CASE STUDY: Youth Climate Action Fund

Youth engagement in Climate Action has been chosen as a key focus area for SBCAN in 2024/25.  As a result, our first funding of the year was targeted towards activities that engage young people. 

Our Youth Climate Action Fund launched on the 13th May and had the following categories: Community Action which benefits our planet, Developing Sustainable practices, Encouraging Climate Resilience and Adaptations, Learning new skills and discovering nature. During the period that the fund was open, the SBCAN team were able to offer support and guidance to groups applying to the fund in the form of online sessions and 1:1’s. We had a brilliant response and a high number of applications from a diverse range of groups, many who were new to Climate Action.

Following a selection process by an expert panel, £15633 has been distributed to 19 different projects. These groups include Schools, Youth groups, Scouts, organisations working with young people with additional support needs, nature-based organisations and social enterprise.  The funding will have a positive impact on minimum of 2054 children and young people from the Scottish Borders Region. 

To highlight some of the amazing projects that are taking place thanks to the funding, SBCAN are commissioning a short film with a local film maker.  The film will give an introduction from the SBCAN team about why we chose this focus and a snapshot of several of the funded projects.

The Climate Action Fund has helped us to develop relationship with a new audience not previously engaged with the Borders Climate Action Network.  We will continue to nurture these relationships through targeted events, training and further funding in the future.

Keep an eye on this blog for a spotlight on some of the funded projects over the summer.