YOUTH IN CLIMATE ACTION FUND (YCAF) - Nzema East Municipal Assembly

ABOUT PROJECT

Youth in Climate Action (YCAF)
Nzema East municipal Assembly has been competitively selected among 300 cities across the globe as a beneficiary under the 2026–2027 Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Bloomberg Philanthropies CEO Patricia E. Harris announced this during the Bloomberg CityLab 2026 held in Madrid, Spain from 27–29 April 2026 for the expansion of the Youth Climate Action Fund to 300 new cities; tripling the program’s reach since its launch in 2024.
For us, this is more than a grant. It is an opportunity to position young people at the centre of local climate leadership, innovation, and community resilience. Through this partnership, we have the opportunity to support youth-led initiatives that are locally relevant and capable of delivering measurable community impact in our municipality
The programme supports local governments to work with young ages 15–24 in designing and delivering solutions in addressing climate and environmental challenges through practical, community-based solutions aligned with citywide climate priorities.
This achievement under my leadership is particularly significant as it represents the first time the Assembly has been competitively selected to benefit from external donor support through an international funding process. It therefore marks an important milestone in the Assembly’s efforts to position Nzema East to attract strategic development partnerships and external funding opportunities.
The programme aligns strongly with the Assembly’s priorities in climate resilience, environmental protection, sustainable waste management, and youth empowerment.
Under the programme, the Assembly will support youth-led climate initiatives through a transparent and competitive microgrant process, focusing on areas such as climate education, environmental protection, sustainable waste management, circular economy initiatives, and community resilience.
I also wish to acknowledge and commend the officers who led and supported the application process that resulted in this achievement. Their efforts are highly appreciated, and I encourage all departments of the Assembly to continue pursuing innovative partnerships and funding opportunities to support the development priorities of the Municipality.
The Assembly has put in place the necessary governance and coordination arrangements to ensure transparency, accountability, stakeholder participation, and effective implementation of the programme.
I respectfully invite the support and cooperation of the people in the municipality as we work together to ensure the successful implementation of this important initiative.

Applicants can click on this link to register YCAF MICROGRANT APPLICATION FORM

NZEMA EAST MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY LAUNCHES MICRO GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS UNDER THE YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION FUND SUPPORTED BY BLOOMBERG PHILANTHROPIES.NZEMA EAST MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY LAUNCHES MICRO GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS UNDER THE YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION FUND SUPPORTED BY BLOOMBERG PHILANTHROPIES.

The Nzema East Municipal Assembly on 14^th July,2026 has held an event to officially launched the micro-grant application process for young people aged 15-24 years under Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) at Axim. The event was attended by key personalities such as the Paramount Chief of Lower Axim Traditional Council, Awulae Attibrukusu III; the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, Member of Parliament for Evalue-Ajomoro-Gwira, Hon. Kofi Arko Nokoe. Other participants include Hon. Assembly Members, Heads of Departments and Agencies, Religious Leaders, Civil Society Organizations, Youth Groups, Schools and the Media

The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Herbert Kuah Dickson in his welcome remarks revealed that Nzema East Municipal Assembly was competitively selected among 300 cities in the world to benefit under the 2026–2027 Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. It is against this background that the event was held to officially launch the micro-grant application process under the Youth Climate Action Fund for the youth.

The Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson in his Keynote Address quoted Michael R. Bloomberg, United Nations Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions, aptly stated: “Climate change is an all-hands-on-deck challenge, and it’s critical that young people who have the most at stake help lead the way.” He indicated this philosophy resonates strongly with our development aspirations. Young people are not merely beneficiaries of development interventions; they are innovators, mobilisers, and partners in building resilient communities. Their ideas, energy, and creativity are indispensable in shaping sustainable solutions for the future.

He revealed that participation in the Youth Climate Action Fund also comes with important responsibilities. The successful implementation of this programme will require transparency, accountability, effective institutional coordination, meaningful youth participation, prudent financial management, and strict compliance with the programme’s reporting and governance requirements. The Regional Minister further urged Traditional Authorities, Educational Institutions, Civil Society Organisations, Community-Based Organisations, and the Private Sector to lend their support to this initiative so that its impact will extend well beyond the duration of the grant.

The Paramount Chief of Lower Axim Traditional Council, Awulae Attibrukusu III urged the youth to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the Assembly under the youth climate action fund to contribute to the development of the municipality.

Launching the YCAP and the Micro Grant Application which officially opens 15th July 2026, the Hon. Regional Minister sated that young resident of Nzema East, aged 15-24 years, you have the opportunity to access this fund and make a difference in your communities. It is open to youth climate organizations or individuals, by joining this programme, you will be part of a global movement working towards a more sustainable future.

REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN THE YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION FUND PROGRAMME

Detailed description of the proposed project.
Budget showing how the funds will be utilized.
Eligible applicants must have formal incorporation or status, a bank account in their name, and the ability to manage the funds.
Projects must align with the Nzema East Municipal Assembly’s Medium Term Development Plan (2026-2029) Climate Focus Areas.
Funds must be used for the purposes outlined in the approved application.
Projects must be completed with all funds spent by 30th April, 2026.

All interested young residents aged 15-24 years should visit the Municipal Assembly’s website at www.nema.gov.gh and access the grant application link https://nema.gov.gh/youth-in-climate-action-fund-ycaf-nzema-east/ site and apply online only before 18th August 2026.

There is going to be weekly Webinar where our dedicated Project Implementation Team will response to prospective applicants’ questions. Follow all our social media handles for updates on the Webinar and the YCAF.