Microgrant competition for Kyiv youth aged 15 to 24

The Klitschko Foundation, as part of the global Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund program, announces the call for applications for the Kyiv Youth Climate Hub microgrant competition. The initiative aims to support young people in Kyiv aged 15 to 24 who aspire to implement environmental and climate action in their city. The project aligns with the Ecological Strategy of Kyiv until 2030 and empowers youth to lead tangible local changes in courtyards, educational establishments, dormitories, and public neighborhood spaces.

The competition finances initiatives under two key tracks: "More Greenery" (creating green areas, community and therapeutic gardens, cooling spaces) and "Less Waste" (implementing waste sorting systems, repair and exchange stations, upcycling workshops). The grant size ranges from UAH 45,000 to UAH 220,000 per project. The program plans to support at least 8 projects, with funds coverable for equipment, materials, workshop organization, transportation, and administrative costs.

Applications are submitted jointly by a youth team (at least two members) and a legally registered non-profit applicant organization (school, university, NGO, etc.) that receives and administers the grant funds. The application deadline runs from September 2 to October 14, 2026, inclusive. Winners will be announced by November 13, 2026, all project activities must be completed by early April 2027, and the final report submitted by April 15, 2027.

• Youth team: the project must be proposed, designed, and led by a team of at least two young people aged 15 to 24 (students from school or university, working youth, or active citizens).
• Partner organization: since the grant funds are transferred to a legal entity's account, the team applies jointly with an applicant organization.
• Eligible applicant organizations:
  • Youth organizations (clubs, unions, associations).
  • Organizations working directly with youth.
  • Partner institutions: schools, colleges, higher and vocational educational institutions, museums, NGOs, municipal/communal institutions.
• Organization requirements: legal registration, non-profit or charitable status under Ukrainian law, and a bank account in its own name.
• Ineligible applicants: private commercial companies, individuals (including individual entrepreneurs), as well as political parties or affiliated organizations.
• Application limit: one organization may receive up to three microgrants, but strictly for distinctly different projects.

• Grant amount: from UAH 45,000 to UAH 220,000 per project (the budget is prepared and submitted in Ukrainian Hryvnia).
• Eligible expenses:
  • Materials and equipment directly required for project implementation (purchase or rental of tools, equipment, creative supplies).
  • Organization of events, workshops, and educational sessions (venue rental, printing materials, water, light snacks).
  • Obtaining necessary legal or municipal permits.
  • Reasonable ground transportation expenses (public transport, taxi, rideshare) for involved team members.
  • Promotional materials for project coverage (photo and video shooting, editorial support).
  • Honorariums/fees for practical training and mentorship in a workshop format for youth.
  • Administrative expenses of the applicant organization — no more than 15% of the total grant amount.
  • Small expenses for youth engagement and incentives (meals, gift cards).
  • Capital expenditures — provided they constitute an essential part of the project and do not exceed 50% of the microgrant amount.
• Ineligible expenses:
  • Services and expenses already covered by existing city initiatives.
  • Regular office space rental and utility payments.
  • Expenses related to creating or registering new non-profit or non-governmental organizations.
  • Guest speaker honorariums (one-time speeches without practical work).
  • Scholarships and direct financial support to individuals or families.
  • Political contributions, party-related expenses, election campaigns, and lobbying.
  • Commercial activity, capital campaigns, and endowments.
  • Payments to public officials or local government authority representatives.
  • Fundraising events not related to youth climate action.
  • Transferring funds to other organizations or individuals as sub-grants.

The project must align with at least one of the two core tracks (or combine both):

• "More Greenery" Track:
  • Greening of courtyards, school/university grounds, and public spaces in Kyiv.
  • Planting trees, shrubs, creating flowerbeds and lawns.
  • Creating community gardens and therapeutic gardens.
  • Creating shaded or cool spaces for relaxation during hot months.
  • Revitalizing and restoring neglected urban plots or vacant spaces.
• "Less Waste" Track:
  • Implementing local waste sorting systems in educational institutions or residential yards.
  • Establishing repair, restoration, and item exchange stations (clothing, bicycles, etc.).
  • Organizing upcycling workshops that give "second life" to materials.
  • Conducting educational events and campaigns to foster eco-habits and energy efficiency.

• September 2 – October 14, 2026: electronic application submission period (inclusive).
• By November 13, 2026: public announcement of selection results.
• November 2026 – early April 2027: signing of agreements and implementation of project activities.
• By April 15, 2027: submission of the final financial and narrative report.

1. Agree on the initiative between the youth team and the applicant organization, calculate the estimated budget.
2. Access the official online application form via: https://noteforms.com/forms/zaiavka-na-uchast-u-proiekti-kyiv-youth-climate-hub-rzchpd.
3. Submit the form by October 14, 2026, inclusive.

• Link to climate action: clarity and understanding of how exactly the project adds greenery to the city or reduces waste volume.
• Youth leadership and role: the idea must belong to young people who directly make decisions, negotiate with school/local authorities, manage procurements, and moderate events.
• Feasibility: ability to complete within deadlines (by early April 2027), considering school holidays, seasonal conditions, material supply, and necessary approvals.
• Measurability of results: clear definition of "Result" (what was directly done) and "Effect" (what changed as a consequence) with specific numerical targets.
• Budget justification: plausibility of calculated amounts, compliance of expenses with contest rules, and proper adherence to spending limits.
• Community benefit: transparency of social impact — who exactly and how will benefit from the created changes in urban space.

• At the online submission stage:
  • Completed online form with a signed Declaration of Consent (QES/digital signature is not required).
  • (Optional): detailed budget file and site photo/sketches.
• For contest winners (before signing the grant agreement):
  • Official registration documents of the applicant organization (EDR extract/certificate, decision on inclusion in the register of non-profit organizations, bank account verification document).

• Report submission deadline: by April 15, 2027.
• Financial reporting:
  • Conducting all financial transactions exclusively through the applicant organization's bank account.
  • Submitting copies of all primary payment proof documents (contracts, acceptance acts, delivery notes, invoices, bank statements, fiscal receipts) as PDF files or clear photos.
• Content of the final report:
  • Actual budget report comparing actual expenses against planned costs.
  • Data on the number of engaged young people (leaders, volunteers, participants combined).
  • Achieved numerical targets for Result and Effect.
  • Photo report with descriptive captions (what is depicted, date, and location).
• Media consent and data protection compliance:
  • Mandatory collection of signed photo/video recording and publication consent forms from all event participants.
  • Written parental/legal guardian consent is mandatory for participants under 18 years of age (using Klitschko Foundation's template).
  • Adherence to personal data protection legislation when keeping registration lists.

• Legal status of recipient: funds are paid exclusively to the bank account of a legally registered non-profit or charitable organization (educational institutions, NGOs, youth centers, museums, communal institutions). Payment to accounts of private companies, political parties, or individuals is not permitted.
• Youth leadership: the project must be designed and led by a team of at least two young people aged 15 to 24. The organization acts as the applicant and fund administrator on behalf of the youth.
• Application limits: one organization may receive up to three microgrants, strictly for different projects.
• Personal data protection and media recording: obtaining signed consent forms from all participants is mandatory for photo and video publication. Written consent from parents or legal guardians is required for minor participants (under 18).
• Compliance and budget adherence: project execution must strictly align with the approved budget and schedule, with all activities finalized by early April 2027 and final report submitted by April 15, 2027.