ENG: Open Call - Youth Climate Action Fund x Cultuurmakers
Are you between the ages of 15 and 24? Do you have an idea for working with other young people to make Maastricht greener, more sustainable, or better prepared for climate change? And do you want to use a creative approach to do so? Then this open call is for you.
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USE YOUR CREATIVITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE CLIMATE!
Through the Youth Climate Action Fund Maastricht x Cultuurmakers, you can apply for funding to carry out your idea. For each selected project, between €3,500 and €4,300 is expected to be available.
WHAT KIND OF IDEAS ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We’re looking for young creators, thinkers, doers, and organizers who want to use a creative or cultural idea to make a difference for the climate in Maastricht. The most important thing is that your project contributes to one of Maastricht’s climate goals and that young people both conceive and lead the project.
For example, you can:
- work with other young people to make a film or podcast about climate change;
- use art to raise awareness about heat waves or flooding in your neighborhood;
- organize a sustainable fashion show or clothing swap where young people can meet;
- work together to turn old items into something new;
- design a green gathering place with young people and neighborhood residents;
- create a performance about the future of Maastricht and discuss it with others;
- create a photo exhibition with various young people about nature in the city;
- come up with a creative campaign that makes sustainable travel easier or more appealing for everyone;
- organize a festival, workshop, or activity where climate, culture, and community come together;
- etc.
We’re especially curious to hear your ideas!
Do you have another climate-related idea that doesn’t involve art or culture? Be sure to let us know. We’d love to brainstorm with you and refer you to the right people if needed.
THE THREE CLIMATE THEMES
Your project must align with at least one of the following three themes.
- A Green and Climate-Resilient Maastricht
How can we make Maastricht greener and ensure the city can better cope with heat, drought, and heavy rain? And how can we work together to create neighborhoods where people, plants, and animals can thrive? - A Climate-Neutral Maastricht
How can we ensure that Maastricht emits fewer greenhouse gases and that everyone can contribute to a more sustainable city? Consider how we travel, eat, live, and use energy, but also how we can help each other make more sustainable choices. - A circular Maastricht
How can we reduce waste and use items and materials for longer? In a circular city, we throw away less. We share, swap, repair, and reuse things. We can also turn old materials into something new. We can do this together, in our neighborhoods and with people we might not otherwise meet so easily.
GET INVOLVED
You can apply if:
- you’re planning to carry out the project together with at least one other young person;
- you’re between the ages of 15 and 24;
- your project takes place in Maastricht or benefits Maastricht;
- your project aligns with at least one of the three climate themes;
- your project involves art, culture, or creativity;
- your budget does not exceed €4,300;
- your project is completed by April 15, 2027, at the latest;
Have you never submitted an application before? No problem. The form will guide you step by step through developing your idea.
QUESTIONS?
Do you have an idea but aren’t sure if it’s a good fit? Or do you need help with the registration form? Please contact:
Britt Mooren, Youth Culture Coach at Cultuurmakers Maastricht via: britt.mooren [at] maastricht.nl
HOW DO YOU APPLY?
Fill out the online form by Tuesday, October 13, at the latest. The form opens on September 1 at 4:30 p.m.:
Faq
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To receive the money, you need a partner organization—which is simply an officially registered organization. We do this because the money cannot go directly to a single young person or to a group without an official organization. It simply needs to be an organization that can receive the funds. In addition, the partner organization can also help you with the paperwork.
We’ll help you find a partner organization. Do you already have one in mind? That’s great, of course!
As young people, you’ll always remain the creators and leaders of the project. The partner organization is not allowed to take over the project from you.
The partner organization must:
- be officially registered;
- have a bank account in the organization’s name;
- not be a commercial business or a political organization.
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You can apply for between €3,500 and €4,300 per project. We’ll assess whether the amount is appropriate for what you plan to do. The maximum amount may change slightly, since the fund provides the money in dollars and the value in euros therefore depends on the daily exchange rate.
For example, you can use the funds for:
- materials;
- workshops;
- renting a space;
- printing and promotion;
- local travel expenses;
- food and drinks during activities;
- mentoring or training;
- photos or videos;
- small equipment;
- project organizational costs.
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You may not use the money for:- political campaigns;
- commercial activities intended to generate a profit;
- lobbying activities;
- personal financial support;
- activities that are already funded by another municipal program.
- Equipment and other major purchases combined may not exceed half of your total budget.
- A partner organization may charge administrative fees. These fees may not exceed 15% of the requested amount.
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We’d like to know what you’re going to do and what you hope to achieve with it.
For example, suppose you’re organizing workshops on sustainable fashion. In that case, your goal might be: “We’re organizing three workshops for a total of sixty young people.” You should also describe what you hope these workshops will change, for example: “After the workshops, more young people will know how to repair and reuse clothing.”
You don’t need to overcomplicate this. We mainly want to know:
- What are you going to create or organize?
- How often will you do it?
- How many people do you want to reach?
- What do you hope will change as a result?
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First, we check whether your application meets the guidelines. Then, the applications are reviewed by a group of at least three people. They are not involved in the projects they are evaluating. When selecting projects, they consider the following points:
- Is it truly a youth-led project?
- Does it fit within a climate-related theme?
- Are art and culture a clear part of the project?
- Is the plan feasible—can you carry out the project within the available time frame and with the requested funding?
- Is it clear what the project will achieve?
- Does the project appeal to young people?
Before the projects are selected, the municipality works with the Youth Climate Action Fund coach to verify that the applications meet the guidelines.
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Open call begins: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 4.30 PM
Application deadline: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Announcement of selected projects: late October, early November
Funds disbursed: no later than the end of November
Project implementation: November 2026 through April 15, 2027 -
Do you have an idea, but aren’t quite sure how to go about it yet? Or would you like to discuss your budget, your climate-related topic, or finding a partner organization with someone?
During the open call, we’ll host a meeting where you can get help developing your idea. More information will follow.
Do you have a question in the meantime? Then Britt, our youth culture coach, is here to help you at: Britt.mooren [at] maastricht.nl
