenous Garden Building small indoor and outdoor gardens to learn sustainable agriculture and climate‑smart practices, gaining hands‑on skills in plant care, resource efficiency, and environmental stewardship. 8
            Lester B. Pearson Collegiate Institute Climate Change Education Outdoor Classroom A student‑designed outdoor classroom and garden that supports biodiversity, mental well‑being, and hands‑on climate education while engaging in low‑carbon learning and environmental stewardship.  23
            Lord Lansdowne Junior Public School Climate Change Education Kensington Our Climate, Our campus A student-designed public mural that will illustrate everyday climate actions that will inspire the school and community to work together toward a healthier, more resilient Toronto. 11
            Silver Springs Public School Renewable Energy Generation & Education Renewable Energy STEM Project Students will design solar and wind systems, calculate energy output and cost savings, and build awareness of renewable energy benefits to encourage long‑term energy conservation and household adoption. 22
            Silverthorn Community School Food Security Cultivating Climate Leaders: The Indigenous Food Garden Initiative Hands‑on, Indigenous‑led learning though building edible gardens, growing local food, and connecting sustainable agriculture to climate action, food security, and Toronto’s net‑zero goals. 5
            Sir Ernest MacMillan Senior Public School Food Security Aqua-Buddies: Growing Green Students will act as Climate Mentors and introduce aquaponics to kindergarten classrooms and partner schools, reducing food‑transport emissions while spreading practical climate education through peer and community mentorship. 22
            West Humber Junior Middle School Food Security Building and Maintaining a School Growing Garden A hands‑on climate action project where students practice sustainable gardening, reduce waste and water use, grow local food to cut emissions, support biodiversity, and build practical skills as environmental leaders. 1
            West Humber Junior Middle School Waste Diversion & Circular Economy Harnessing Tiny Decomposers for Waste Reduction A school‑wide sustainability initiative reducing food waste, educating students on consumption, and using hands‑on vermicomposting to divert organic waste from landfills and lower the school’s carbon footprint. 1
            Westmount Junior School Waste Diversion & Circular Economy Worm Works Diverting school food waste into vermicomposting, turning scraps into soil for native gardens, reducing methane emissions, strengthening climate literacy, and engaging students and families in hands‑on circular waste solutions. 2
            William J McCordic School Climate Change Education Our Food Comes From? Promoting recycling, gardening, and outdoor learning to build environmental awareness, reduce waste, grow food sustainably, connect students with nature, and engage families and the community in actions that lower greenhouse gas emissions. 19
            Windfields Middle School Nature-Based Solutions & Biodiversity Conservation Windfields Wildlife Climate Corridor Student will transform unused school gardens into a wildlife corridor and heat sink that supports wildlife, addresses climate impacts, and offers hands-on environmental learning for students while benefiting the wider community. 15
            Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute Food Security Winston Churchill Food and Herbs Garden Creating a sustainable school food garden that teaches hands‑on gardening and produces food locally while supporting classroom learning, family engagement, and student leadership through student-led education and action. 21
            Woburn Junior Public School Food Security Eco Friendly Cooking Exploring climate change through hands‑on eco‑friendly cooking, using local and garden‑grown ingredients, reducing food waste, creating reusable food storage, composting scraps, and sharing low‑carbon recipes to build practical, sustainable food skills. 24
            York Mills Collegiate Institute Climate Change Education York Mills C.I. School-to-School Climate Change Workshop Environmental science students will teach classes about climate action, gather community ideas, and partner with other students to transform planters into painted, native gardens inspired by local climate solutions. 15

             

