Youth Climate Action Grants

Key Dates

Key Dates

• October 1, 2025: Request for Funding applications open

Apply

• October 16 and 21, 2025: Information Sessions

Register for an Information Session

• October 31, 2025: Deadline to submit a Request for Funding application
• November 28, 2025: Full grant application deadline
• January 2026: Funding decisions announced
• June 2026: Completion of approved project (preferred)

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.

Who Can Apply

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

Eligible Projects

Eligible Projects

Eligible grant projects must;

• be created and delivered by TDSB or TCDSB students
• satisfy an objective of the grant program:
  • educate and engage students, families and/or community members on climate change and climate actions; and/or
  • reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Toronto
• take place within the boundaries of the city of Toronto
• follow TDSB or TCDSB rules, for example, using approved educational programming partners
• have TDSB or TCDSB permission, for example, permission to build a garden
• provide permission from the school Principal

Examples of eligible projects:

• activities that enhance the existing school curriculum 
• education campaigns (for example, waste reduction, energy conservation, active transportation) 
• repair events (e.g., bikes, clothing, electronics)
• exchange or swap events (e.g., clothing, books, toys, sports equipment)
• educational videos
• field trips specific to the grant objectives (must be a shared cost)
• guest speakers
• organize a community climate event
• repair events (for example, bikes, clothing, electronics) 
• social media campaigns
• sustainable transportation events (for example, bike rodeos, idle-free vehicle blitz)
• school ground revitalizations (for example, food gardens, outdoor classrooms)
  • TDSB school ground revitalization projects must first undergo a Viability Review by the TDSB. We will not consider any applications for school ground projects or activities that do not have TDSB approval.
• workshops, demonstrations and group activities provided by TDSB approved environmental partners

Ineligible Projects

Examples of projects the City will not fund include:

• Projects that are already fully complete (seeking retroactive funding)
• Beautification projects or infrastructure initiatives. Please visit the TCDSB Playground and Schoolyard Revitalization Fund webpage or the TDSB Revitalizing School Grounds webpage for further resources.
• Duplicate projects at the same school (i.e. two projects that share the same climate action concept at the same school)
• Pollinator gardens. Please visit the PollinateTO Grants webpage
• Projects or activities that are not consistent with or do not align with the goals of the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy
• School ground or outdoor projects that have not undergone a Viability Review by the TDSB

Application & Review Process

Step 1: Submit a request for funding

• Starting October 1, apply for grant funding using our quick and easy online application form.

Apply

• The application form asks you to share information about your group, school and your grant project idea, and only takes 5-10 minutes to complete.
• The main contact person (teacher or lead student) for the proposed project should complete the application.
• Secondary students are encouraged to submit their own applications with support and guidance from their TDSB or TCDSB project supervisor.
• Download a preview of the Request for Funding Form (please note, questions are subject to change). You can use this document to help plan, brainstorm and organize your project ideas and submission.
• If you have questions or requests for accessibility supports, accommodation and/or a different application format, please contact us. 

Step 2: Get feedback about your project idea

• City and school board staff will review Step 1 funding applications.
• Feedback will be provided by email.
• Additional guidance may be provided by phone or in-person, if required.
• Project idea is deemed eligible to proceed will be directed to Step 3 (this is not a guarantee of funding).

Step 3: Submit a full grant proposal

• Full grant proposals require a work plan, costed budget and other supporting documents.
• Feedback that was provided in Step 2, should be used to prepare your full proposal.
• Full grant proposals must be submitted before the deadline date.
• Funding decisions will be announced in January 2026.

Step 4: Application review and project approval

• Step 3 full grant proposals will undergo a technical review by Environment, Climate & Forestry Division staff to confirm all eligibility requirements have been met.
• Projects deemed eligible will then be assessed by a Review Committee comprised of staff from the City of Toronto and TDSB or TCDSB.
• The Review Committee is responsible for funding decisions.
• The Review Committee may ask for additional information to assist in the review, assessment and monitoring of your application.
• Successful grant recipients will be notified of the approved grant funding amounts. 
• Applicants that accept the funding offer will enter into an agreement with the TDSB or TCDSB. Additional information about the funding award process and the agreement will be provided at that time.
• Projects that are deemed not ready to proceed will be encouraged to reapply to a future grant application cycle.

Eligible Costs

Budgets cannot exceed $1,000. Funding can only be used for the direct delivery of the proposed project. If you are unsure if an expense is eligible, please contact us.

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.

