Youth-led Climate Projects

Project funding is available to young people aged 15–24 who live or study in Turku and apply as a group. At least two members of the group must be young people aged 15–24 who live or study in Turku. Other group members may be older or younger.

• You can apply for €1,000, €2,500, or €4,500 to plan and carry out your own project.
• Funding is awarded only to registered organizations, such as associations, non-governmental organizations, schools, or clubs. The organization is responsible for how the funds are used.
• Organizations that provide activities for young people, such as associations and clubs, may also apply for project funding. Other organizations, including libraries, museums, and schools, may act as the administrator of the project funding.
• Private companies are not eligible to receive project funding.

Projects must be carried out between 15 November 2026 and 18 April 2027.

Important Dates

• The application period for projects is 19 August to 4 October 2026.
• Project groups will be informed of funding decisions by 30 October 2026.
• Funding will be disbursed from the beginning of November and no later than 13 November 2026.
• A joint kick-off event for funded projects will be held on 1 December 2026.
• All purchases must be completed and the funding fully spent by 18 April 2027.
• Projects must be completed by 18 April 2027.
• A short report on the completed project and its expenses must be submitted by 30 April 2027. The report should be in the form of a PowerPoint presentation, and a template will be provided.
   

Projects must focus on climate action or environmental sustainability and should be open and accessible to as many residents of Turku as possible. During the project, it is important to share information through social media and other channels used by young people. The City of Turku may support communication efforts by promoting projects through its own channels.

• Please note that project ideas that received funding in the previous funding round cannot be resubmitted unchanged. A previously implemented project idea must be further developed in order to be eligible for new funding on the same topic.
• Funding is available only for new projects, not for activities that are already ongoing. The project rules provide more detailed information about what types of activities can and cannot be funded.
• After the project is completed, participants must prepare a short project summary, complete the funder's reporting template, and respond to a survey. Templates and reporting materials will be provided.

Fill in and submit the application form between 19 August and 4 October 2026.

Applications for project funding must be submitted using the form below. Download the Word application form to your device and fill in the project details. Send the completed form by email to petra.svahn@turku.fi.

The person responsible for the project must complete the project funding application form and, together with the project group, is responsible for the use of the funding and the required reporting.

The Youth Climate Projects initiative aims to engage young people aged 15–24 in climate action. The programme funds youth-led climate projects that are planned, implemented, and managed by young people themselves. The City of Turku has received funding for the programme for the third time and acts as its administrator.

Project period: August 2026 to June 2027
Funder: Youth Climate Action Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, supported by UCLG (United Cities and Local Governments) in partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University
Budget: €40,000

