Atlanta Youth Climate Action Fund Opens Applications for Climate Projects

Mayor Andre Dickens announced that the application period is open for the new Atlanta Youth Climate Action Fund.

Launched by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Youth Climate Action Fund will provide technical assistance and funding to 100 mayors to engage tens of thousands of young people ages 15 to 24 to design, produce and manage urgent climate solutions in their cities.

According to a press release, Atlanta joins the Fund alongside 100 cities from around the world, which together span 38 countries on six continents, representing more than 62 million people.

“With the launch of the Atlanta Youth Climate Action Fund, we can empower our city’s young innovators to develop youth-led climate solutions designed for the future,” Dickens said in the release. “Our administration has made investing in our youth and tackling the climate crisis locally a priority. Through Bloomberg Philanthropies and other partners, this is an opportunity to foster the next generation of climate leaders while advancing our efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient Atlanta.”

As part of this program, the City of Atlanta received $50,000 to provide microgrants and convening opportunities to support youth-led climate initiatives.

The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience partners with 21^st Century Leaders, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that has provided youth leadership development programs in Georgia for 35 years, will serve as the fiscal sponsor for the award of microgrants of $1,000 to $5,000.

From mobilizing for tree planting or public education campaigns to launching recycling or waste reduction initiatives, efforts from the Youth Climate Action Fund will help advance Atlanta’s sustainability goals.

Young residents ages 15-24 are encouraged to visit the Atlanta Youth Climate Action Fund webpage to learn more about the Youth Climate Action Fund, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, and how to submit ideas for a chance to receive funding. Applications close Friday, July 25.

“There is no age requirement to hold a leadership position and we are thrilled that the Mayor’s Office is investing in the city with the same mindset,” Kate Hewitt, executive director of 21st Century Leaders, said in the press release. “When young people are given opportunities, incredible things happen. We are proud to partner with the City of Atlanta’s Youth Climate Action Fund where together, we will advance young leaders to create real change for their local communities and beyond.”