Type of Expense	Eligible Items
Materials/Tools/Equipment	project supplies – paper, pens, poster boards, markers, paint raw materials – wood, soil, screws rentals or small equipment purchases
Events/Workshops	speaker fees training supplies space rental or permit fees for event/activity space communications and promotion of events (e.g. flyers, posters, design, printing) food and refreshments (no bottled water) for participants (up to 25% of total grant request)
People/Labour	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) honouraria for voluntary services (for example, guest speakers or ceremonial duties) (up to 25% of total grant request) volunteer and participant expenses (for example, food, transit, personal protective equipment)
Education/Awareness Materials	signage books (subject to school board approval) instructional kits camera film

Type of Expense	Ineligible Items
Materials/Tools/Equipment	promotional items that could contribute to waste (for example, swag and buttons) rental/purchase of combustion engine vehicles (for example buses or taxis) or any other gas-powered equipment (for example, gas generators), and gasoline or any other fuels chicken wire, composters (TDSB) tablets and other electronics such as computers air conditioners, HEPA air filters or HVAC-related items
Events/Workshops	educational programming (for example, workshops, seminars, presentations) provided by organizations that have not been approved by the TDSB or TCDSB. catering, alcohol or cannabis fundraising drives pre-existing school projects and/or events (for example, annual fun fairs) disposable items (for example, single-use plastics, bottled water)
People/Labour	fees and expenses for memberships, conferences, 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 honoraria/stipends for non-approved roles disbursement of funds to provide additional grants, rebates, or incentives to other parties
Personal Benefits & Organizational Operating Costs	costs associated with the regular operation of your group or club, such as 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) religious activities/services, political activities, donations to charitable causes, lobbying or advocacy on behalf of for-profit entities routine maintenance, emergency repairs or major capital improvements (for example, cricket pitches, artificial turf, solar installations, playground renovations) paid advertising campaigns in newspapers, etc.
Outdoor Activities	beautification, maintenance or landscaping repairs (for example, ornamental gardens, pathways) playgrounds, furnishings, fencing, armour stone, water-bottle refilling stations pollinator gardens (for example, plants, garden materials and supplies), visit PollinateTO Grants tree or shrub planting, visit Urban Forestry Grants & Incentives for funding opportunities ecological stewardship, such as removal of invasive species litter cleanups and tools, visit Clean Toronto Together for support outdoor composting projects
Other	projects already approved for funding, including those funded by other City of Toronto grant programs research or scientific studies unspecified “miscellaneous” items

Reporting Requirements

Upon project completion, grant recipients must submit the following;

1. Final Report: We want to hear about your project! Please include photos, testimonials and other items to show the impact of your project and evidence of completion.
2. Final Budget Summary: Report the actual costs of your project

An online Final Report form will be provided to grant recipients when they are ready to submit their final report and budget summary.

The Youth Climate Action Grants team may request a site visit to see your project and speak with project participants about their grant experience.

Grant Rules

• Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until available funding is exhausted.
• Applications submitted online will receive an immediate acknowledgment.
• Applications submitted by email will receive an acknowledgment by email within five days of its receipt, sent to the email addresses provided in your application.
• Please complete the application in full. We will not process incomplete applications.
• Submit only one application per group or classroom. If more than one project is submitted by the same group or classroom, the City will review the submission that was received first.
• There is no limit to the number of grant applications that can be submitted from a school as long as the applications are from different groups or classrooms and are different climate action concepts.
• You cannot receive more than one City of Toronto grant for the same project. 
• Restrictions may apply to past grant recipients to ensure equitable distribution of remaining funds.
• Applications must comply with the City of Toronto's Community Grants Policy.