            School Climate Action Project Name Project Description Ward
            2025 TCDSB Grant Recipients and Projects
            Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts Climate Change Education Tears for Mother Earth A student-created dance and theatre performance exploring water, climate impacts, and environmental responsibility, blending arts and education to deepen understanding and inspire school and community audiences toward climate awareness and action. 18
            Catholic Education Centre Climate Change Education From Hiroshima to Hope: The impact of nuclear war on the environment! An educational initiative featuring Setsuko Thurlow to explore the environmental impacts of nuclear weapons, linking radiation damage and ecosystem destruction to climate disruption, food insecurity, and peacebuilding, inspiring students to view disarmament and sustainability as climate justice. 18
            Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School Food Security Youth-Led Hydroponics for Sustainable, Climate-Smart Food Production A hands-on hydroponics project where students build and maintain soil-free growing systems, learning to conserve water, reduce waste, grow local food year‑round, and understand connections between food systems, climate action, and sustainable urban living in Toronto. 1
            Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School Sustainable Transportation The Electric Vehicle Project Students will build an electric vehicle prototype, giving youth hands-on experience with sustainable engineering and clean transportation while building climate literacy, collaboration, and innovation to reduce emissions. 1
            Holy Cross Catholic School Climate Change Education BEAUTY and THE BEAST: Exploring Human Impact Through Digital Photography Students will document local environmental change through photography, design, and guided nature walks, exploring both ecosystem beauty and human impacts of climate change, pollution, waste, and loss of green space. 14
            Holy Cross Catholic School Food Security Growing Green Indoors: An Automated Irrigation Project Students will design micro:bit controlled irrigation systems to grow indoor plants, track water efficiency, and learn how technology and local food production support practical climate solutions and sustainable, low-emission food systems. 14
            James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School Climate Change Education Focus on Change: Capturing Nature Through Our Eyes The Drama Club will integrate a climate theme into a reimagined production of Peter Pan, reusing recycled materials for sets and costumes, reducing waste, and educating audiences through sustainable theatre practices while engaging students and the community in climate awareness. 7
            James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School Community Cohesion & Resilience Peter Pan Production A hands-on robotics project where students build sensor-equipped robots to collect environmental data, share findings with the school community, and take actions that improve energy efficiency, air quality, and climate change understanding. 7
            Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School Climate Change Education Climate Data Robots: Students Measuring and Understanding Our Local Environment A hands-on robotics project where students build sensor-equipped robots to collect environmental data, share findings with the school community, and take actions that improve energy efficiency, air quality, and climate change understanding. 8
            Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School Climate Change Education EcoVision: Empowering the McLuhan Community Through Climate Action An activity-based project that builds awareness and practical action through recycling workshops, digital campaigns, student-led innovations, and expert partnerships, empowering the school community to understand climate impacts and take climate action. 8
            Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School Food Security Mary Ward Community Garden A community garden providing hands-on education through planting, composting, and harvesting, fostering intergenerational learning, engaging the wider community, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by growing local food and diverting organic waste from landfills. 22
            Notre Dame High School Building Emissions Reduction See the Heat Using infrared cameras to conduct home energy audits, learning about power generation, efficiency, and climate change by identifying heat loss and building carbon footprints, then sharing findings with families to inform energy-saving decisions. 19
            St. Benedict Catholic School Climate Change Education Climate Change Circuit Student created activity stations that combines exercise with climate learning, where students, staff, and families move, learn sustainability tips, explore climate topics, and build environmental stewardship, and community connection. 1
            St. Brigid Catholic School Food Security Plant to Plate Students will grow microgreens indoors using sustainable methods, integrating science, math, and financial literacy while promoting healthy eating, reduced carbon footprints, and environmental stewardship. 19
            St. Dorothy Catholic School Climate Change Education Seeds of Calm A mindfulness and literacy space where students explore nature-themed books, reflect through reading and journaling, and build emotional wellbeing while learning about environmental care and climate change. 1
            St. Dorothy Catholic School Climate Change Education Unearthing Climate Action, Biodiversity, and Sustainability A school-wide Earth Week initiative featuring hands-on learning about climate action, sustainability, and biodiversity, culminating in a community celebration showcasing student art, projects, presentations, and activities that promote environmental stewardship. 1
            St. Joachim Catholic School Climate Change Education ECO ZONE Student-led climate fair where participants research climate topics and share findings through interactive displays and demonstrations, becoming climate educators for peers and the school community. 20
            St. Josephs College School Nature-Based Solutions & Biodiversity Conservation The Climate Water Watch Learning about local waterways by collecting climate-impact data, and sharing findings through seminars and awareness campaigns to educate peers about pollution and ecosystem health. 11
            St. Josephs College School Nature-Based Solutions & Biodiversity Conservation The Community Garden A school community garden planting native  species to boost urban biodiversity, unite students around environmental action, raise climate awareness and engage the downtown Toronto community through education. 11
            St. Josephs College School Community Cohesion & Resilience Two Sides of Change A youth-led public art project featuring dual-panel installations that contrast Toronto’s climate challenges with hopeful solutions, empowering student voices, sparking community dialogue, and inspiring collective action towards a sustainable future. 11
            St. Josephs College School Renewable Energy Generation & Education Shining a Light on Our School Energy Consumption Students will code micro:bits to measure light intensity, analyze energy use and costs, propose efficient lighting solutions, and share findings school-wide to promote sustainable lighting choices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 11
            St. Margaret Catholic School Climate Change Education Climate Change Innovation Fair An Innovation Fair where students research local climate challenges, design sustainable solutions, and showcase prototypes, models, and proposals in a community gallery focused on real-world environmental action. 8
            St. Margaret Catholic School Community Cohesion & Resilience 'Climate Voices: A Community Spoken Word Café A spoken word poetry project where students research climate and sustainability issues, connect learning to Toronto’s climate goals, and share bilingual performances in a community event that elevates youth voices and inspires local climate action. 8
            St. Paschal Baylon School Climate Change Education A Mindful Space for Earth and Me Creating a calm, nature-inspired space where students read about Earth, sustainability, and climate change, practice mindfulness, reflect after environmental lessons, and explore how caring for the planet connects to their actions. 18
            St. Timothy Catholic School Nature-Based Solutions & Biodiversity Conservation Medicine Wheel Earth Keepers Students will restore outdoor spaces through seasonal native plant replanting, educational art, and Indigenous knowledge, strengthening local ecosystems, biodiversity, and long-term land healing through shared stewardship. 17