• s/y Pupu – Solar-Powered Sailing, Puhurin Pojat ry, Scouts
  An energy retrofit of a training vessel, setting an example for the use of renewable energy in water transport. The project also includes youth education on solar energy applications in marine environments.
• ReFlow, HangFlow ry
  An environmental education project combining hands-on learning, art, and community building. Includes workshops and excursions where waste materials are turned into artwork.
• For the Environment, Again: Magazine and Zero Waste Future Project, FinPolar Cultural Center ry
  A publication to raise environmental awareness, promoting sustainable lifestyles and waste reduction.
• Trash-Free Shores, Turku Steiner School
  A coastal cleanup event on one of Turku’s recreational islands, culminating in the creation of an artwork made from collected litter.
• Sustainable Scouting – Turku Scout Troops on a Sustainable Path, Southwest Finland Scout District ry
  Supports local scout troops in earning the "Sustainably in Scouting" certification, integrating sustainable development practices into everyday scouting activities.
• A Voice for the Future, Aerial Unlimited ry / Pole&Aerial
  A youth-created performing arts piece addressing biodiversity, the importance of clean water, and the challenges of sustainable development.
• Nature Around Us, Aerial Unlimited ry / Pole&Aerial
  Three open nature-themed days during summer for children, youth, and families to engage in hands-on environmental actions and nature learning.
• New Life for Clothes!, Student Union TUO, Turku University of Applied Sciences
  Raises awareness among students about overconsumption, fast fashion, and circular fashion. Includes two hands-on clothing care and repair workshops on the Turku campus.
• Youth Climate Sailing 2.0: Exploring Low-Carbon Travel, Finnish Youth Sail Training Association
  A weekend sail training voyage for youth interested in climate action, focusing on the possibilities of low-carbon travel and strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of sail training.
• Turku Student Sustainability Fair, Humanitas ry
  A sustainability-themed conference with presentations, workshops, panels, and a small exhibition area. Targeted at students of Turku’s universities and international degree students.
• Leave No Trace – Parkour for the Environment, Parkour Akatemia;
  A climate-themed parkour jam open to everyone at Turku Market Square in August, organized in collaboration with Sivistymättömät ry.
• Turku City's Climate Work and Its Impact on Residents, Puolalanmäki Upper Secondary School; A student bus tour during which an expert explains Turku’s climate efforts.
• Make Use of Rooftops! – More New Habitats and Climate Actions for Turku, Luontoliitto ry; An event organized by the Turku Climate Group featuring green roof construction and solar energy. The program includes expert talks, workshops, biodiversity actions, a march, and panel discussions.
• Turku Techno Cycling, Friends of Electronic Music at the University of Turku (TYEMYY); A communal cycling and music event with a bicycle parade and live DJ music across Turku neighborhoods. The event is preceded by a bike repair workshop in collaboration with Vapaa Ratas ry.
• Atlantis, Turku Steiner School; Collecting seabed material from dredging deposit areas and using it as ceramic glaze. The aim is to raise awareness about dumping dredging waste into the Archipelago Sea.
• Let’s Cycle TUOgether! / Bring Yourself – Let’s Ride!, Turku University of Applied Sciences Student Union TUO; A student cycling trip to Ruissalo, with opportunities to learn about using the city bike system (Föli bikes) and sustainable mobility solutions.
• Flow4Future, HangFlow ry; A climate-themed book club and youth organization anniversary event focusing on nature connection and climate emotions, including a visit to a responsible food company.
• Making the Scout Cabin More Climate-Friendly, Scout Troop Kaarinan Sädetytöt ry; Improving the energy efficiency of the scout troop’s hiking cabin and increasing knowledge about energy and circular economy through training.

Here you can take a look what kind of events were organized by some the projects during the year 2025.

Student Union of Turku University of Applied Sciences – TUO: A New Life for Clothes!

• An open and free or charge clothing care and repair workshop on two different days.
• Two experts will be present at the workshops to provide guidance on clothing maintenance.
  • Dates and Times:
    • Tue, September 16, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
    • Tue, September 23, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  • Location: Joukahaisenkatu 7, 20520 Turku
  • More information and registration: A New Life for Clothes!

Luontoliitto: More Flowers for Kupittaa – Life and Wellbeing in a More Sustainable Urban Environment

• Let’s bring urban greenery to the forefront in the densifying city of Turku! This event is free and open to everyone.
• During the event we’re organizing on the last weekend of September, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experts in a panel discussion and participate in workshops. Come dream with us and take concrete steps toward a greener city!
  • Time: September 27th, 1 PM – 4 PM
  • Place: Taidon portaat, inside Turku University of Applied Sciences’ EduCity building.

Kaarinan Sädetytöt, Southwest Finland Scout District: Engaging and Guided Climate Workshops for Youth

• The Samojedit patrol of Kaarinan Sädetytöt invites all 15–24-year-old scouts from the Southwest Finland Scout District who are interested in climate issues to join our workshops.
• These engaging and guided workshops are designed for youth aged 15–24. Each workshop can accommodate around 25 participants.
• Workshops are led by experts in energy, climate, and environmental fields. Participation is free of charge. You can join one or all of the workshops. Light snacks will be provided.
• Register by August 31, 2025 via the Kuksa link.

Workshop 1: Climate Action and Circular Economy
Expert: Julianna Brandt-Smal, Project Manager / Environmentally Friendly Youth Work Project
Date: September 15, 2025
Time: 17:30–19:30
Location: Turku City Library, Linnankatu 2, Studio

Workshop 2: Energy Efficiency and Emission Reduction in Scouting and Hiking
Expert: Elina Lamminen from Turku Energia
Date: September 29, 2025
Time: 17:30–19:30
Location: Turku City Library, Linnankatu 2, Studio

Workshop 3: Living with the Environmental Crisis and Eco-Emotions
Expert: Panu Pihkala, researcher of environmental emotions, nature enthusiast, and father of two scouts
Date: October 20, 2025
Time: 17:30–19:30
Location: Turku City Library, Linnankatu 2, Studio

FinnPolar; Reclaiming for the Environment: The Magazine and Zero-Waste Future Project

• Follow FinnPolar's project on Instagram.
• On social media, we share information about past events and content that promotes environmental awareness.