Grant Recipients

Year	Ward	School	Board	Climate Action
2024	4	Annette Street Junior and Senior Public School	TDSB	Environmental Education
2024	4	Annette Street Junior and Senior Public School	TDSB	Environmental Education
2023	4	Annette Street Junior and Senior Public School	TDSB	Waste Reduction
2024	22	Beverley Glen Junior Public School	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2023	11	Bloor Collegiate Institute	TDSB	Energy Conservation
2023	19	Bowmore Public School	TDSB	Biodiversity Conservation
2024	2	Broadacres Junior School	TDSB	Environmental Education
2024	14	Bruce Public School	TDSB	Waste Reduction
2024	11	Central Toronto Academy	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2023	11	Clinton Street Junior Public School	TDSB	Waste Reduction
2024	20	Courcelette PS	TDSB	Biodiversity Conservation
2023	19	Crescent Town Elementary School	TDSB	Climate Change Learning
2024	19	Crescent Town Elementary School	TDSB	Biodiversity Conservation
2024	19	Earl Haig Public School	TDSB	Environmental Education
2024	19	East York Collegiate Institute	TDSB	Biodiversity Conservation
2023	24	Eastview Public School	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2023	2	Etobicoke Collegiate Institute	TDSB	Waste Reduction
2024	9	Fairbank Memorial Community School	TDSB	Environmental Education
2023	18	Fisherville Senior Public School	TDSB	Sustainable Transportation
2023	17	Forest Manor Public School	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2023	21	General Crerar Public School	TDSB	Environmental Education
2023	16	Grenoble Public School	TDSB	Sustainable Transportation
2024	25	Highland Creek PS	TDSB	Waste Reduction
2023	4	Humberside Collegiate Institute	TDSB	Waste Reduction
2024	3	Karen Kain School of the Arts	TDSB	Sustainable Transportation
2024	4	Keele Street Public School	TDSB	Sustainable Transportation
2024	4	Mountview Alternative Junior School	TDSB	Waste Reduction
2024	22	North Bridlewood JPS	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2024	10	Oasis Alternative Secondary School	TDSB	Environmental Education
2024	10	Ogden JPS	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2023	9	Ossington/Old Orchard Public School	TDSB	Environmental Education
2024	20	Regent Heights PS	TDSB	Environmental Education
2024	19	Secord Elementary Public School	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2024	19	Secord Elementary Public School	TDSB	Biodiversity Conservation
2023	17	Seneca Hill Public School	TDSB	Waste Reduction
2024	22	Sir Ernest MacMillan SPS	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2023	22	Sir Samuel B Steele Junior Public School	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2023	16	Three Valleys Public School	TDSB	Environmental Education
2024	6	TDSB (at Humber River Hospital)	TDSB	Biodiversity Conservation
2024	3	Twentieth Street Junior School	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2024	1	West Humber Junior Middle School	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2023	14	Wilkinson Junior Public School	TDSB	Environmental Education
2023	24	Woburn Collegiate Institute	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2024	24	Woburn Collegiate Institute	TDSB	Environmental Education
2023	17	Zion Heights Middle School	TDSB	Environmental Education
2024	17	Zion Heights Middle School	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2024	3	Father John Redmond CSS and Regional Arts Centre	TCDSB	Sustainable Transportation
2024	4	James Culnan Catholic School	TCDSB	Biodiversity Conservation
2024	8	Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School	TCDSB	Biodiversity Conservation
2024	8	Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School	TCDSB	Environmental Education
2024	8	Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School	TCDSB	Waste Reduction
2024	8	Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School	TCDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2024	8	Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School	TCDSB	Waste Reduction
2024	9	Loretto College School	TCDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2024	8	Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School	TCDSB	Environmental Education
2024	1	Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic Secondary School	TCDSB	Waste Reduction
2024	20	Neil McNeil High School	TCDSB	Biodiversity Conservation
2024	19	Notre Dame High School	TCDSB	Environmental Education
2024	20	Saint John Henry Newman Catholic High School	TCDSB	Waste Reduction
2024	8	St. Charles Catholic School	TCDSB	Environmental Education
2024	7	St. Basil the Great College School	TCDSB	Biodiversity Conservation
2024	7	St. Francis de Sales Catholic School	TCDSB	Biodiversity Conservation
2024	24	St. John Paul II Catholic Secondary School	TCDSB	Waste Reduction
2024	24	St. John Paul II Catholic Secondary School	TCDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2024	14	St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School	TCDSB	Waste Reduction
2024	4	St. Pius X Catholic School	TCDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2024	24	St. Richard Catholic School	TCDSB	Environmental Education
2022	23	Anson S. Taylor Public School	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2022	11	Beverley School	TDSB	Waste Reduction
2022	23	Burrows Hall Junior Public School	TDSB	Biodiversity Conservation
2022	14	Cosburn Middle School	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2022	12	Davisville Jr. Public School	TDSB	Waste Reduction
2022	12	Davisville Jr. Public School	TDSB	Sustainable Transportation
2022	12	Davisville Jr. Public School	TDSB	Waste Reduction
2022	17	Forest Manor Public School	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2022	7	Derrydown Public School	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2022	12	J.R. Wilcox Community School	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2022	3	Karen Kain School of the Arts	TDSB	Biodiversity Conservation
2022	12	McMurrich Junior Public School	TDSB	Biodiversity Conservation
2022	6	Northview Heights Secondary School	TDSB	Environmental Education
2022	17	Seneca Hill Public School	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2022	17	Seneca Hill Public School	TDSB	Waste Reduction
2022	6	STRIDES	TDSB	Environmental Education
2022	16	Victoria Park Collegiate Institute	TDSB	Biodiversity Conservation
2022	24	Woburn Junior Public School	TDSB	Waste Reduction
2022	24	Woburn Junior Public School	TDSB	Local Food and Food Gardens
2022	24	Woburn Junior Public School	TDSB	Waste Reduction