Manisa secures $50,000 international grant for youth climate projects

Manisa Metropolitan Municipality has been accepted into the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), an international program managed by Bloomberg Philanthropies. As part of this initiative, the city has secured a $50,000 grant to support climate and environmental projects led by local youth aged 15 to 24.

Of the total grant, $40,000 will be distributed directly to youth projects through a micro-grant model. Individual project support will range from $1,000 to $5,000, with the goal of implementing between 8 and 40 different projects. An independent selection committee composed of various local stakeholders will evaluate applications based on objective criteria to ensure transparency.

The program focuses on four primary themes: increasing social awareness and youth participation in climate action, energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions, waste reduction and circular economy, and the expansion of green spaces and urban biodiversity.

Applications are scheduled to open on September 1, 2026, following an online information day on September 4. Project development workshops will be held from September 17 to 19, with a final application deadline of October 2, 2026. The initiative aims to provide training and guidance to help participants transform their ideas into actionable environmental solutions.