            Explore the resources below to find ideas, tools, guides, and real-world examples that can help you plan, deliver, and expand the impact of your Youth Climate Action Grants project.

            Resource Description Resource Links
            Youth Climate Action Grants Project Templates Ready-to-use project templates that provide ideas, guidance and sample activities aligned with Youth Climate Action Grant themes.
            Citizen Science Community-based science programs that engage people in collecting, monitoring, and sharing environmental data to support research, stewardship, and climate action.
            Volunteer Opportunities Connect with volunteer opportunities, community stewardship activities, and environmental organizations working to advance climate action and sustainability.
            TDSB Resources Programs, guidance, partnerships, and planning tools that support environmental projects and sustainability initiatives in schools.
            TCDSB Resources Programs, resources, and support services that help schools plan and implement environmental and sustainability projects.
            Building Emissions Reduction Resources that support energy efficiency, conservation, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction in buildings.
            Climate Change Education Educational resources, lesson plans, activities, and programs that help students learn about climate change, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
            Community Cohesion & Resilience Resources that support community connections, climate preparedness, emergency readiness, and resilience to climate impacts.
            Food Security Resources that support food-growing projects, local food systems, food waste reduction, and increased community food security.
            Nature-based Solutions & Biodiversity Conservation Resources that promote the protection, restoration, and stewardship of native species, habitats, ecosystems, and urban biodiversity.
            Renewable Energy Generation & Conservation Resources that explore renewable energy, energy conservation, and emissions reduction solutions.
            Sustainable Transportation Resources and programs that promote active, low-carbon, and sustainable transportation options such as walking, cycling, public transit, and electric vehicles.
            Waste Diversion & Circular Economy Resources that support reducing waste, reusing materials, advancing circular economy practices, and minimizing single-use items.
            Student-Led Climate Project Examples Explore examples of climate projects led by students.

             

             
              Date modified: October 7, 2026