City Joins Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Action Fund

Mayor Daniel Biss announced that the City of Evanston will join the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund, which will provide capital and capacity to support the City in mobilizing young residents ages 15–24 to design and deliver solutions aligned with climate priorities.

Evanston joins the Youth Climate Action Fund alongside 300 other cities. The scale-up triples the program’s reach since its launch in 2024. It builds on results across 34 countries, where 98 municipalities delivered tangibly for residents and improved trust in city hall, and helps a new generation believe in government again.

The program includes $50,000 in direct project funding. In addition to the funding, participants will receive technical support and guidance from Bloomberg Philanthropies and City staff throughout the entire process, from proposal development to project completion.

The City will empower young residents to develop and lead projects focused on climate action, public space improvements, disaster mitigation, and community resilience. Selected proposals will receive grant funding ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, with a minimum of eight projects awarded. Depending on project size and scope, up to 50 projects could ultimately receive funding.

Projects may focus on:

• Creating or improving public spaces
• Climate resilience and environmental sustainability
• Disaster preparedness and mitigation
• Infrastructure improvements
• Community-building initiatives

City staff will assist selected participants with project planning, coordination, and implementation to help ensure successful outcomes.

“Addressing climate change requires bold ideas and collaboration across generations. Through this program, we are putting trust in our youth to lead innovative solutions that will strengthen our City for years to come,” said Mayor Daniel Biss. 

“The Youth Climate Action Fund is helping city halls around the world work alongside hundreds of thousands of young people to take action on city climate challenges and improve their communities,” said Patricia E. Harris, CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies. “They are showing how local government can be a partner on issues youth and residents care deeply about – and they are building trust along the way. We look forward to expanding on these efforts and inspiring a new generation of civic leaders.”

Youth Climate Action Fund Interest Form

As part of the Youth Climate Action Fund, the City will issue an open call in July for proposals for new, innovative climate projects led by young residents ages 15–24. In the meantime, youth are encouraged to share their ideas, learn more information, and be the first to know when the official application opens by filling out an Interest Form.

Call for Community Project Sponsors

The City is also seeking mentors, schools, nonprofits, and local organizations interested in supporting participating students and youth teams throughout the grant process by signing up to become a Community Project Sponsor.

A Community Project Sponsor will serve as the fiscal agent for student participants, responsible for receiving, holding, and administering grant funds on the students’ behalf. In this role, the Sponsor will ensure funds are distributed appropriately and in compliance with program guidelines. Sponsors may also collaborate with participating students to support project implementation. 

About Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy, as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2025, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $4.3 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for the newsletter, or follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X.