Youth

Youth Climate Fund Sveti Nikole

Overview

The Youth Climate Action Fund is a global programme established by Bloomberg Philanthropies, bringing together 300 cities to partner with young people on local climate solutions. In 2026, the Municipality of Sveti Nikole joined the first round and selected SmartUp – Social Innovation Lab Skopje, through a public call, as its local civil society partner to support the preparation, promotion and implementation of the call for youth climate initiatives.

The fund offered microgrants of US$1,000–5,000 to youth-led teams aged 15–24, applying through a registered partner organisation such as an NGO, school or youth club. Projects had to fit one of six themes from the municipality's Climate Resilience Strategy. The regional fund totalled US$41,500, supporting at least 8 projects that run until April 2027.

The challenge

Heatwaves, droughts, fires and floods are already changing life in the Ovche Pole region, and young people, who have the most at stake, rarely get a direct say or the funding to act.

Small youth groups often lacked a registered organisation, grant-writing experience and a clear way to turn an idea into a fundable project.

A first-time municipal call had to reach young people, schools, NGOs and institutions across the region, and be supported by an impartial selection process.

Activities and methods

Co-creation workshops. SmartUp designed the methodology and facilitated two workshops (21 September and 5 October 2026) with young people and local stakeholders, one on shaping ideas and one on writing the full application, followed by a short findings report.
Application support. SmartUp guided potential applicants in turning ideas into clear, measurable proposals.
Design and landing page. SmartUp designed the visuals and promotional materials for the call and built the landing page with the programme, eligibility, deadlines, grant amounts and how to apply.
Communication and outreach. SmartUp contacted youth groups, schools, organisations and institutions and ran Facebook and Instagram campaigns with the municipal team. The call ran from 3 September to 15 October 2026.
Evaluation support. SmartUp proposed and engaged two external members of the evaluation committee, who reviewed applications against the programme's evaluation criteria and prepared reasoned recommendations. The committee and the final selection were led by the municipality.

Impact and learning

The call closed on 15 October 2026. Funded projects run until 15 April 2027, and results will be shared at the closing event on Earth Day, 22 April 2027.

Reach. The workshops, landing page and youth-oriented campaign gave young people a direct, accessible way into local climate action.
Support for applicants. Workshops and guidance helped teams and partner organisations, many applying for the first time, turn rough ideas into measurable proposals.
Independent input. Two external evaluators brought outside expertise to the municipality's selection process.