With 84 percent of youth around the world reporting that they are worried climate change threatens people and the planet, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann announced the City of Columbia will join Bloomberg Philanthropies’ new Youth Climate Action Fund, which will provide technical assistance and funding for 100 mayors to activate tens of thousands of young people ages of 15 – 24 years to design, produce, and govern urgent climate solutions in cities across the globe.
As part of this program, the City of Columbia will receive $50,000 to distribute as microgrants to fund a groundswell of youth-led climate initiatives. From mobilizing tree-planting or public education campaigns to launching recycling or waste reduction initiatives to participating in mitigation planning or preparedness programs, efforts stemming from the new Youth Climate Action Fund will advance critical community goals such as meeting decarbonization commitments or reducing consumption-based emissions.
Cities that respond to the urgency of the moment and commit the initial $50,000 within six months will receive an additional $100,000 to support more youth-driven projects over the course of one year.
Organizations and groups with programming focused on youth ages 15 – 24 years are encouraged to apply for the Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. The open call for applications will be open from May 7, 2024, through June 7, 2024.
