RFP_HLTH_Youth Climate Action Projects

The City of Minneapolis Health Department is requesting proposals for youth-led climate action projects under the Green Careers Exploration Program, with proposals due September 16, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. CT via the eSupplier Portal and a pre-proposal virtual information session on August 19, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CT.

Eligible recipients are youth-led organizations, youth-serving organizations, and sponsor organizations such as city agencies, schools, museums, and community organizations; private companies, individuals, and political parties are ineligible. All organizations must be legally registered non-profit or charitable entities (unless public entities) with a dedicated bank account and clearly defined fiscal agent. Projects must be proposed and led by at least two young people aged 15 to 24 and must align with Minneapolis' Climate Equity Plan. Eligible project categories include climate education, research and data collection, resilience and adaptation, green infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, circular economy advancement, waste management, sustainable transportation, and climate governance. Completed projects are due by April 15, 2027.

The City intends to award multiple contracts totaling $40,000 with individual project awards of up to $4,950 each for organizational capacity costs. A single organization may receive funding for up to three separate projects. Organizations receiving more than $5,000 must carry Worker's Compensation, auto insurance if applicable, and Commercial General Liability insurance at contracting. Eligible expenses include supplies and materials, community event organization, permits, ground travel for participants, promotional materials, training and mentorship fees, and administrative costs capped at 15 percent of grant value. Ineligible expenses include rent or utilities, speaker honorariums, scholarships, lobbying costs, and political contributions.

Proposals are evaluated on organizational eligibility, project alignment with Minneapolis' Climate Equity Plan, youth engagement and leadership, organizational capacity, outcomes and feasibility, and budget detail and appropriateness. The service period runs from November 13, 2026, through May 14, 2027. Written questions are due by 4:00 p.m. CT on August 26, 2026.