Round 2 Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund Projects

 While some grants have been awarded, additional funding is still available.  

Groups are encouraged to apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. 

The final deadline is May 23, and funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

• Bloomberg Philanthropies provided $100,000 in Round 2 funding for these grants.

 

TOP NEWS 

City of Mesa Celebrates Round 2 Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund Projects

April 23, 2025 at 1:33 pm
Mesa has announced the initial winners in Round 2 of the Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund (MYCAF). 

Details at mesanow.org

The City of Mesa is excited to announce the initial winners in Round 2 of the Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund (MYCAF). 

• The program aims to empower young people to design, implement and manage actionable climate solutions. 
• MYCAF is open to groups of three or more youth, ages 15 to 24, who reside in or attend school in the City of Mesa or whose initiative directly benefits the community of Mesa.

All applicants were recognized at a special Earth Day Celebration where they networked with fellow applicants and discussed their projects with subject matter experts from the City of Mesa and the community.

"I had the pleasure of meeting many of these outstanding young community leaders at last night's event, where we celebrated their innovative ideas and commitment to solving climate issues," said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. 

"I look forward to seeing what else these inspiring young people can accomplish."

The following projects were submitted for consideration:

1. Brewing a Sustainable Future at Jarrods Coffee, Tea & Gallery Circular Earth
2. Buddy Benches SWAT Team aka The Gardening Club at Mountain View High School
3. Heartwood Montessori School Garden Heartwood Montessori
4. Monarch Waystation Scouts BSA Troop 3030
5. Ready Set Grow Sustainable Food & Waste Reduction Initiative Benedictine University-RSG Gardening Club
6. Rewear Revolution Girl Up Red Mountain High School
7. Self-Growth Through At-Home Gardening Por La Tierra - Por La Cultura
8. Sonoran Olla Oasis (for SPV Lab) Sonoran Photovoltaic Lab at Mountain View High School
9. The Southwest Waystation Network's Sittable Cities Initiative Arizona Sustainability Alliance
10. Water Recycling and Materials Management for Mesa Dining Room and Community Garden Circular Earth
11. Zero-Waste Workshop for Mesa Businesses GreenLight Solutions

"Our Girl Up Club at Red Mountain High School was a recipient in Round 1 of MYCAF, led by project lead Josie Smeets. 

The students used the money to plant 40 trees around Mesa,"  

---------said Rachel Cupryk, English teacher and project advisor. 

 

Josie and her club members are excited to be back for Round 2 with a clothing swap event. These students are passionate about serving their community. Plus, they gain valuable communication skills through interactions with their classmates and community members. But maybe the best part is that this program allows them to take their ideas from concept to completion and see the benefit of their efforts in the community."