Energy Saving Trust Foundation: Youth Climate Action Grants Programme

Summary

The Energy Saving Trust Foundation is actively funding youth-led climate action organisations, particularly those serving young people experiencing inequality. The foundation has awarded grants to 22 organisations and is seeking new partnerships; interested parties can contact them directly.

Score breakdown

Evidence

“We fund and support organisations that empower young people experiencing inequality, ensuring they have the resources, opportunities, and confidence to lead meaningful climate action. Meet the list of Energy Saving Trust Foundation grantees, where we've awarded grants to 22 worthwhile causes.”

What changed on the page

The Foundation
The Energy Saving Trust Foundation
The Energy Saving Trust Foundation is the charitable arm of Energy Saving Trust, established in 2014.
We champion youth-led climate action. We fund and support organisations that empower young people experiencing inequality, ensuring they have the resources, opportunities, and confidence to lead meaningful climate action.
We’ve deepened our knowledge and developed our understanding of what’s needed to empower and support more young people experiencing inequality to lead meaningful climate action. Here’s what we know:
What we know about young people
Young people are the generation most affected by the climate emergency.
Those experiencing inequality are disproportionately impacted—facing greater risks and fewer resources to respond.
Many young people report feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the climate and other intersecting crises. In fact, 26% of young people reported that eco-anxiety affected their daily functioning.
Less than half (48%) of young people feel ignored or dismissed when they talked with others about climate change.
What we know about the funding landscape
Despite the urgency, funding for youth-led climate action remains critically low:
Only around 8.5% of total UK foundation giving is directed toward environmental causes.
Of the £687.2 million in global environmental grants, just 17% is focused on the UK.
Less than 1% of climate justice funding reaches young people.
Why investing in smaller charities is so important?
Smaller charities, who make up 80% of the sector, receive just 3% of available funding.
Small, community-rooted organisations play a vital role in reaching underserved people. But they often operate with limited staff, stretched leadership, and fragile organisational systems.
Tailored organisational development support eg governance strengthening, income diversification, and leadership coaching, helps small charities become more effective, adaptable and confident.
Get in touch
If you have any questions or would like to discuss supporting the Foundation, please email The Foundation.
Get in touch
About the Foundation
Find out more about the Energy Saving Trust Foundation and how we're empowering young people to tackle the climate emergency.
Our impact
Meet the list of Energy Saving Trust Foundation grantees, where we've awarded grants to 22 worthwhile causes.
Last updated: 23 April 2026
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