Columbia, South Carolina – Mayor Daniel Rickenmann revealed Columbia will become a member of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund, a daring move to enable the city’s young in the fight against climate change. Under this program, 100 mayors globally receive financing and technical support to include tens of thousands of young people, ages 15 to 24, in creating significant climate solutions in communities all around the world.
The City of Columbia will get a $50,000 start-up grant under this program to use as microgrants for climate projects spearheaded by young people. Through initiatives like trash reduction and preparedness plans to tree planting and public education campaigns, the fund aims to spark a wave of community-driven initiatives that tackle important environmental issues. Through encouraging young innovation, these programs will help Columbia achieve its objectives of lowering consumption-based pollution and carbon emissions.
This program aims to help young people who are deeply worried about climate change and is committed to giving the tools and support to be at the forefront of change. Youth Climate Action Fund gives these young folks the confidence to act fearlessly and think imaginatively further underscoring the vital role young people play in creating climate solutions.
Cities that use their original grant in less than six months will get an extra $100,000 to continue these initiatives throughout the following year and allow youth-driven climate programs to grow even further. Funding applications from organizations and groups serving children between the ages of 15 and 24 are welcome through Bloomberg Philanthropies. May 7–June 7 of 2024 will be the application period.
Candidates must submit financial documents, yearly reports, and names of leaders in addition to proving their legal status. They should also present documentation of previous funds they have received. Organizations unable of meeting their spending obligations should look for a community group sponsor to help with their projects. Those interested are encouraged to apply here.
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The Youth Climate Action Fund is positioned to raise the voices of the 84% of young people worldwide who are concerned about the threat of climate change. Columbia wants to lead significant change that not only lessens the environmental effect but also establishes a standard for cities all around the world by using the inventiveness and enthusiasm of its young people.
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS AND EFFORTS COULD INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- Youth-led awareness, education, research, and development initiatives, including: youth-led climate education programs; youth climate hackathons; youth-developed climate surveys and research; youth-informed clubs or curriculum; and youth-designed public art and awareness campaigns.
- Youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects, including: youth-led community gardening, tree planting, reforestation, and urban farming campaigns; youth-managed recycling and waste reduction programs; and youth-produced climate resilience workshops and disaster preparedness programs.
- Co-governed youth climate action plans, including: partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy ideas, decisions, or actions or the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards.
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WHAT THESE GRANT FUNDS CANNOT BE USED FOR:
- Services covered by existing city initiatives
- Rent or Utilities
- Nonprofit/NGO incorporation fees
- Speaker honorariums
- Improvement projects that primarily serve churches and/or other religious organizations
- Scholarships or other direct support to individuals or families
- Partisan political organizations, political candidates, fundraisers, or projects
- Capital campaigns, endowments, or endowed chairs
- Events or fundraisers not related to youth climate action
THE TIMELINE
- May 7, 2024: Applications Open
- June 7, 2024: Applications Close:
- June 24, 2024: Chose Projects Announced
- July-August 2024: Funds Distributed
- Expenditures April 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 are eligible for the grant.
- October 2024: Initial Reporting Due
- January 2025: Final Reporting Due
