COLUMBUS, Ohio — The 10 recipients of the City of Columbus’ Youth Climate Action Fund grants have been announced.
According to a press release from Sustainable Columbus, the Bloomberg Philanthropies-supported fund is meant to provide youth (15-24) with the funding to “design, produce and govern urgent climate solutions in cities across the globe.”
“It’s amazing to see what these young people came up with, and it’s evident that there was a real untapped desire in this community to help create change,” Sustainable Columbus Grants Coordinator Melanie Ford said in the release.
The release said this funding shows the city’s dedication to fighting climate change. It was initially announced by the city earlier in the summer.
Almost $50,000 was awarded to the recipients, who received anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 each. The release states that the city hopes to receive more funding from the Bloomberg Foundation next year, as all project applications would have totaled to $80,000.
“We won’t solve the climate crisis without fresh perspectives and a new way of thinking,” Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said in the release. “The Youth Climate Action Fund represents a unique opportunity to give young people a voice and an active role in creating the kinds of solutions they want for their future and the future of Columbus.”