Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a hard limit to the age range requirement for youth?

Yes, youth who apply must be 15–24 years old.

How big can teams be?

Teams of youth must include at least two individuals. There is no maximum team size, but smaller teams of around three to four individuals are recommended.

How will proposals be selected?

Proposals will be reviewed by an independent selection committee. The committee will select projects that align with Lincoln’s chosen four priority themes and the Climate Action Plan.

Projects will be assessed using an application evaluation scorecard. We encourage you to read the scorecard before you submit your proposal. Scorecards will be available on the Project Details and Application page when the application period opens.

Will late applications be accepted?

No, late applications will not be accepted since the program follows the timeline requirements for the Youth Climate Action Fund.

If you have concerns about completing and submitting a proposal between August 26th and October 7th, please contact City Staff.

What is the timeline to complete the projects?

Applications close on October 7th and will be reviewed by the steering committee in the following weeks.

If awarded, teams will be informed and provided their funds by November 13th.

Teams will have around six months to plan and complete their projects. All teams are asked to have their projects completed by April 15th, 2027. Final reporting will be due by the end of April.

What are examples of eligible projects?

Visit the Project Details and Application page for additional guidelines on what makes projects eligible. If you have an idea and are unsure if it is eligible, please reach out to City staff.

• Climate education and awareness, such as courses, experiences, or the arts
• Research and data collection, such as mapping environmental health
• Resilience and adaptation, such as addressing water quality or heatwaves
• Green infrastructure, reforestation, and environmental protection, such as creating parks, community gardens, or green roofs
• Sustainable agriculture and food systems, such as urban farms that improve community access to fresh food
• Circular economy initiatives, such as sustainable fashion or rethinking discarded materials
• Sustainable waste management, such as sorting, collection, or cleaning
• Sustainable transportation, such as encouraging walking, cycling, and public transit
• Climate governance, such as youth councils or youth consultation on public decisions

I have a project idea, but I’m not connected to an organization. What do I do?

If you have an idea for a project but are not connected to a partner organization, please reach out to City staff. We can help connect you with an organization well suited for your project.

What costs are allowed under the budget?

Eligible costs include project supplies and materials, costs for organizing community events or workshops, and promotional materials.

Ineligible expenses include rent or utilities, speaker honorariums or fees, scholarships, and direct support to individuals or families.

For a full list of eligible and ineligible costs, please visit the Project Details and Application page.

How do I know how much my project will cost?

Start by thinking through what you will need to complete your project and the costs associated with those needs — supplies, equipment, transportation, food, events, and marketing. Consider how you might use any remaining funds as well.

Program staff and partner organizations can help you think through and create your budget.

Can I use AI throughout my project?

The goal of the Youth Climate Action Plan is to highlight youth creativity and leadership. You are encouraged to use AI only minimally and to follow the program’s AI Policy:

The use of AI and machine learning tools, including but not limited to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and other tools, is permitted in this program, but only to research, learn, or deepen your understanding of project ideas. The tools should not be used as a substitute for your own creativity, ingenuity, teamwork, or communication about your project.

Acceptable uses include:

• Using AI to help understand how a city government works or how an idea might realistically be implemented by the city.
• Using AI to better understand sustainability or climate resilience concepts and how they might be relevant to our local context.
• Using AI to compare the potential sustainability or climate impact of different project ideas.
• Using AI to expand or build on ideas and organize thoughts.
• Using AI image generators to create visuals.
• Using AI for grammar or spelling checks.

If you use generative AI tools in your project, please document or explain your use in your final project report.